Wisconsin football is a contender in a crowded Big Ten West
By Shane Lunnen
Defense needs to replace several key players
A year ago the Badgers had the top defense in the country in total yards allowed and ranked fourth nationally only giving up 16.2 points per game. Defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard has the challenge of replacing eight starters, including star linebackers Jack Sanborn and Leo Chenal.
The three players up front should be strong once again. Nose tackle Keeanu Benton and defensive end Isaiah Mullens are practically immovable objects. Along with Rodas Johnson at the other end spot, these three will eat up a lot of real estate in the middle allowing the Badger linebackers to make plays.
Speaking of the linebackers, there is only one returning starter but he could be the next great Badger linebacker. Junior Nick Herbig had a breakout season a year ago, tallying 64 tackles and a team-high nine sacks. The other three linebackers are a little inexperienced but have the talent to keep the Badger defense rolling.
Ranking fourth nationally and first in the Big Ten, the Wisconsin secondary only gave up 174.3 yards through the air a year ago. Unfortunately, they lose three starters and may take a step back here.
John Torchio returns at one of the safety spots but the Badgers added several transfer players to bolster the depth. Cedrick Dort from Kentucky and Jay Shaw from UCLA appear to be locked in at both corner spots while sophomore Hunter Wohler looks to man the other safety spot.