awarded tenders to Hemer and wide receiver Jared Abbrederis in January. This fall, offensive tackle Robert Burge, tailback Kyle Zuleger, tight end Brock DeCicco, linebacker Ethan Armstrong and quarterback Joel Stave got their rides. Any questions about Hemer's ability to com-
pete at this level have long since been answered. Hemer has put on more than 50 pounds since his freshman year and has become a mainstay on the Badgers' defense with 22 starts in 29 career games. That includes starting against TCU and Oregon in back-to-back Rose Bowls. While tolling in the shadows of higher profile
teammates, Hemer has been among the more un- sung contributors. This season, he has tried to be- come a more visible and vocal leader. That has en- tailed leading by example on the field, particularly the practice field, where his voice can be heard above others. "Last year, we had Patrick Butrym and Louis Nzegwu, who were great upperclassmen lead- ers,'' he said. "Now that they're gone, we have a group of guys that are mostly juniors who have all played together for a long time. And it's a matter of, "Who's going to pick up the torch right now?'''' As a freshman, Hemer followed the lead of senior
28 ยป VARSITY SEPTEMBER 13, 2012
