2013 NFL Draft: Wisconsin OL Travis Frederick to go pro
Wisconsin Badgers offensive linesman Travis Frederick (72) points against the Stanford Cardinal near the endzone during the 2013 Rose Bowl game at the Rose Bowl. (Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports)
Travis Frederick, a 6-foot-4, 328-pound junior from Sharon, Wisconsin, has spent the last few years blocking for college football’s all-time leading touchdowns scorer in Montee Ball. Ball, a senior, must graduate and head to the NFL.
Now that his running back is making the leap, the First Team All-Big Ten offensive lineman has decided to forgo his final year of eligibility and will enter the NFL Draft as well.
Frederick says forgoing his final year of eligibility was “one of the toughest decisions in my life.” He will be graduating with a degree in computer engineering this spring, and he says he believes he’s ready for the NFL. In an open letter to his teammates, coaches and Wisconsin fans, Frederick says his time with the Badgers gave him “the skills, techniques, and football IQ that I believe I need to be successful at the next level.”
NFL scouts are apparently in agreement of Frederick’s personal assessment. He can play both guard and center, and according to ESPN, Frederick is expected to be taken in the late first round or early second.
Latest from the 2013 NFL Draft >> A potential No. 1 pick to leave school early for the draft as well.
