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 that has some major holes to fill, including the void left by the departure of 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-foot-4 senior earned All-Big Ten second team (coaches) and All-Big Ten honorable mention (media) last season. 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 create 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 Benton stays healthy and shows off his skills, as that could mean a chance to chase his dreams of playing in the NFL next season.
Other Projected Starters
The vibe that defensive line coach Ross Kolodziej is giving off from this spring is that the two starters next to Benton will be Redshirt Senior Isaiah Mullens and Redshirt Junior Rodas Johnson. Mullens is a 6-foot-4, 297-pound defensive end who made great strides last season. Setting new career highs in tackles and sacks, I think he's a guy who could really break out for this Badgers front 7.
The final piece to this puzzle is Rodas Johnson. He came to Madison as a four-star recruit and another guy who the Badgers have been really high on and expect to take that next step. Johnson made a huge play in that forgettable Notre Dame game last season.
Backups
Isaac Townsend is a great backup for Wisconsin headed into the season, the one-time Oregon Duck who transferred to the Badgers. The former three-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 Benton 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-foot-5, Thompson Jr. is physically gifted and does well at clogging running lanes. I think that Johnson will be the starter, however Thompson Jr. will be no slouch as his backup.
Overall, Kolodziej has done a fantastic job at retooling this front group after losing NFL talent. If this group can overachieve on their expectations, we will see the Badgers as the nation's top defense once again.
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