As expected, in the wake of last weekend’s 2003 NFL Draft, University of Wisconsin seniors Jake Sprague and Jason Jowers signed free-agent contracts with NFL teams late Sunday night.
The addition of Sprague and Jowers to preseason NFL rosters bumps the tally of 2002 Badgers currently with a professional team to six, as four former UW players were drafted over the weekend.
Sprague, a defensive end who lead the Badgers in sacks last season, was picked up by new head coach Dennis Erickson and the San Francisco 49ers, while Jowers, UW’s right tackle, was signed by the Tennessee Titans.
After missing the entire 2001 season with a knee injury, Sprague finished the 2002 season with 62 tackles (nine for a loss), a team leading six sacks and two recovered fumbles. He played in all 13 games and provided UW with a consistent pass rush for an underclassmen dominated defensive line.
His first start in a Badger uniform came in the 1998 Rose Bowl, and he’s been a significant contributor to the defensive line ever since. He was recognized in his NFL workouts as a hard worker with an aggressive mentality, but his lack of size (6-foot-2, 274 lbs.) and experience were probably the main deterrents in him becoming a draft pick.
Jowers has started every game at right tackle for the Badgers over the last two years, missing just nine snaps in the 2001 season. He played an instrumental role over the last two seasons in upholding Wisconsin’s streak of 10 consecutive seasons with a 1,000-yard rusher and his size (6-foot-6, 319 lbs) gives him some potential to play at the next level.
Jowers will need to improve his speed and lateral quickness if he is to suit up for the Titans when the NFL season opens next September, but an aggressive off-season may give him that opportunity.
After failing to be drafted last season, former UW wide receiver and return specialist Nick Davis signed a free agent contract with the Minnesota Vikings and found himself as the starting punt returner by opening week.
Barnharst nabs Big Ten player of the week honors
UW senior center fielder Erin Barnharst was named co-Big Ten player of the week following her weekend performance at Goodman Diamond. The native of Arlington, Wis. went 7-for-12 throughout Wisconsin’s four games while scoring a team-high four runs.
In the Badgers’ three wins on the weekend, Barnharst raised her batting average 39 points to .271. She is now second on the team that department.
This honor marks the second time this season that Barnharst has been awarded Big Ten player of the week, becoming just the second Badger to earn the league’s weekly honor twice.
Wisconsin concludes its home season this week with games against Illinois-Chicago and UW-Green Bay Wednesday and Thursday evenings.
Connelly and Johnson named to all-conference team
UW senior golfer Katie Connelly and junior Malinda Johnson were named to second team All-Big Ten in the wake of their performances at the Big Ten Championships last weekend.
Johnson finished the weekend third overall while tying Wisconsin’s all-time record for 72-hole score of 296 and Connelly finished the Championship in a tie for seventh individually.
The women’s golf team earned their second consecutive trip to the NCAA Regionals and will play at Firethorn Golf Club in Lincoln, Neb. May 8-10.
-UW Sports Information contributed to this report
