As we continue to predict the depth chart on the defensive side for the Wisconsin football team, up next is the cornerback position. Wisconsin lost their top three corners from last season, but have promising young players. They also attacked the position in the transfer portal and landed a few others as well. What was once a glaring need could now be a strength for the Badgers by seasons end.
Wisconsin Football Starters- Ricardo Hallman, Alexander Smith, Jason Maitre (Nickel)
Lots of intriguing/entertaining one-on-one battles so far in #Badgers camp. One that jumps out is WR Chimere Dike vs. CB Alexander Smith. Remarkable to see how Smith has developed over time. Smooth. Tough. Smart. Solid.
— Jeff Potrykus (@jaypo1961) August 8, 2023
With Mike Tressel’s 3-3-5 defense, there will be three corners on the field most of the time. Alexander Smith is a sixth year player and the most experienced player in this group. He has had trouble staying healthy the last few seasons, but is productive when on the field.
In 2022, Smith recorded 17 tackles. Because of a hamstring injury, he did not play much. However, he is easily one of the top corners on the Wisconsin football roster and should be a starter in week one.
There was always the flash and potential from Ricardo Hallman every since he walked on campus. Because of injuries at the corner position, Hallman saw a lot of snaps as a redshirt freshman. His snaps did drop off once players returned, but the potential was there when on the field.
I think Hallman has the chance to not only be the top corner on the team this year, but for the next several years. As a redshirt sophomore this year, we could still see three more seasons of Ricardo Hallman.
Jason Maitre is essentially a lock to be the starting nickel. The Boston College transfer has over 30 career starts at corner and should fit in right away in his last season of eligibility.
Maitre is not afraid to bring contact and physicality either. That should be a breath of fresh air along with his leadership and experience.
Second Unit- Michel Mack, Jonas Duclona, Max Lofy (Nickel)
#Badgers FR CB Jonas Duclona has gotten his hands on a bunch of passes in camp as he continues to work with the second-team defense.
More practice video >> https://t.co/Sq9nqaRZvV pic.twitter.com/olw8fD7veR
— Zach Heilprin (@ZachHeilprin) August 5, 2023
Up until a few months ago, I thought the corner depth was lacking on this Wisconsin football team- especially after the first unit. Just recently, Wisconsin was able to get Michael Mack out the transfer portal from Air Force.
Mack will be a redshirt junior this year and recorded 42 tackles and one interception last season. He was also a starter the last two seasons. Wisconsin potentially has a starter here as well, but I’ll keep Mack in the second unit as he’s new to the team. However, we should hear his name a lot this season.
Max Lofy saw a ton of action last year as well. His highlight was an interception near the goal line against Washington State in the second game of the season. Lofy brings experience and depth to the position and should see his fair share of reps too.
There’s a lot to like about this freshman class, but Jonas Duclona might have the biggest upside and should play right away. He was able to participate in spring practices and shined in those practices. With three corners being on the field most of the time, I would have to imagine Duclona will see the field. Don’t expect Duclona to have a redshirt season.
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