2015 quarterback prospect Austin Kafentzis and his dad have known Gary Andersen for a while, so they decided to visit the Badgers this spring.[details]
Notes: Youth hockey player who won a state shot put championship and lettered in basketball and baseball as a Wisconsin prep, in addition to playing quarterback, defensive end and tight end. Began his collegiate career as a tight end at Central Michigan, where he played all 14 games in 2007 (two starts) and recorded eight receptions for 77 yards (9.6-yard average) and zero touchdowns. Left his CMU scholarship with the intention of walking on at Wisconsin and spent a semester earning credits at a junior college while working for Pizza Hut. Joined the Badgers and redshirted in 2008, earning Defensive Scout Team Player of the Year recognition. Earned a starting job and a scholarship in '09 when he produced 44-15½-4½ with five passes batted down and a blocked field goal in 13 games (all starts). Won the Lott IMPACT Trophy in '10 after starting all 13 games at strong-side end and registering 62-21-7 with eight batted passes, one interception, three forced fumbles and three blocked field goals. Bruised his right quad against Arizona State.
Positives: Looks very much the part with NFL stature - thick, well-proportioned build with long arms and meat hooks for hands. Rare combination of size, strength and athletic ability - carries his pads well and is light on his feet. Put on a show at the Combine - bench-pressed 225 pounds 34 times, vertical-leaped 37 inches, broad-jumped 10 feet and posted short shuttle (4.21 seconds) and 3-cone (6.88) times better than some running backs. Instinctive and has a feel for the game. Makes big plays in critical times (see Ohio State, Iowa). Good initial quickness - wedges himself in gaps and makes plays behind the line. Extends and has strong, active hands to disengage. Keeps working to the quarterback. Excellent balance and short-area burst. Disrupts passing lanes. Sacrifices his body around piles and leaves everything on the field. Extremely focused, determined and diligent. Has a passion for the game. Outstanding intangibles. Is a highly respected team leader and players gravitate toward him. Intelligent, articulate and well-spoken.
Negatives: Not an elite athlete and a lot of his production comes on second effort. Could stand to use his hands more violently as a rusher. Shows some tightness in his shoulders. Not explosive at the top of his rush. Average sack production. Does not always play square to the line. Not overly sudden - does not accelerate off blocks. Ordinary closing speed. Lets his pads rise, exposes his frame and becomes blockable.
Summary: A power rush end who tested at the Combine like a rare physical specimen, Watt's confidence, competitiveness and relentlessness stands out on tape. Lacks a "wow" factor and never will be an elite sack artist, but is a stalwart with a unique, versatile skill set to man either post of a "30" front or be used as a left end or three-technique for a "40" front. Character player whose value is aided by top-notch intangibles and the belief that what you see is what you get.
NFL projection: Top-15 pick.
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