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.
Why Njongmeta
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.
What To Expect In 2023
If Maema Njongmeta can have a repeat performance this season, there’s no doubt he will hear his name called in the 2024 NFL Draft. It’s become clear he’s the leader of this defense and one of the best players on this defense. He’s shown the ability to stop the run, attack the quarterback, and drop back in coverage when needed. You don’t see many linebackers that can do that. It should make life easier for first year defensive coordinator Mike Tressel.
The Big Ten can also be a ground and pound conference. Teams like Iowa and Minnesota want to run the ball down your throat and control tempo and the line of scrimmage. When you have a productive linebacker like Maema Njongmeta in the middle of the 3-3-5 Wisconsin defense, you will take your chances every day. Njongmeta should be very confident heading into his redshirt senior season and I think he can be a break out player not only on the Big Ten stage but potentially the national stage. I expect good things from Maema Njongmeta in 2023.
Follow me on Twitter @DylanBuboltz and follow us @WiSportsHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin sports, click here! Also, check out our merch store for some amazing WSH merchandise!
