As the summer rolls along for the Badgers, I started to look at the underclassmen and who could step up this season. A lot of young players will have the chance to earn and solidify staring sports not just this year but years ahead. Here is who I’m watching this year.
Darryl Peterson
I am not sure if this is getting ahead of myself, but I think Darry Peterson will be the next stud pass rusher at Wisconsin. The Badgers have been high on him since recruiting and he got some experience in a few games last season.
I don’t think he’ll start the year opposite Nick Herbig. I think that spot will be taken by C.J. Goetz. Goetz is a veteran player who is finally getting his chance to start. We should see a lot of Peterson this year. As a redshirt freshman, we should see more and more of Darry Peterson.
Skyler Bell
Don’t let one catch all last season fool you. I think Skyler Bell has a chance to be really good. I like his size at 6’1 and the speed he brings. As a result, he should start the season opposite Chimere Dike. Dike will draw the opposing teams best corner so Bell will have chances to make plays early and often.
With Markus Allen and transfer Keontez Lewis fighting for reps, we may not see Bell be the stat stuffer. However, when all is said and done in 2022, Skyler Bell could be the best receiver on this roster. The amount of spring ball reps he got will only help his case.
Jordan Turner
Jordan Turner showed some flashes in the bowl game last season that he’s ready to take one of the starting insider linebacker spots. Like Bell, we didn’t see a lot of Turner. Rightfully so as he was behind Jack Sanborn and Leo Chenal.
Turner isn’t guaranteed a starting spot, but Badger fans will see a lot of Turner on the field. With only two tackles last season, it’s raw talent. However, no one gets more out of a defensive player than Jim Leonhard.
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