The Badgers kick off the season in just under three weeks on September 1st at home against UNLV.
Two local products from Northcentral Wisconsin look to provide depth on the defensive line.
Despite the loss of J.J. Watt to the NFL, head coach Bret Bielema says this may be the deepest defensive line he's had at Wisconsin. Two of those players looking to contribute on the defensive line are Ethan Hemer and Konrad Zagzebski.
"I expect a lot of things out of Ethan. He's done a great job since the season. Like you said, he started those last 6 games but he's really developed his body. He's about 307 right now. You can see strength, certainly on the field and his mobility's a little better," defensive line coach Charlie Partridge said.
"I just want to contribute anyway I can. Whatever that role is, I'm gonna fill it to the best of my ability. I'd love to start, but if there's another position for me on the team, as far as a role, I will gladly fill that," Ethan Hemer, defensive lineman said.
"What he did as a redshirt freshman to step in when someone got injured, to step in and start the last 7 games I believe it was, was tremendous. He did an incredible job and he improved so much over the summer. I think Ethan will make a lot of plays this year and start to gain the respect he deserves," D-lineman Patrick Butrym said.
D.C. Everest's Konrad Zagzebski is in that next tier to make some noise on the Badgers defensive front.
After redshirting last season and missing spring camp due to a shoulder injury, he's ready to make a name for himself this year.
"I had a great summer under my belt with weightlifting and everything and I'm trying to come in, compete and really just learn from all the older guys and just try to help out the team anyway I can," Konrad Zagzebski said.
"Konrad's got the least amount of experience just because he wasn't able to go through spring ball, but we have a bunch of guys at the D-end position that we're trying to figure out who's gonna take the next step," head coach Bret Bielema said.
"He's one of those genetic freaks. He is really put together in all the right places pretty good. He's continuing to build his strength and his size," Bielema said.
The former NewsChannel 7 All-Stars hope to help lead the Badgers back to the Rose Bowl this season.
