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To understand where the Badgers are defensively, and especially at linebacker, we need to hit the rewind button all the way back to the 2013 season and the change to the 3-4 defense. Many wondered if the Badgers had the athletes and bodies to be able to make the change work.
Everyone found out quickly that the talent at linebacker was certainly not lacking, and the switch to the 3-4 defense only unlocked the potential the group had. From the likes of Chris Bosh, Derek Landisch and Joe Schobert to the potentially powerful inside linebacker freshman duo of T.J. Edwards and Chris Orr that emerged in 2015 — the Badgers have been able to find explosive results from the linebacker group.
With Dave Aranda gone and the 2015 Big Ten Linebacker of the Year, Joe Schobert, also gone there are plenty of questions to be answered from this group — even with All-Big Ten selection Vince Biegel back.
What We Know:
This group is going to be the lifeblood of the Badgers defense in 2016, with three-quarters of the secondary gone and some shuffling going on up front this is the most stable group on defense. It all starts with the fact that there are five starters for four spots.
Vince Biegel, a third team All-Big Ten pick last season despite putting up 66 tackles, 14.0 tackles for loss and 8.0 sacks in 13 games, is back for his final season in Madison. He’ll anchor a unit that also features the returning leading tackler in sophomore T.J. Edwards (84) and another sophomore in Chris Orr on the inside.
While the loss of Joe Schobert would hurt most teams, Wisconsin has found an answer in T.J. Watt. He was so good this spring that the expected heir-apparent, Jack Cichy, was moved inside to compete along with Orr and Edwards.
Things were shuffled throughout the spring in hopes of finding out exactly who fits where with the long line of talent across the board. Quality players like Zack Baun, Nick Thomas and Noah Burks represent the future of this group, but it is so deep they may not see much of the field without injury issues creeping up.
MADISON, WI – SEPTEMBER 19: Wide receiver John Johnson #2 of the Troy Trojans runs with the football after a reception against linebacker Chris Orr #50 of the Wisconsin Badgers during the second quarter of the college football game at Camp Randall Stadium on September 19, 2015 in Madison, Wisconsin. The Badgers defeated the Trojans 28-3. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
What We Need To Find Out:
We’re going to go with the status of inside linebacker T.J. Edwards’ foot injury. It was first reported by Jeff Potrykus of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel that Edwards was in a walking boot last week. At Big Ten media day on Tuesday, head coach Paul Chryst didn’t have a timetable for his return and is expecting him to miss some of fall camp at the least.
That’s a big blow and a tricky situation for Edwards. After all, he was the leading tackler on the team last year as just a redshirt freshman and a foot injury can be really tricky to heal. Hopefully Edwards is healthy enough to start come the opener.
However, the good news (if such a thing exists with an injured player) is that this team is completely loaded at inside linebacker. The expected battle between Jack Cichy and Chris Orr next to Edwards may turn in to the two starting come the opener against LSU.
Additionally, we also need to find out if there is some true depth on the outside. Garrett Dooley is slotted in behind Beigel, but the reality is we don’t know if he can play at or near the level needed and the other outside spot is no certainty behind T.J. Watt.
Would the coaching staff just move Jack Cichy outside or let some younger players like Zack Baun or Noah Burks take over? These questions are likely to get answers as fall camp rolls along and are very nice problems to have to say the least.
Player to Watch:
Ryan Connelly, ILB
Most people who follow the Badgers know the names Cichy, Edwards and Orr, but those on the inside of the program rave about the name Ryan Connelly. He played so well as a freshman in camp that he was almost the next man up when Leon Jacobs went down with a season-ending injury last year.
As it stood, he finished last season with 15 tackles and 1.0 tackles for loss in limited time during12 games played. He was a valuable member of the special teams unit and considering he came in to the 2015 season as a walk-on and earned a scholarship in fall camp, you can bet he is going to be looking to make a bigger impact this season.
Connelly stood out last camp, and if he does it again don’t be surprised to see him pushing for some big playing time in 2016.
Our Projected Depth Chart:
OLB: T.J. Watt; Zack Baun
ILB: Jack Cichy; Chris Orr
ILB: T.J. Edwards; Ryan Connelly
OLB: Vince Biegel; Garrett Dooley
The post Wisconsin Badgers 2016 Fall Camp Preview: Linebackers appeared first on Madtown Badgers.
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