Clay and Watt Heading to the Next Level

The 2010 football season could have been the best in Wisconsin history, but unfortunately any repeat will come without two of the Badgers best players.

This past season J.J. Watt became not only Wisconsin's best defensive player he became perhaps their best overall player. With 62 tackles the junior defensive end from Pewaukee, Wis. helped the Badgers move to their first Rose Bowl since 2000.

Now Watt is heading to the NFL after three years in Madison, and just two as a starter on the defensive line. A long way from being a transfer from Central Michigan as a tight end just a few years ago.

Joining Watt in the 2011 draft class is running back John Clay. While 2010 may have been a down year by Clay's standards the season could still be considered a solid end to a relatively solid career.

Despite the high expectations Clay was able to crack the 1,000 yard plateau this season. Doing it while sharing the backfield with James White and Montee Ball should make that mark even more impressive. Add in the fact that Clay missed pretty much the last three games of the season with a knee injury, and the mark of 1,012 yards becomes even more amazing.

2010 may have not been the year that the former Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year was hoping for, but it was by no means a poor showing in the stat line. Maybe the personal goals weren't met for him or the fans, but still a solid final season in cardinal and white.