Saturday, November 23, 2024

Wisconsin Football: The group’s best and worst on defense

After yesterday’s look at the best and most questionable position groups in the Wisconsin football offense, today I’ll move on to the defense. Overall, Luke Fickell and his staff have made plenty of moves in the transfer portal on that side of the ball. They added a ton of fresh linebackers and some defensive linemen. On the other hand, the secondaries and corners have remained mostly the same. Here is the group that I think is the best in Wisconsin’s defense and the group that has the most to prove.

Wisconsin Football’s Best Defensive Group – Linebacker

October 8, 2022; Evanston, Illinois, USA; Northwestern Wildcats tight end Thomas Gordon (87) is tackled by Wisconsin Badgers defenseman Jake Chaney (36) in the first quarter at Ryan Field. Must-Have: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports

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As mentioned earlier, the Wisconsin football coaching staff prioritized this position group in the transfer portal, and it worked. Of course, the results have to show on the field, but I think the Badgers have seven or eight potential center fielders. That’s how deep and talented this group is.

Darryl Peterson and Jake Chaney highlight returning players who were really productive last season. Chaney was second on the team in tackles and Peterson led the team in sacks. Sophomore Christian Alliegro also showed flashes later in the season.

New to the group are players such as Jaheim Thomas, John Pius, Leon Lowry, Tackett Curtis and Sebastian Cheeks. All five have college football experience, with Thomas, Pius and Lowry having years of experience. This group should be much better and lend a hand put pressure on the quarterback, which the defense was penniless at a season ago.

Group requiring improvement – ​​defensive line

Spencer Lytle joins from Wisconsin Badgers
University of Wisconsin Badgers football players James Thompson Jr. (90) and Spencer Lytle (7) tackle Michigan’s Blake Corum (2) during a game on Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021, in Madison, Wisconsin. Michigan won the game 38-17. Doug Raflik/USA TODAY NETWORK – Wisconsin
Fon Badgers vs Michigan Football 100221 Dcr567

I don’t think this is a bad group by any means. However, a season ago this was a group that consistently had trouble getting to the quarterback. Three players who stand out from this group are James Thompson Jr, Ben Barten and Curt Neal. I assume this will be the starting defense in the season opener against Western Michigan.

I liked the addition of Ernest Willor Jr as he should add depth and support to the unit. Look for a player like Cade McDonald to earn some reps as well.

It’s difficult to expect a three-man defensive front to put pressure on. While this group should get lend a hand from the linebackers, I think they know they need to play better than they did last season.

Follow me on Twitter @DylanBuboltz and follow us @WiSportsHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and stay up to date with Wisconsin sports news, click here! Also check out our gadget store where you will find amazing WSH gadgets!

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