The Wisconsin football program has made solid changes heading into this upcoming season that truly could transform the team on the field.
Wisconsin is coming off of a disappointing season in terms of what the coaching staff had originally aimed for. However, the staff had also been running out a roster of many individuals that did not fit the style of play that the staff wanted to play. With a new-look roster and another year under their belt to prepare, the Wisconsin football program could truly shock some fans if everything clicks this upcoming season.
Wisconsin Football Aiming to Improve Upon Lackluster First Season Under New Leadership
A season ago, the Wisconsin football program endured a massive change as new Head Coach Luke Fickell took over the program and entered in a new staff. The first season under Fickell and the new staff did not go as they had originally planned, finishing 7-6 and losing to the LSU Tigers to cap off Bowl Season. While the staff may not have expected to win the Big Ten Conference, the staff expected to be far more competitive than they were.
In the second season, Wisconsin expects to be far more difficult to defeat after adding plenty of players and talent to the program. Along with the new additions who can make a serious impact, there are also key players Wisconsin managed to return that will become major contributors once again.
Wisconsin Badgers Football Bold Prediction #1: Tawee Walker Will Lead Wisconsin In Rushing
On the offensive side of the ball, the Wisconsin football staff has made a handful of moves that certainly should have a great impact on their production. The most notable offensive transfer would be former Miami Hurricanes quarterback Tyler Van Dyke, who was ranked as a four-star transfer and the 17th overall quarterback in the portal. One transfer that has gone under-the-radar is that of running back Tawee Walker, a former JUCO star turned reserve running back.
Walker is a powerful, speedy running back who has displayed an excellent ability to read the field. Much of the focus at the running back position for the Wisconsin football fans has been returning starter Chez Mellusi. Mellusi suffered a terrible knee injury that caused a massive setback during his potential break-out season.
The Wisconsin football Offensive Coordinator Phil Longo loves using multiple running backs in his offense, which opens a avenue for Walker to impress this season. Longo is going to use each running back in a way that compliments their skills, which is part of the reason which Mellusi exploded on the field before his unfortunate injury.
Walker can certainly benefit in the same way Mellusi did, except Walker has a different level of experience and skill that the Wisconsin running back room did not have previously. Walker is a grinder on the field and not only can he push through tough small yardage runs, but he can also break-away for long touchdowns as well. Between his own skill and the new offense he is joining, Walker could surprise and become the leading rusher for Wisconsin this upcoming season.
Wisconsin Badgers Football Bold Prediction #2: Hunter Wohler Will Contend For Big Ten Defensive Player Of The Year
If there is one specific player who has benefited the most from the staff changes the past two seasons, it is safety Hunter Wohler. Wohler dominated last season for the Badgers, recording 120 total tackles and adding two interceptions as well.
The defensive back proved last season that he can do a little bit of everything on the field, and finished the season contemplating his options. Despite NFL interest and definite transfer possibilities, Wohler announced he would return to Wisconsin for this upcoming season. Wohler provides an incredible boost for the defense and will return at the top of his game after exploding onto the scene a year ago.
In his first two seasons of play, Wohler recorded 38 total tackles and one interception before Defensive Coordinator Mike Tressel arrived. Between his success in the new defense and the development jump he made in one season, Wohler could seriously become a Big Ten Conference Defensive Player of the Year candidate this upcoming season.
The safety is good enough to content for the hardware himself, but he will also receive a boost from a new-and-improved defense. Linebackers Jake Chaney, Jaheim Thomas, and Tackett Curtis are prepared to improve the linebacker production which could cause offenses to test Wohler and avoid the middle of the field.
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