After looking at the Wisconsin football x-factors on offense earlier this week, today I switch over to the defense. It was a slow start for this unit last year under first year defensive coordinator Mike Tressel. However, Luke Fickell attacked the transfer portal on this side, particularly the linebacker position. It should be a group that is better at rushing the quarterback. Here is who I think are potential x-factors on the defense this season.
Wisconsin Football X-Factor: The Defensive Line
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The Wisconsin football defensive line struggled last season as a whole. For a defense that only sacked the quarterback two times a game, all the pressure begins with the line. This group returns most of their contributors from last season. The additions to the linebacker positions should help generate some pressure, but this group has to win the line of scrimmage and get to the quarterback this season.
Nyzier Fourqurean
There’s not doubt Ricardo Hallman is the top corner on this Wisconsin football roster. He is also one of the best corners in the Big Ten. Opponents know that so I think a player like Nyzier Fourqurean will be targeted a ton this season.
Fourqurean got some good reps last season, but sis struggle at times to defend the deep ass. According to the Wisconsin football coaching staff, Fourqurean had a good spring session. I think he will start the season as the starting corner opposite of Hallman. If he is able to hold his ground in the secondary, Wisconsin football be have more success rushing the passer and creating turnovers.
Jake Chaney
I like the speed and power Jake Chaney brings to this Wisconsin football defense. He has a nose for the football and is always near the tackle. I have him as an x-factor here because he will be the leader in this loaded linebacker room. There is a ton of veterans in this group, but a player like Chaney will need to set the expectations on the field. I think this group will follow Chaney especially early in the season. With a clash against Alabama early in the season, this defense needs to be productive right away. Look for a player like Chaney to set the tone early in the year.
Kamo’i Latu
2024 needs to be a bounce back year for Latu. After a solid 2022 season, he only had 19 tackles last season. Latu also lost his starting spot to Preston Zachman for a few games too. There is no doubting his talent on the field. He has good range and brings the thump.
I don’t know if he is a lock to be the second starting safety next to Hunter Wohler, but as a veteran on this team, I think he is most talented safety not named Hunter Wohler. Year two under Mike Tressel should be different for Latu and he should be more productive in his final year of eligibility.
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