DALLAS - Robert Spillane can respect a guy like T.J. Edwards.
Spillane is a junior linebacker for Western Michigan and the heart and soul of the Broncos' defense. Edwards is a redshirt sophomore linebacker for Wisconsin and the Badgers' defensive ringleader.
Spillane was actually a running back at a high school in the Chicago suburbs. Edwards was a quarterback at a high school north of Chicago.
Low stars to star players: Wisconsin, Western Michigan thrive in player development
Cotton Bowl foes have had a way with taking some unheralded prospects and trusting the process as they emerge as big-time players.