It seems as though Beckum has been proving doubters wrong ever since he signed on with the Badgers. When he first arrived on campus, the coaching staff doubted he would be anything more than a warm body sitting on the bench. After all, how many 215-pound defensive ends have ever played in the National Football League? He forced his way on to the field as a special teams kamikaze during his freshman year and was asked to switch to offense the following season.

Playing tight end in the Big Ten Conference at 220 pounds won't have too many opposing defensive coordinators losing sleep. Despite being rated the best prep linebacker in the state of Wisconsin and having no high school experience at the position, he went on to shatter school single-season records for tight ends and capture All-American honors as a sophomore after snatching 61 passes.

Beckum was named to the Lombardi Trophy Watch List in 2007. That award is usually reserved for down linemen, showing just how far he had emerged in the eyes of those that follow college football closely. He further established his presence on the football field during his junior year, breaking his own school record while finishing tied for first on the Badgers' annual record chart with 75 catches.

Even though he was the state of Wisconsin's blue chip prospect during his days at Oak Creek High School, Beckum always played with a solid blue collar work ethic. He was rated the state's best player and the nation's sixth-best linebacker by Rivals.com and ranked among the prep ranks' top five athletes according to Prep Football Report. He added Super Prep and Parade All-American honors and was named the state's unanimous Player of the Year as a senior.

Beckum ranked seventh on the Detroit Free Press' "Best of the Midwest" list and was selected to play in the 2005 U.S. Army All-American Bowl. The two-time All-State selection recorded 108 tackles, including 38 stops behind the line of scrimmage and 16 sacks as a senior. He also had seven interceptions, eight fumble recoveries and four blocked kicks in 2004. In addition to earning four letters in football, he earned three more with the Oak Creek basketball team.

As a freshman, Beckum was relegated to special teams duties at Wisconsin. He was listed on the depth chart as a rush defensive end and outside linebacker, but managed just two tackles, including one for a loss in 10 contests. In spring drills after the season, he was shifted to the offensive side of the ball. The move was an immediate success.

Beckum led UW's receivers in catches and receiving yards throughout 2006 spring camp. "He has shown the ability since we moved him that he is very athletic and can catch the football," said UW coach Bret Bielema, who moved Beckum to tight end after the Capital One Bowl. "I like what he did after the catch, but Travis is just beginning to scratch the surface on how good he can be. He understands where we want him to be in the passing game because he likes the passing game. What we need him to do is be a complete football player."

Beckum went on to earn All-American second-team honors as a sophomore. The Mackey Award semifinalist (nation's top tight end) set the school single-season record for tight ends, as he hauled in 61 passes for 903 yards (14.8 avg) and five touchdowns. Both his receptions and receiving yards ranked second among the nation's tight ends. He also gained 19 yards on four carries.

In 2007, Beckum shattered his own Badgers tight end record, snaring 75 passes for 982 yards (13.1 avg) and six touchdowns. His average of 5.77 receptions per game ranked second among the nation's tight ends and his receiving yards led the NCAA players at his position. Back on special teams, he also posted four tackles (three solos).

After his junior campaign, Beckum seriously considered applying for the 2008 NFL Draft, but decided to return to school. "Playing at Wisconsin in front of the greatest fans in college football is something I want to continue doing for one more year," he said in a statement issued by the school. "I looked into my options and found the best one is right here with this university. I'm enjoying being a Badger and can't wait for our bowl game in Tampa, as well as for next season. I'm glad this decision is behind me and I'm looking forward to another year at Camp Randall."

That decision soon proved to be costly. What was supposed to be a breakout senior season turned into a medical nightmare for Beckum. He arrived in fall camp and quickly suffered a right hamstring strain. The injury would keep him out of the team's first two games and you could see that he rushed back into action upon his return. He missed three quarters of the Michigan game after he reinjured his hamstring. Against Illinois, he suffered a left fibula fracture, undergoing surgery and was lost for the season, finishing with 23 receptions for 264 yards (11.5 avg).

GENERAL REPORT: GRADE: 6.60

Body Structure: Beckum has good muscle definition in the chest and arms with thick quadriceps, thighs and calves. He came into the program as a 215-pound linebacker and has slowly increased his weight, but might be at maximum growth potential. He has narrow shoulders and hips, but a long torso with good strength, but might be better served as an H-Back because of his top-end speed and overall quickness.

