Waukesha native looks to close with Rose

For most football teams, the offensive line is hardly a magnet for attention, but the University of Wisconsin has always been different. Known for its beefy front five, the Badgers have turned out numerous NFL standouts, and when Waukesha's Kevin Zeitler hears his name called at the upcoming NFL Draft in April, he'll be the next in a long line.

But first, Zeitler has to attend to some unfinished business in Pasadena.

The senior offensive guard for the Wisconsin Badgers, a product of Wisconsin Lutheran, will play in his final college football game Jan. 2 in the Rose Bowl. Teammate Patrick Butrym of Catholic Memorial will also play at the line on defense as another of the team's senior leaders.

Recognized on a litany of All-American teams, Zeitler has seen his name appear as part of a Sports Illustrated profile on Bucky's offensive line earlier this season, and he's seen his running back (Montee Ball) invited to New York as one of five finalists for the prestigious Heisman Trophy.

"I was really happy when I got All-American," he said. "I made that one of my goals in the preseason to get recognition as All-Big Ten or All-American. None of that really surprised me. I did think it realistic, especially if I played up to my potential, and it worked out. I was a little bummed about last year, I'm not going to lie. I worked really hard in the offseason from a strength and nutrition standpoint. I guess it finally clicked. My strength went up to new levels, and I had a fierce intensity."

Zeitler was honorable mention in the Big Ten last year but took a giant leap forward this season. He was named first-team All-American by AFCA and Pro Football Weekly, second team by Yahoo! Sports and honorable mention by Sports Illustrated. He was also consensus first-team All-Big Ten.

Zeitler has started every game the past two seasons and also played in all 13 games as a sophomore in 2009. He's considered a lock to be drafted, ranked in the top five at his position by NFLDraftScout.com.

"It's nice to hear, but no matter what people say, it doesn't matter until it happens," Zeitler said. "My only goal is to work as hard as I can and impress people and go as high as I can. Until that day comes, it's going to be as much work as I can get done."

Zeitler said he wasn't daunted by the stage of the Rose Bowl, where the Badgers fell to TCU last year. The team will face Oregon, which will have its hands full with Ball, who ran for 1,785 yards behind the line that features Zeitler.

When Wisconsin coaches first laid eyes on Zeitler at run-heavy Wisco, they knew he could run block but weren't sure he could pass protect.

"In high school, that was the biggest question (scouts) had," Zeitler said. "I went to NX Level in Waukesha and worked with (former Wisconsin offensive lineman) Joe Panos, and he helped me learn a lot. I did some good things in camps and gained the confidence that I can really do it. It was really rough, especially my freshman year, with so many different types of pass protection that we do here. It didn't really click for me until my sophomore year, but a lot of work paid off."

Panos also happened to be captain of the 1994 Rose Bowl champion team before his own career in the NFL. Zeitler also wants to add the title of Rose Bowl champion before he continues his career.

"There's been a great tradition that's been built here with great linemen," he said. "They get a lot of respect, and it's more of a focal point (than it would be on another team). Everyone comes up here and wants to live up to the tradition and keep that going. They don't want to be the one to make that disappear."

What: 98th Rose Bowl, presented by Vizio

Who: No. 9/8 Wisconsin Badgers (11-2) vs. No. 6/5 Oregon Ducks (11-2)

When: January 2, 2012, 4:10 p.m.

Where: Rose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena, Cal.

Watch: ESPN (Brent Musburger, Kirk Herbstreit)