Jacob Pedersen

A 215-pound, two-star recruit out of high school, Pedersen worked his way onto the field at Wisconsin as a redshirt freshman and steadily earned increased playing time the past four years in Madison. He is leaner than ideal, but in a similar mold as recent Wisconsin prospects as he attempts to become the sixth Badger tight end drafted since 2006. Pedersen is a willing, but finesse blocker and needs to show more aggression at the point of attack. He is a self-made player who lacks ideal athleticism, but he's versatile with good hands. A classic overachiever who projects as a back-up H-back/tight end candidate in the NFL.

strengths

Good short-area quickness and balance, staying low and controlled in his routes. Excellent body control and easily makes smooth adjustments on off-target throws. Attacks the ball with his soft hands, showing natural focus and hand-eye coordination.

gives top effort as a blocker and displays the toughness you want at the position. versatile with most of his experience lining up inline on the line of scrimmage. good experience with 35 career starts for a program with a history of producing quality next level prospects at the position.

WEAKNESSES

needs to improve his hand placement to better seal blocks and needs to know where to let go and avoid holding calls.

COMPARES TO

lacks ideal height and overall build and muscle with room to add bulk and get stronger. doesn't have elite top-end speed or burst and shows some body stiffness in space. doesn't do much after contact and is very average in 50/50 situations.

Bad habit of hesitating for a moment at the point of attack as a blocker and doesn't consistently square up his target. Needs to improve his placement and angles on blocks. Will look downfield before securing the catch and needs to consistently finish.

dj williams, te, new england patriots - like williams, pedersen lacks elite speed or strength, but gets the most out of his ability and can fit as a key reserve on a nfl roster.

--Dane Brugler (2/6/14)

First-team all-state and all-conference as a senior

Upper Peninsula defensive player of the year

conference defensive player of the year

team MVP and captain

member of the U.P. all-star game and the Michigan Coaches all-star game

winner of the Goodwill Good Sport of the Week award

won the Clifford "Swede" Nyberg Trophy as the team's most outstanding defensive back

had 31 receptions for 669 yards and nine touchdowns

first-team all-U.P. and all-conference as a junior

member of Division 5 State Championship team

had 35 catches for 774 yards and 10 TDs

member of the Division 5 State Championship team with five catches for 145 yards and a score as a sophomore

also lettered in basketball and track and field

Honor Roll student

head coach was Ken Hofer.

Parents are Paul and Ronda Pedersen

enjoys hunting and fishing

majoring in agricultural and life sciences with a focus in communication

last name pronounced "PED-er-sen".