Athletic Ability: Beckum is a too undersized for a traditional tight end, but has very good acceleration and timed speed to compensate. He shows the ability to adjust easily to the poorly thrown pass and looks agile and alert running his routes, but needs to run those patterns with more crispness (rounds his cuts and drifts on deep patterns). He has natural hands (caught nearly 90 percent of balls thrown to him), above average balance and body control. He has adequate change of direction skills and lateral agility, doing a better job with his straight-line speed than when redirecting or cutting out of his breaks. GRADE: 6.3

Football Sense: Beckum understands the game well and is quick to come back for the ball when his quarterback is in trouble. He is a true competitor in games and practices and is the type that can make good adjustments on the fly. He needs only minimal reps to retain plays. He is alert to picking up stunts, twists and games, thanks to his experience as a defender, but will get beaten by down linemen when blocking in-line (liability as a blocker). He has a keen sense for finding the soft spot in the zone and the open area in the deep secondary. GRADE: 7.3

Character: Beckum is an all-around good character who is active in community affairs. He is respected by teammates and coaches and is compliant. He has no known off-field issues. He is outgoing and personable, coming a long way in just two-plus years as a tight end. He just has that tireless work ethic than any coach will appreciate. GRADE: 6.7

Competitiveness: Beckum has a fearless attitude going for the ball in traffic and will not hesitate to mix it up in the trenches. He also showed a nasty nature when he performed as a special teamer, keeping his head on a swivel, looking for targets to attack. He has that fire in his belly to compete for the ball and plays until the whistle. He shows no hesitation in sacrificing his body to make the big play and is the type that wants the ball in pressure situations. Still, as a blocker, you would expect a former defender to maintain that aggression and stalk defenders, but he just does not put forth the same effort in that aspect of his game. GRADE: 5.7

Work Habits: Beckum is a good worker in the weight room and practices. He is a self-made offensive player, thanks to the long hours he put in learning that new position (61 catches his first year and 75 the next). He took on more of a leadership role as a junior and is the type that works hard, as he showed during his grueling rehab in late 2008/early 2009. He has good strength, but needs to increase his power base in order to compensate for a lack of ideal tight end size. GRADE: 7.0

ATHLETIC REPORT: GRADE: 6.50

Release: Beckum shows a consistent release off the line, as he shows enough explosiveness to get behind the defender and make things happen downfield. He comes off the ball with very good athletic ability, and once he escapes the jam he has enough acceleration getting into his patterns to gobble up the cushion vs. second-level defenders. He plays with good urgency, but must use his second gear more to elude in the open vs. corners (better vs. linebackers and safeties), making him more of an H-back type than one who might be able to split wide. His ability to elude in the short area and ability to run crisp routes makes him a player that needs to be always accounted for when he is on the field. GRADE: 7.0

Acceleration: Beckum has the quickness to escape the press and adequate strength to power through the hold up. He shows no hesitation nor does he take any false steps getting off the line of scrimmage. His speed needs to be accounted for by the defense at all times, as he is a threat to affect and stretch the coverage. In the short area, he is an inviting target due to his lateral agility. He also does a nice job of adjusting his routes to set up the defender. Few tight ends can stretch the field like he can. GRADE: 6.7

Quickness: Beckum has above average quickness and timed speed for his position. He flashes the ability to defeat the jam with his feet and maintains his acceleration throughout the routes. He shows suddenness coming off the snap and getting into his routes. He also displays urgency to gain advantage when blocking in-line. GRADE: 6.4

Route Running: Beckum is a crisp route runner who shows good definition in his breaks. He was featured much in the offense, but because he lacks true tight end size he might be a better fit for a team that plans to utilize his speed more in multiple receiver formations. He shows good awareness of coverages and does a good job of settling into the soft spot in the zone. He has the ability to isolate the linebackers and safeties and shows the second gear needed to elude in the open (just needs to be more consistent using it). After the catch, he does an excellent job finding the small crease when working in traffic. GRADE: 7.4

Separation Ability: Beckum's body control and quickness allow him to uncover and get open consistently. He shows good awareness of the sticks and good balance running down the sidelines. The thing you see on film is his ability to make sharp cuts underneath or accelerate to get open after the catch. He also uses his body very well to shield defenders from the ball. With his foot speed, he can play in a variety of spots on the field, but is best served in motion. With his foot speed and balance, he does a nice job working the seam. GRADE: 6.2

