The Wisconsin Badgers entered the season with a very talented secondary, but the unit has not played up to what they were a season ago.
The Badgers have dealt with a number of issues this year, between the quarterback interceptions, defensive line and secondary struggles, as well as the lack of a real punt returner. Wisconsin has fought through it all to a 5-4 record that arguably could be 7-2 if a handful of plays went the Badgers way. However, one concerning problem that should be paid attention to is the play of star safety Hunter Wohler.
While Wohler is the second leading tackler on the Wisconsin Badgers defense behind Jaheim Thomas, the safety is a shell of the dominant self he was last season. Wohler currently has 51 total tackles this season after recording 120 last season, and is on track to finish the season with 68 tackles. The safety has been averaging nearly six tackles per game for the Badgers this season.
Unfortunately Wohler leads the team in missed tackles this season with nine and has a miss rate of 14.3%, which is low for the Badgers due to his high tackle output. The safety has really been exposed as teams have tested the sideline to sideline range of Wohler.
Wohler is also tied with cornerback Ricardo Hallman for the most touchdowns allowed in coverage this season with three.
The defense has been hard to watch at times, and it has been especially hard for Wisconsin Badgers fans to watch Wohler struggle. The safety is someone who eats, sleeps, and breathes Wisconsin football, and watching him perform below what he expects for himself on the field can be difficult.
Wisconsin Badgers Safety Hunter Wohler Must Improve to Benefit Team, Draft Hopes
With just a handful of games left, the Wisconsin Badgers need Wohler to perform at the same level he did last season.
The Wisconsin defense has had a major issue with tackling this season, missing 74 total tackles, which is ironically the same amount of solo tackles Wohler had in 2023. Only Leon Lowery and RJ Delancy III have recorded no missed tackles this season and over 100 snaps of play. Outside of the duo, every Wisconsin Badgers starter on defense has missed at least one tackle this season.
While Wohler may lead the team in missed tackles, it is truly an epidemic that has been spreading throughout the defense. The Wisconsin Badgers have missed out on the same level of production that both Ricardo Hallman and Wohler had a season ago this year. However, an improvement in the performances of the duo down the stretch could improve the defense overall.
Both Wohler and Hallman were not only defensive leaders for the Badgers last season, but also feared defenders. The Wisconsin Badgers defense not only thrived previously due to the performances of the two, but also due to the presence they offered the defense. Without the two veteran leaders making a statement of defense, the Badgers do not have anyone to really scare opposing offenses.
While the Wisconsin Badgers need Wohler to improve to win games down the stretch, Wohler also needs to improve himself. Last season, Wohler led all defensive backs with 74 solo tackles and arguably made a case for top returning safety. However, Wohler currently ranks as the 31st draft eligible safety in the class after starting the season as a potential top defensive player in the country.
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