Despite not getting a lot of love right now with the Favre and Brewers storylines, expect the Badgers to be a focal point this football season with local media. On Sunday, over 70 media members converged on Camp Randall for the annual Media day event. Here a few of my observations from Sunday.

Jay Valai should improve the strong safety play for the Badger this season. Look for the sophomore from Texas to open eyes early this season. Valai seems to be an improvement on last year's starter Aubrey Pleasant. Valai is the clear starter right now and I don't seem him letting go of that spot.

Allen Evridge has all but locked up the starting quarterback spot. The real competition is between Dustin Sherer and Scott Tolzien to back-up Evridge.

John Clay had his left foot in a boot. The redshirt freshman running back tweaked his ankle in Saturday's scrimmage. It doesn' t seem to be a serious injury.

Brad Nortman will be the new Wisconsin punter. I like the true freshman's poise. Expect a few bumps along the way but look for a bright future for this former Brookfield Central standout.

The Badgers starting offensive line is even bigger then I thought. Standing next to these guys made me realize just how big Carimi, Kemp, Moffitt, Urbik and Vanden Heuvel are. None of them are shorter then 6'4'' and nobody weights less then 300 pounds. It looks like the Badgers have the experience and size up front to rack up large rushing totals.

Charlie Partridge and Kerry Cooks are great guys as well as coaches. Both assistants are very personable and easy to like. Partridge is in his first year as the defensive line and specialists coach while Cooks returns as the secondary coach.

Listen to the Badger Hour with Lance weekdays at 2pm.

badgerhour@madisonsportsradio.com