Anthony Davis, Ron Dayne, Michael Bennett and Brian Calhoun have all become household names throughout Badger Nation because of the University of Wisconsin's tradition for successfully running the football.

Bill Rentmeester, the current Badgers' fullback, is aware that fullbacks rarely achieve such fame, but that doesn't seem to bother him much. He's perfectly content with doing the dirty work, even after converting from running back, his high school position.

The transition hasn't seemed to affect him much.

"I knew I was going to be a fullback [when I came here], so I was prepared," he said.

To the average football fan, fullbacks tend to slip under the radar. But Rentmeester knows that his hard work doesn't go unnoticed on the UW sideline. Rentmeester said hearing his teammates and coaches say "I saw you crush that guy out there" is the most rewarding part of his job.

"[Rentmeester] understands his role and the importance of his position," said Wisconsin running backs coach John Settle. "He approaches the game like a professional. Last year, he accepted his role as a backup, and fortunately for him, the opportunity came up [this year] and he was able to seize it."

Despite primarily being second-string last season, Rentmeester did see a fair amount of playing time.

"Because he's played some, [the running backs this year] are able to line up behind him and know that he's going to take care of his assignment and he's going to protect them," Settle added.

This year, his sophomore season (he red-shirted in 2004), "seizing the opportunity" has solidified Rentmeester's role as freshman standout P.J. Hill's lead blocker, a task that he thoroughly enjoys.

"When [P.J.] breaks a big run, I'm down there celebrating with him," Rentmeester said.

Despite watching Hill, his locker buddy, receive continuous national hype, Rentmeester knows that he is privileged to be part of such a great tradition, and he remains humble. The Beaver Dam (Wis.) High School graduate is quick to credit his offensive line and fellow backs for the recent success in the Badger running game. But what he fails to mention are his own contributions.

The box score may say that Hill rushed for 249 yards last Saturday, but Rentmeester, his teammates and his coaches know that Hill couldn't have done it without the 256-pound fullback leading the way.

Coach Settle was also quick to acknowledge Rentmeester's versatility in the UW backfield.

"Not only can he block, but he can catch the ball as well," Settle said.

This season, Rentmeester has caught six passes for a total of 18 yards, including a 4-yard touchdown pass against Bowling Green, quarterback John Stocco's first touchdown of the season.

He has also shown that he can run the ball as well. Last season he had six rushes for 27 yards against Temple en route to earning his first varsity letter.

Fullback may not be the most glorified position on the football field, but in the case of Rentmeester, it is a vital one. He says that the play he dreams about is making a key block on a goal line play and getting Hill into the end zone. Clearly, this Badger fullback knows what it means to be selfless. Although you probably won't see him featured on ESPN, Rentmeester is certainly the catalyst in the Badgers' formula for rushing success.

Rentmeester and the rest of the Wisconsin Badgers are getting ready to face the Minnesota Golden Gophers this Saturday at Camp Randall Stadium.

"It's a trophy game, a rivalry game," said the Badger fullback enthusiastically. "Everyone's going to be jacked up for it. I'm excited."