Ball Concentration: Beckum maintains his focus going up for the ball in traffic, but is better catching the ball in stride than when having to leap for it (will sometimes brace anticipating the hit when he comes down with the high catch). He is a natural hands catcher, doing a nice job of extending outside his frame. He does a good job of absorbing the ball and shielding it from the defender. With his body torque, he excels at adjusting and getting to off-target passes. He is a physical receiver with enough strength to out-battle the defender for the ball and will do a very good job of looking the ball in over his shoulders. GRADE: 6.6

Ball Adjustment: Beckum does a very nice job of reading the flight of the ball and making adjustments to it. He has above average body control and enough vertical ability to get to the pass at its high point (just needs to do a better job of keeping his balance when landing). Most of his RAC comes when he catches the ball in stride, as he has that sudden burst to elude and get open quickly. He looks very flexible attempting to catch the off-target throws. GRADE: 6.3

Leaping Ability: Beckum has very good extension going for the ball at its high point, but he does experience some balance issues upon landing. Another bit of concern is that he will brace himself and not burst upfield in an instant when having to elevate first (much more explosive when catching the ball in stride). This might be a case where training room numbers (38.5-inch vertical) just does not translate to the football field. GRADE: 5.7

Hands: Beckum has caught nearly 90 percent of balls thrown to him (159 of 180 passes, 88.33 percent), making him one of the best pass catchers in this draft. He is a natural hands catcher who will rarely ever bobble the ball. He will extend and pluck the ball away from the body's framework. He has soft hands to catch away from his body. On occasions when he will trap the ball, he does a good job of maintaining focus and securing the ball before running with it (only one fumble in 40 games). GRADE: 8.2

Run After the Catch: Beckum is quick to run with the ball after securing it and has enough leg drive to power through initial contact. He runs hard and has that burst to separate in the open. He is the type of player that will consistently threaten a defense. He is elusive and has the speed to win most foot races vs. linebackers and safeties. He lacks ideal size vs. the larger defenders, but has enough functional strength to break arm tackles and gain yardage with defenders draped on him. GRADE: 6.5

Blocking Ability: This is his most inconsistent area. He will never be a face-up type of blocker due to marginal size and bulk to handle in-line activity. He has decent strength for a receiver, but not enough to handle down linemen. His base is too narrow for him to sustain and he spends too much time attacking second-level defenders at their ankles rather than holding and maintaining position. GRADE: 4.5

Compares To: RANDY McMICHAEL, St. Louis -- Beckum is not as bulky as McMichael, but both are superb at securing the ball and heading upfield. The Wisconsin native might be a nice fit for the Packers, who have been lacking a safety valve in their lineup since Keith Jackson's heyday. Size issues will prevent Beckum from playing the traditional tight end position and there are serious durability concerns. If he was not so banged up last year, he could have been the king of the mountain at this position heading into the draft.

OVERALL GRADE: 6.52

--Report by Dave-Te' Thomas

Beckum appeared in 40 games, including 30 on offense, earning 20 starting assignments at tight end for Wisconsin … Caught 159 passes for 2,149 yards (13.5 avg) and 11 touchdowns … His 159 catches rank third in school history behind Lee Evans (175, 1999-2003) and Brandon Williams (202, 2002-05) and broke the previous Badgers tight end record of 121 catches by Pat Richter (1960-62) … Became just the fifth player in school history to gain more than 2,000 receiving yards in a career, joining Evans (3,468), Williams (2,924), Al Toon (2,103; 1982-84) and Chris Chambers (2,004; 1997-2000) … His 2,159 yards also topped Richter's old school tight end record of 1,873 yards … Ranks tied for ninth in school history with 11 touchdown receptions, second to Richter's 15 among Wisconsin tight ends … Beckum's 75 receptions in 2007 tied Evans (2001) for the school single-season record … His 61 catches in 2006 placed fourth on the UW single-season record chart and broke the old Badgers annual record for tight ends (49 by Richter in 1962) … Amassed 982 yards receiving in 2007, the fourth-best season total in school history … His 903 receiving yards in 2006 placed sixth on that list and broke the previous UW tight end annual record of 817 yards by Richter in 1961 … Caught a career-high 11 passes vs. Illinois in 2007, tying Richter's school single-game record for tight ends (vs. Southern California in 1963) and were topped only by Matt Nyquist (13 vs. Iowa, 1995) on the school's overall single-game record chart … His 160 receiving yards vs. Illinois in 2007 rank 12th overall on the Wisconsin single-game record list, as only Richter (170 vs. Illinois in 1961) had more yards receiving in a game among Wisconsin tight ends.

