Travis Frederick, C

03/07/2013 - 2013 Wisconsin Pro Day: In addition to Ball, Badgers seniors taking part included center Travis Frederick, tackle Ricky Wagner, cornerbacks Devin Smith and Marcus Cromartie and safety Shelton Johnson. Linebacker Mike Taylor is still recovering from sports hernia surgery and participate. Frederick and Wagner did not run but took part in drills with Miami Dolphins offensive line coach Jim Turner. Frederick had a chance to re-run the 40 after covering it in 5.8 seconds at the combine, but he said he was more interested in showing the scouts how sound his technique is as a blocker.

"I want to show I'm talented at what an offensive lineman does," Frederick said. "It's not that often you see an offensive lineman running 40 yards down the field, unless your running back scored, in which case you can trot down the field. "But I was just trying to show them the things that are important for us." Frederick said his time in the first 10 yards of the 40-yard dash at the combine was acceptable and he thought it showed what kind of athlete he is. - Tom Silverstein, The Journal Sentinel

Full *Travis Frederick News Wire

With Kevin Zeitler and Peter Konz gone to the NFL, Frederick is the lone returning member of the Badgers interior offensive line in 2012. And Frederick, who will move from left guard to center as a junior this season, could end up being the best of the three.

Despite being only a two-star recruit out of Big Foot high school in Wisconsin, he impressed the Badgers' coaching staff during a summer camp and earned a scholarship offer.

Frederick became the first true freshman offensive lineman to start the season opener in school history, starting four games (two at center, two at left guard) in 2009.

After redshirting in 2010, he started 13 games as a sophomore last season, 11 games at left guard before moving inside to center for the final two contests, earning Second Team All-Big Ten honors.

POSITIVES: Top-notch football IQ and overall intelligence to recognize what the defense is doing and adjust the offensive line accordingly. Has bulked up and added bulk to his frame, carrying his weight well for a 335-plus pounder. Mobile enough to get to the second level and block in space. Thick upper body with the base strength to anchor off the snap and hold his ground.

Works hard with his technique and doesn't make many mistakes. Fights with a finishing attitude and understands different scenarios, keeping his head on a swivel. Better foot quickness and agility for a blocker with his size.

Comes from a program known for producing NFL-quality offensive linemen and has starting experience at both guard and center. High character individual and very coachable.

NEGATIVES: Lacks elite athleticism and has some stiffness in his hips. Needs to keep his weight in check to stay mobile. Susceptible to explosive interior linemen off the snap and needs to set up quicker to gain position and block off-balance.

COMPARES TO: John Moffitt, OL, Seattle Seahawks - Like Moffitt, Frederick lined up at both guard and center over his Wisconsin career, flashing the same sound technique and powerful base.

--Dane Brugler