The Wisconsin Badgers football team could receive a pleasant defensive boost in Xavier Lucas if the cornerback is cleared.
The Badgers must travel to sunny California this weekend to take on the #13 USC Trojans to open conference play. USC played the first Big Ten clash in the history of their program this past weekend, and suffered a tough loss in Ann Arbor. The Trojans hope to change the conference standings with a win over a visiting Wisconsin team this weekend.
While Wisconsin did not have the best performance against #4 Alabama, the Badgers also did not have some key players for the game. Among them was true freshman cornerback Xavier Lucas, who recorded a win-sealing interception against Western Michigan in his first collegiate game.
Xavier Lucas makes this NFL sideline interception. Two feet down! #badgers #cfb @XavierL_25 @UWBadgers pic.twitter.com/eradP8bFz8
— DKYSports Wisconsin (@dkysportswisco) September 2, 2024
Lucas is a player that can have an excellent, under-the-radar impact for Wisconsin as teams aim to avoid fellow cornerback Ricardo Hallman. Hallman recorded seven interceptions last season and built his own island in the process, as opposing quarterbacks tend to avoid Hallman entirely.
#Badgers CB Xavier Lucas ranked as highest-graded freshman CB in college football by PFFhttps://t.co/TtU0evv7QB
— Bucky’s 5th Quarter (@B5Q) September 20, 2024
Lucas has proved he is no slouch either, quickly becoming one of the highest-graded freshman cornerbacks this season. Lucas has barely even played a full game for the Badgers yet, and already has the staff trying to figure out ways to get the athlete onto the field.
Wisconsin Badgers Expect CB Xavier Lucas Back In Time For Trojans Clash
With Hallman often alone with an opposing receiver, the quarterback tends to challenge the slot cornerback or a deep safety against the Badgers.
Lucas could become a key player moving forward as talented quarterbacks will look to attack elsewhere rather than attack Hallman. Lucas will likely be the person defenses look to test due to his age, but the cornerback is certainly a more mature football player than most freshmen.
Mike Tressel says there are a few hurdles to get past but he expects CB Xavier Lucas to be available this week. #Badgers
— Zach Heilprin (@ZachHeilprin) September 23, 2024
Defensive Coordinator Mike Tressel spoke about Lucas and gave an update on the injury the defender suffered. Lucas fell on the concrete apron surrounding the football field during the second game of the season for the Badgers. The cornerback missed last game against the Crimson Tide, but likely will return against the Trojans.
Tressel stated that Lucas will be able to play this weekend, but still has a few ‘hurdles’ he must get past before being medically cleared. The exact injury that Lucas suffered is unclear, so the relative timeline for the return of the defensive back was also previously unclear.
However, it seems as though the Wisconsin Badgers defense expects to receiver a boost against the Trojans. Tressel expects Lucas to play and be a typical participant, with no limitations during game time.
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