Beckum was named to the John Mackey Award, Maxwell Award, Walter Camp Player of the Year and Lombardi Award Watch Lists … The preseason All-American first-team selection was limited to six games of action, starting vs. Ohio State, Penn State, Iowa and Illinois before missing the rest of the season with a left fibula fracture vs. the Illini that required surgery to repair … Sat out the team's first two games vs. Akron and Marshall due to a fall camp right hamstring strain … Missed three quarters of the Michigan clash after he re-injured his hamstring … Despite missing more than half the season, he still finished third on the team with 23 receptions for 264 yards (11.5 avg), but failed to find the end zone for the first time in his three-year career as a tight end.

Fresno State … Beckum came off the bench in his first 2008 appearance, responding with four receptions for 51 yards, as his hamstring passed the test and held up well in the heat.

Michigan … Beckum was limited to two catches for 17 yards in the fourth quarter, as he missed most of the action in the first three quarters when he re-injured his hamstring strain … He also caught what would have been the game-tying two-point conversion with 13 seconds left, but he "covered up" another tight end on the line of scrimmage rather than lining up off the line. That five-yard penalty negated his catch and Wisconsin couldn't convert the subsequent two-point try.

Ohio State … The tight end hauled in a season-high six passes for 60 yards in a tough 20-17 loss … "Just going into the locker room, I told the guys that this game could make or break us," Beckum said in the post-game news conference. "We could feel sorry for ourselves and just carry that on. Or we could just say we lost the football game, and we have to worry about Penn State."

Penn State … While Beckum improved his statistics from the previous week, catching five passes for 79 yards, it was another loss for the Badgers, who fell 48-7.

Iowa … Beckum followed with 41 yards on four receptions.

Illinois … The preseason All-American totaled 16 yards on a pair of catches before suffering a left fibula fracture that would end his season, undergoing surgery right after the game … "It's very unfortunate whenever anyone's season is ended because of an injury," UW head coach Bret Bielema said in a statement. "Our thoughts are with Travis and his family as he begins his recovery. I visited him today in the hospital and his spirits are good. I know he will do everything it takes to get back to 100 percent." … The school originally reported the injury as being a fractured tibula, but corrected that information the following day … "Hope-fully the way it looks it might be sometime toward the end of January where he could be running," UW coach Bret Bielema said. "Obviously Travis has gone through a range of emotions," Bielema said. "He has gotten better by the hour as far as his spirits. Travis has an unyielding spirit." Bielema noted Beckum will eventually speak to reporters and explained why he released an official statement Sunday clarifying the nature of the injury and Beckum's status. "The reason I put out a press release," he said, "I didn't want the Internet mafia to start creating injuries that weren't out there … He had surgery at a UW hospital. People are involved in the surgery. People are involved in his recovery. You just didn't want something to get out there that wasn't true."

All-American first-team selection by The NFL Draft Report, Walter Camp Foundation and Rivals.com, adding second-team honors from The Sporting News … Finalist for the John

Mackey Award, given to the nation's top tight end … Named college football's "Tight End of the Year" by the Touchdown Club of Columbus, Ohio … Consensus All-Big Ten Conference first-team choice … Co-winner of UW's Wayne Souza Coaches Appreciation Award … Led the nation's tight ends in receiving yards (75.54 ypg) and ranked second in receptions (5.77 rpg) … Set the school single-season record for tight ends and tied the overall record first set by Lee Evans in 2001, as Beckum made 75 catches for 982 yards (13.1 avg) and six touch-downs … Added 6 yards on four carries (1.5 avg) and recorded four tackles (3 solos), including solo stops in each of the Nevada-Las Vegas, Northern Illinois and Minnesota clashes while added an assisted tackle vs. Michigan … Limited in fall camp by back and neck spasms, but started six of the thirteen games that he appeared in … Had at least four receptions in every game, except vs. Indiana (three).

Beckum opened the season with six catches in each of the Washington State (49 yards) and Nevada-Las Vegas (66) contests.

The Citadel … Followed with 60 yards on four grabs, scoring his first touchdown for the season on a 25-yard toss from Tyler Donovan in the fourth quarter … Also rushed once for 4 yards.

