Poll: After Melvin Gordon III, Who Will Be Badgers’ Most Valuable Football Player In 2014?

Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

The 2014 football season is less than four months away, summer is heating up and many college football fans are itching for kickoff. Wisconsin’s kickoff comes in Texas against LSU. How exciting is that?

The Badgers certainly have high hopes in 2014; which is the first year featuring the new college football playoff system. Running back Melvin Gordon is undoubtedly Wisconsin’s biggest star and its unanimous preseason MVP for next season. He has a legitimate chance at the Heisman but he isn’t the only talented player on the roster.

We at Badger of Honor want to know who the Badger faithful think will be Wisconsin’s other most valuable player. Here are quick bios on a few players. Check them out then take the poll below!

Corey Clement (6) Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

The Offensive Candidates:

Corey Clement RB – The second string running back at most universities wouldn’t really get consideration as a potential MVP-caliber player. But at Wisconsin, “Running Back U,” that is certainly the case. It will be interesting to see Clement in a role of expanded playing time. If he builds on what he did last year (8.2 yards-per-carry and 7 touchdowns in a limited role) he could find himself the Badgers’ second most valuable player.

Joel Stave QB – The incumbent quarterback who, due to injury and inconsistency, is fighting to keep his job this summer. A gutsy player who sometimes puts himself in harms way. He has had some great performances in Madison but has also been careless with the ball. If he keeps his starting job he will have to be an MVP-caliber player if Wisconsin wants to get anywhere near consideration for the inaugural college football playoff.

Tanner McEvoy QB – The challenger for Stave’s starting job is an extremely athletic dual-threat quarterback. Was heavily recruited out of high school, and when he transferred from South Carolina, by a plethora of the nation’s top schools. Everyone knows he can run but he showed everyone that he can throw the ball in the Spring game, too. He connected on a 35 yard touchdown; hitting his target in stride. If he wins the job, he could be an MVP-type of player for the Badgers in 2014.

Kenzel Doe WR – Doe was the recipient of McEvoy’s beautiful touchdown pass in the Spring Game, making a nice catch as he went to the ground. The senior finally has his chance to be “the guy,” the quarterback’s main target, now that new Green Bay Packer Jared Abbrederis is gone. Doe’s ability in the return game adds another element to his impact, too. Could he become the threat the Badgers need and develop into an MVP for this team?

Sojourn Shelton (8) Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

The Defensive Candidates:

Sojourn Shelton CB – The sophomore was a sensation during his freshman year for the Badgers. Will his play continue to develop? He’s young but already looked at as a leader for this squad on the defensive side of the ball. He snagged four interceptions as a freshman and showed that he could tackle as well. If he continues to climb toward his potential he very well could be one of the Badgers’ most valuable players.

Marcus Trotter ILB – Filling the shoes of a legend is never easy. That’s precisely what senior has to do after Chris Borland found a new home in the NFL. But Trotter is a stoic and confident player already stepping into his leadership role. His play in the middle of the field will go a long way in determining how the Badgers do this year. Will he become an MVP-caliber player though?

Konrad Zagzebski DE – The senior is finally ready to show what he can do for the Badgers as a definitive starter (started three games as a junior). His edge rush will be needed against the various athletic quarterbacks in the Big Ten. Will he come out of nowhere to be one of Wisconsin’s biggest impact players? If he does his play could vault him into the MVP conversation for this team.

Michael Caputo S – It’s no secret that the Badgers’ defensive backfield is a bit inexperienced but Caputo is going to make up for that. Last year he started 12 of 13 games and was second on the team in tackles. After Dezmen Southward’s departure to the NFL he will need to be big for the Badgers. If he can lock down the safety position for Bucky, he very well could be an MVP-type of player in 2014.

Only a few more months before this answer begins to answer itself Badgers fans.