After looking at the best and most questionable position groups on the Wisconsin football offense yesterday, I switch over to the defense today. Overall, Luke Fickell and his staff made a ton of moves in the transfer portal on this side of the ball. They added a ton of new linebackers and some defensive linemen. On the other hand, the secondary and corners stayed the same for the most part. Here is the group I think is best on the Wisconsin football defense and the group with the most to prove.
Wisconsin Football Best Defensive Group- Linebacker
As mentioned earlier, the Wisconsin football coaching staff made this position group a priority in the transfer portal and they delivered. Obviously the results have to show on the field, but I think the Badgers have seven or eight potential starting linebackers. That is how deep and talented this group is.
Darryl Peterson and Jake Chaney highlight the returning players as they were really productive last season. Chaney was second on the team in tackles while Peterson led the team in sacks. Sophomore Christian Alliegro showed glimpses as well later in the season.
New to the group are players like Jaheim Thomas, John Pius, Leon Lowry, Tackett Curtis, and Sebastian Cheeks. All five have college football experience with Thomas, Pius, and Lowry having multiple years of experience. This group should be much better and help generate pressure on the quarterback, something the defense was poor at a season ago.
Group That Needs Improvement- Defensive Line
Fon Badgers Vs Michigan Football 100221 Dcr567
I don’t think this is a bad group by any means. However, this was a group a season ago that struggled to the get to the quarterback consistently. The three players that highlight this group is James Thompson Jr, Ben Barten, and Curt Neal. I would assume that will be the starting defensive line to open the season against Western Michigan.
I did like the addition of Ernest Willor Jr as he should be able to add some depth and support to the unit. Look for a player like Cade McDonald to earn some reps as well.
It’s a hard ask for a three man defensive front to generate pressure. While this group should get some help from the linebackers, I think they know they have to better than they were last season.
Follow me on Twitter @DylanBuboltz and follow us @WiSportsHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin sports, click here! Also, check out our merch store for some amazing WSH merchandise!
