The Wisconsin Badgers are installing a new-look defense
The Wisconsin Badgers are busy at work during spring practice learning the new schemes brought in from first-year head coach Luke Fickell’s staff. The Badgers have asked some players to make physical adjustments this spring. Recently, Wisconsin installed a new defensive package that will be a new look for Badgers fans.
The Badgers’ defense in 2022 wasn’t bad at all. Wisconsin finished the 2022 season with the 11th-ranked total defense in the country. However, the Badgers’ defense could be improved with their new coaching staff, who had a history of having an elite college defense with a non-Power Five program. Fickell’s program could be even more dangerous with the Badgers’ resources.
Three inside linebackers
According to Jesse Temple with The Athletic, the Wisconsin Badgers practiced in a package with two interior defensive linemen, an outside linebacker on the line in a two-point stance, and three inside linebackers:
“On Tuesday, coaches used [Jake Chaney] as part of a three-inside linebacker package with the first-team defense.
Wisconsin had two down linemen — either Rodas Johnson and Isaiah Mullens or Johnson and James Thompson Jr. — with outside linebacker T.J. Bollers on the line in a two-point stance. Bollers has handled reps with the first-team defense with C.J. Goetz out due to injury the past four practices. Chaney was on the field with inside linebackers Maema Njongmeta and Jordan Turner. Hallman and Smith were at cornerback, with Jason Maitre working in the slot.”
Uwgrid Mike Tressel Jan 5 2022
The Badgers’ defense is expected to differ from last year under defensive coordinator Mike Tressel. Tressel and Fickell have been known for having a fierce defense during their time at Cincinnati. This new look package will be fun to see in action this season. And fans might get a sneak peek at it during the upcoming Badgers spring game.
