Ogelsby Asserts That Badger 2007 Freshman Class Is One Of The Best

Tom Mulhern of the WSJ released a great article today on the progress and future of the Badgers' latest Freshman class. Let's first break down what we've seen on the field from some of our Freshman:

• Zach Brown: Started the final three games of the season, which included games @ Ohio State, vs. Michigan, and @ Minnesota. He compiled 421 yards total in those three games while rushing for four touchdowns. He saw limited action before these games while behind PJ Hill and Lance Smith on the depth chart, but on the season managed to get his way to the half-century mark in yardage (539).

• David Gilreath: As a Freshman, Gilreath broke the Badgers all-time record for return yardage. In the final game of the season against his home-state Gophers, Gilreath broke open multiple returns on his way to 226 total return yards.

• Kyle Jefferson: Jefferson caught at least two passes in eight straight games, and he started three of those games during the absence of both Paul Hubbard and Luke Swan. In those three games, he had 11 catches for 255 yards and two touchdowns.

• Aaron Henry: Henry was the starting nickelback all season until he got a chance to move into the starting lineup when Allen Langford went down with an injury. Henry was fourth on the team in sacks (3.5), and also had an interception. He did not allow a touchdown pass until the Badgers played Michigan.

What most Badger fans haven't been able to see is how the Freshman that haven't had the opportunity to play much, or at all, have progressed. Oglesby says that his teammates have told him he's progressed:

"Shaughnessy has told me countless times, 'You're getting better,' " Oglesby said. "I've made leaps and bounds in my pass protection and pass-protection footwork, just body control."

Mike Hankwitz also has praise to give for Redshirt Freshman tight end Lance Kendricks for the progress he has made in practice. In addition to Kendricks, multiple RS Freshman have made impacts on the field for the Badgers. Gabe Carimi started for the Badgers at left tackle. Kirk DeCremer saw reserve action at defensive end, but led the team in sacks (5.5), ranking 12th overall in the Big Ten. Both players made Rivals' National Freshman All-American team as second-team selections. Gilreath was a first-team selection at punt return.

For more, check out the links below.

Link: WSJ | Freshman Finding Their Way
Link: Rivals National Freshman All-American Teams