After previewing the Wisconsin football offense earlier this week, today I’m moving on to the defense. There’s a lot to like about that side of the ball. Luke Fickell and the coaching staff have been aggressive in the transfer portal at defensive linebacker. There’s more depth and talent not only this year but beyond 2024. Here’s my preview of the Wisconsin football defense in 2024.
More details on Wisconsin football’s defensive line
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The unit that struggled the most last season was the Wisconsin football defensive line. They didn’t put much pressure on opposing quarterbacks. After only generating two sacks per game last season, this is a group that has some familiar faces returning, as well as a few fresh ones. I’m not sure if that’s the case this year, but I have a good feeling this could be a really good unit after 2024.
Players like James Thompson Jr., Ben Barten and Curt Neal are all returning after coming off of last year’s highlights. Neal will be the starting nose tackle, while Thompson Jr. and Barten will be the defensive ends. Look for players like Cade McDonald, Branden Lane, Elijah Hills and Ernest Willor Jr., all with college football experience, to facilitate this line this season.
Linebacker Room
It’s challenging not to be excited about the linebacker group this season. Fickell and staff have also been aggressive in the portal to facilitate the defensive line. Big additions include Jaheim Thomas, Leon Lowry, John Pius and Tackett Curtis. Curtis is the only one eligible after this season, but I think Pius and Thomas will be starters this season.
Two gigantic names returning from last year are Jake Chaney and Darryl Peterson. Fickell mentioned at Big Ten Media Days Chaney was the starting linebacker. Peterson led Wisconsin football in sacks last year and should be one of the starting outside linebackers with Pius or Lowry. I’m not sure if there are any sure starters, but this group could change during games. Expect this group to be in the hunt for a quarterback this season.
Wisconsin football team adds familiar reserve group
Wisconsin football should return its entire defensive lineup from last season. Ricardo Hallman and Nyzier Fourqurean will be the cornerbacks, and Hunter Wohler, who is arguably the best player on Wisconsin football’s roster, returns to the safety position.
Other safeties like Preston Zachman, Austin Brown and Kamo’i Latu are back, as is cornerback Max Lofy. Those four players are fighting for two starting spots. I don’t think you can go wrong no matter how they decide to proceed. I really like the experience and talent of this group heading into 2024.
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