Wisconsin Football: Top 5 breakout candidates for 2017

ARLINGTON, TX - JANUARY 02: Alex Hornibrook #12 of the Wisconsin Badgers and Jazz Peavy #11 of the Wisconsin Badgers celebrate with the trophy after the Wisconsin Badgers beat the Western Michigan Broncos 24-16 in the 81st Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic at AT&T Stadium on January 2, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

It’s going to be tough for the Badgers to replace the production from departed outside linebackers T.J. Watt and Vince Biegel. They combined for 15.5 sacks last year and 21.5 tackles for loss. Garret Dooley is up to the challenge.

Dooley redshirted in 2013, did not play in 2014, and played sparingly in 2015. Last season was by far his best. He played in all 14 games and recorded 40 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. He even made two starts, filling in for an injured Biegel against Michigan and Ohio State.

Now it’s Dooley’s time to shine in his final year as a Badger. He’s smart and consistent in his game and will be an every down linebacker. Against the run, he is very solid. He won’t be a flashy edge-rusher, but just a solid linebacker all around. He has the most experience of the starting linebackers which should help him.

If things pan out right this year for Dooley, it will be reflected in his stats. Looking to leave his mark as Badger, he could find himself being drafted next spring and playing on Sundays next fall.

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