The Wisconsin football team has earned a break from practice this afternoon after a great practice for the secondary in particular.
Underclassmen cornerbacks Jonas Duclona and Amare Snowden are two individuals who came into camp fighting for potential playing time. With their recent performances, they have given the staff plenty to think about moving forward as they decide which players take the brunt of the snaps. Both cornerbacks could become spotlight players in the secondary for Wisconsin if they are able to continue their hot streak the remainder of camp.
Wisconsin Football Cornerbacks Jonas Duclona, Amare Snowden Dazzling With Great Camps
If the Wisconsin football team has any position group that has made a great showing thus far, it has been the secondary by far. The defensive line has showcased their depth and ability early on, but the secondary has been making plays and displaying just how deep the position room is.
In particular, underclassmen cornerbacks Jonas Duclona and Amare Snowden have recently taken their performances up a notch at practice. Duclona, a sophomore from Florida, was just below the cut line last season nearly earning himself a role one field. This season however, Duclona has come back with a more refined level of play that may solidify a starting role for the cornerback.
Snowden, a Michigan native, is a redshirt freshman cornerback who offers quite the different look for Wisconsin. Last season, the Wisconsin football staff made the decision to redshirt Snowden and use the season to develop his game technically. So far through camp, Snowden has been making plays including a recent takeaway that seemed to really fire up the defensive staff.
What Role on the Wisconsin Badgers Football Defense Could Duclona, Snowden Earn?
For Duclona, the Wisconsin defense could consider using the defensive back in the slot position given his speed and agility. Duclona was once a high jump specialist as well as an accomplished basketball player, which further displays his athleticism. The defensive back has a freakish combination of fast reflexes, speed, and an incredible jumping ability.
Duclona can follow players closely in man-to-man coverage especially, but the defender also excels in zone coverage. The defensive back has the ability to break-up 50-50 passes and has the awareness to stay with his assignment the entire time. Duclona played last season in very limited roles, recording two tackles in two games.
For Snowden, the Wisconsin football defense may consider using the defensive back as a safety or more of a hybrid player in general. Snowden is a massive corner, coming in at 6-feet-4-inches and roughly 210-pounds currently after filling out his frame. The defensive back is a big, physical athlete with complimentary speed who can stay with other big receivers on the outside.
Snowden still needs time to develop technically, especially if the Wisconsin football staff considers moving him into a full-time safety role. However, his raw playmaking ability has been apparent in camp with the plays he has made, and he continues to make a case for why he should be on the field this season.
Wisconsin Secondary Unit Facing Tough Assignments Against Strong Receiving Core
One of the most interesting things to watch during the Wisconsin football camp has been the receivers and defensive backs going at each other. Wisconsin struggled last season in the receiving department, in part due to the quarterback situation, and now have a core of players eager to show they can make an impact. On the defensive side, Wisconsin has 21 defensive backs currently and not nearly enough playing time to go around.
The defensive backs have been working hard during live practices, snatching away interceptions and making great aerial plays to defend passes. The Wisconsin football team is incredibly deep this year, and that has been on display throughout camp with these two position rooms in particular.
It is going to be interesting moving forward to see what Wisconsin is going to do with their players and how they will divide the playing time. Outside of Ricardo Hallman and Hunter Wohler, the rest of the starting defensive back positions are rather open as Wisconsin wants everyone to show what they have to offer at this point.
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