Michigan State … Hauled in ten passes, including eight for first downs, as he tallied 132 yards … Has a 2-yard touchdown catch in the second quarter that ended a 91-yard, 12-play possession.

Illinois … Tied a school single-game record for tight ends, as his eleven receptions rank second on Wisconsin's overall single-game record list, gaining a career-high 160 yards in the process.

Ohio State … Produced 140 yards on nine catches that included a third quarter 28-yard score that capped a 6-play, 92-yard drive.

Michigan … Delivered his fourth 100-yard game for the season, compiling 106 yards on six receptions … QB Tyler Donovan found Beckum with a 10-yard scoring strike in the first quarter to spark the Badgers to a 37-21 win.

Minnesota … Gained 89 yards on five catches, as he also scored in the fourth quarter on a 16-yard reception.

Tennessee (Outback Bowl) … Beckum was held to 22 yards on a pair of catches.

Walter Camp All-American second-team selection … Semi-finalist for the John Mackey Award … Second-team All-Big Ten Conference choice by the league's media … Winner of UW's Wayne Souza Coaches Appreciation Award … Played in all thirteen games, starting ten contests at tight end … Ranked second in the nation among players at his position for receptions (4.69 rpg) and receiving yards (69.46) … Both totals were good for fourth over-all in the conference … His 61 receptions for 903 yards (14.8 avg) set new school single-season records for tight ends … Added five touchdown catches and 19 yards on four carries (4.8 avg) … Had at least one catch in every game and gained over 100 yards receiving in the Northwestern, Minnesota and Buffalo contests.

In his first game ever as a tight end, Beckum caught three passes for 49 yards vs. Bowling Green … Gained 53 yards on five grabs vs. Michigan and scored his first career touchdown on a 35-yard toss from John Stocco, as the tight end finished the Indiana contest with four catches for 70 yards … Produced the first 100-yard receiving game of his career, as he gained 107 yards on eight receptions vs. Northwestern … Followed with five grabs for 118 yards and a 4-yard touchdown with 8:52 left in the Minnesota clash … Made four catches for 68 yards vs.; Purdue and pulled down five passes for 76 yards vs. Illinois … Caught eight balls for 70 yards, including a 3-yard score vs. Iowa … Gained 135 yards on five receptions vs. Buffalo … Closed out the year with five catches for 82 yards and a 13-yard touchdown that staked Wisconsin to a 17-14 decision over Arkansas in the Capital One Bowl.

Beckum appeared in ten games as a linebacker and defensive end, seeing most of his action on special teams … Recorded a solo tackle behind the line of scrimmage vs. Temple and posted an assisted hit in the Purdue game.

2007: Limited late in fall camp (8/22) with neck and back spasms.

2008: Missed the team's first two games of the season vs. Akron (8/30) and Marshall (9/06) due to a right hamstring strain that he suffered at the start of fall camp (8/02) … Sat out more than three quarters of the Michigan game (9/27) after re-injuring his hamstring … Suffered a left fibula fracture vs. Illinois (10/25), undergoing surgery that evening and was forced to sit out the rest of the season.

Campus: 4.61 in the 40-yard dash … 1.56 10-yard dash … 2.64 20-yard dash … 4.10 20-yard shuttle … 7.05 three-cone drill … 38.5-inch vertical jump … 9'10" broad jump … Bench pressed 225 pounds 28 times.

Combine: Did not participate in workouts while recovering from October surgery to fix a left fibula fracture. He did work out at Wisconsin's March 4 pro day, although he was not yet 100 percent. He was timed between 4.59 and 4.63 seconds in the 40-yard dash, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, and benched 225 pounds 28 times.

Attended Oak Creek (Milwaukee, Wisc.) High School … Rated the state's best player and the nation's sixth-best linebacker by Rivals.com … Ranked among the prep ranks' top five athletes according to Prep Football Report … Added Super Prep and Parade All-American honors and was named the state's unanimous Player of the Year as a senior … Ranked seventh on the Detroit Free Press' "Best of the Midwest" list and was selected to play in the 2005 U.S. Army All-American Bowl … The two-time All-State selection recorded 108 tackles, including 38 stops behind the line of scrimmage and 16 sacks as a senior … Also had seven interceptions, eight fumble recoveries and four blocked kicks in 2004 … In addition to earning four letters in football, he earned three more with the Oak Creek basketball team.

Human Development and Family Studies major … Son of Sandy Dial and Supris Beckum … Born 1/24/87 … Resides in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.