NCAA: The Wisconsin Badgers are headed into a new era in Madison. The excitement surrounding the team is undeniable as the team has brought in more explosive talent this off-season than in recent memory. The Badgers, however, intend to continue their defensive dominance that has made them so successful over the years. That dominance will be tested early in the year after news surfaced that the team will be without one of their best defenders to start the 2023 season.
Wisconsin Badgers Lose Linebacker Maema Njongmeta To Injury (NCAA)
Wisconsin inside linebacker Maema Njongmeta underwent surgery after suffering an injury to his right hand, though it is unclear how long he will be out.
“We’ll be smart with him,” UW head coach Luke Fickell said after practice Monday night, the last session at UW-Platteville. “He’ll have a big club on is hand. We’ll see what he can do.”
The Badgers are off Tuesday and scheduled to resume practice Wednesday in Madison. Njongmeta, who started 11 of 13 games last season and led UW in tackles, watched practice Monday night with his arm in a sling.
Maema Njongmeta Has Been Named One Of The Most Important Badgers Going Into 2023
Dylan Bulboltz of Wisconsin Sports Heroics has been highlighting the most important Badgers going into the 2023 season. Maema Njongmeta came in fourth on his list:
After selecting Phil Longo as one of the most important Wisconsin Badgers in 2023, I return to the defensive side at number four. I believe senior linebacker Maema Njongmeta is Wisconsin’s best defensive player. As one of the better players on that side of the ball, you’re going to be one of the individuals that needs to stand out if your team is going to be successful.
After recording only four tackles in the 2021 season, Maema Njongmeta broke out in 2022. He led the team with 95 tackles with 53 of those being solo. Njongmeta also recorded three and a half sacks and one interception. Last year was interesting at the linebacker position headed into the season. In particular, the inside linebacker position was wide open. It was a battle between Njongmeta, Jordan Turner, Jake Chaney, and Tatum Grass. At the end of the battle, it was Njongmeta and Turner that won the spots.
Not only did Njongmeta win one of the spots, he was also one of the best players on the Wisconsin defense. He was also statically one of the more productive linebackers in the country last season. According to PFF College, Njongmeta was the second highest graded linebacker in the Big Ten last season, only trailing Iowa’s Jack Campbell who was a first round pick to the Detroit Lions.
The Wisconsin Badgers have had made a name for themselves throughout the years being able to churn out quality linebacker year after year. It will be no different in 2023, however, they will be asked to do so much earlier in the season.
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