Scott Tolzien

Tolzien made national headlines in 2009 with one of the funnier incidents of the season. The Badgers scored a touchdown against Ohio State after blocking a field goal, and Tolzien was trying to celebrate with his teammates -- however, nobody saw him looking for a high-five partner for what seemed like 10-15 seconds. The video of his desperate plea for celebration became a YouTube sensation. That game against the Buckeyes was actually the low point of Tolzien's junior season, his first as a starter (he played in three games as a redshirt sophomore, going 5-for-8 for 107 yards and an interception). He threw two of his 11 interceptions (both returned for touchdowns) in that contest, but earned honorable mention All-Big Ten accolades for the season by completing 64.3 percent of his passes for 2,705 yards and 16 touchdowns. Tolzien performed even better as a senior, winning the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award and garnering second-team All-Big Ten honors after completing an outstanding 72.3 percent of this passes for 2,459 yards and 16 touchdowns -- with only six interceptions. He also ranked sixth in the FBS in passer efficiency rating. Wisconsin coaches went after this top Chicago metro-area high school quarterback a few year ago because he fits exactly what they desire in the Badgers' offense: a tough passer who is accurate enough to take advantage of being in a run and play-action heavy offense. And despite his average size and arm strength, an NFL team may appreciate those attributes enough to use a late-round selection on him as a potential long-time reserve.

strengths

Experienced signal-caller who works under center and from the shotgun. Stands strong in the pocket to deliver passes despite knowing he will take a hit. Looks off safety to open up routes behind him. Owns mobility to be effective on bootlegs. Quick release, drops arm slot to sling out balls to the flat when necessary. High completion percentage between the hashes. Steps up into the pocket when pressure comes off the edge.

weaknesses

Doesn't stretch field vertically or horizontally because of slightly below average arm strength. Not asked to throw to the wide side of the field often. Short follow-through on some passes with rush around him, loses accuracy. Benefitted from play-action in run-heavy offense. Does not drive the ball downfield. Loses spiral when trying to fit a ball in a tight space. Average height and three-quarter delivery results in tipped passes.

Ranked among top 70 quarterbacks in the nation according to Scout.com

PrepStar all-region choice

2005 all-state and academic all-state selection

two-time all-conference and two-time academic all-conference choice

ranked among top four QBs in Chicago area by Tom Lemming

two-time team MVP as well as conference offensive player of the year in 2005

two-time Chicago Sun-Times “Top 100” selection

team captain as a senior

set 15 school passing records

completed 116-of-179 (.656) passes for 2,247 yards and 24 TDs, as well as rushing for seven TDs, in 2005

threw for 4,145 yards and 40 TDs during his career

lettered two years each in football, basketball and track, along with one year in baseball

National Honor Society

ranked 15th academically in class of 726 students

football coach was Mike Donatucci.

Born 9/4/87

parents are Mike and Ginny Tolzien

brother, Michael, plays football at Air Force

uncle, Mike Korf, played football at Tulane (1971-76)