Continuing the preview of each position group for Wisconsin football, we switch sides of the ball and take a look at the always impressive defensive group. To be more specific, today will be the defensive line who has some major holes to fill. Matt Henningsen who is now a member of the Denver Broncos. I think the Badgers front group doesn’t get enough credit for the role they play in the always stout defensive group under Jim Leonhard. Let’s take a look at the projected starters.
Star in the Middle
Keeanu Benton is a legit NFL talent. the 6’4 senior earned All-Big Ten second team (coaches), All-Big Ten honorable mention (media) last season. While coming into this season, has already been named preseason Fourth-team All-America (Phil Steele). Benton showed signs of complete domination up front last season, and I expect him to carry this new defensive line. Playing in a 3-4, it is always important to have a big nose tackle to cause havoc in the middle.
One of my favorite clips of Keenau and his impressive athleticism for his size is this pick six he caused against Rutgers last season. Here’s to hoping Keeanu stays healthy and shows off his skills, as that could mean a chance to chase his dreams of playing in the NFL next season.
See you on Sundays, Keeanu Benton. pic.twitter.com/7DMahBCs0O
— Ben Kenney (@benzkenney) November 6, 2021
Other Projected Starters
The vibe that defensive line coach Ross Kolodziej is giving off from this spring is that the two starters next to Keaanu will be Redshirt Senior Isaiah Mullens and Redshirt Junior Rodas Johnson. Mullens is a 6’4 297 pound defensive end who made great strides last season. Setting new career highs in tackles and sacks, I think has a guy who could really breakout for this Badgers front 7.
The final piece to this puzzle is Rodas Johnson. Rodas came to Madison as a 4-star recruit. Another guy who the Badgers have been really high on and expect to take that next step. Rodas made a huge play in that forgettable Notre Dame game last season.
Rodas Johnson gets a huge hit on backup QB Drew Pyne. Jack Coan went out of the game with an injury. Wisconsin is deep in Notre Dame territory right now.
NOTRE DAME 10
WISCONSIN 10— Brendan Moore (@bmoorecfb) September 25, 2021
Backups
Isaac Townsend is a great backup for Wisconsin headed into the season. The once Oregon Duck who transferred to the Badgers. The former 3-star recruit has struggled with abdominal injuries this spring which is the reason we will most likely see him off the bench this season. Backing up Benton will be Gio Paez or Ben Barten. Barten received a lot of the snaps this spring when Keaanu was out for some time and the 300 pound former offensive lineman showed some good stuff.
Finally, backing up Rodas will be Redshirt Sophomore James Thompson Jr. At 6’5, Thompson Jr is physically gifted and does well at clogging running lanes. I think that Rodas will be the starter, however Thompson Jr. will be no slouch as his backup.
Overall, Coach Kolodziej has done a fantastic job at retooling this front group after losing NFL talent. If this group can overachieve their expectations, we will see the Badgers as the Nations top defense once again.
Follow me on Twitter @gamble_griffin3 and follow @DylanBuboltz for the offensive position previews. @WiSportsHeroics Click below to read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin sports! Also, check out our merch store for some amazing WSH merchandise!
