Wisconsin confirms Kayden Lyles to move to nose tackle

The Wisconsin Badgers will receive some help on the defensive line, as redshirt freshman Kayden Lyles will switch sides on the line of scrimmage to play nose tackle this season.

A Mike Lucas article on UWBadgers.com noted the change in position for the former four-star prep offensive lineman—who was getting work at guard and center positions in the spring—to “shore up the depth on the defensive line” with ends Garrett Rand and Isaiahh Loudermilk on the shelf.

Rand reportedly injured his Achilles, and defensive line coach Inoke Breckterfield told ESPN Madison’s Tony Cartagena in late June that he was out for the year.

Loudermilk’s exact timeline due to surgery is still unknown, though it should be assumed head coach Paul Chryst will be asked about it his status during Big Ten Media Days this week.

In Lucas’s article, redshirt senior Michael Deiter complimented Lyles on the transition:

“When we were using him as a freshman for a defensive lineman, helping us get fits (in practice drills), he gave us the best look,” Deiter said of Lyles, who prepped his senior year in nearby Middleton.

”He’s smart enough to learn all the stuff (on the defensive line) by the start of camp. He’s good at bending and he’s athletic enough. He will definitely be able to help us out.”

Lyles will join senior Olive Sagapolu, redshirt freshman Bryson Williams, and redshirt junior Gunnar Roberge as the nose tackles on Wisconsin’s roster.