Bucky's 5th Quarter - Wisconsin football: 2019 positional reviews and 2020 previewsWelcome to the unofficial online tavern of the Wisconsin Badgers. Please seat yourself.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47803/buckys-fave.png2020-01-21T07:37:07-06:00http://www.buckys5thquarter.com/rss/stream/208302762020-01-21T07:37:07-06:002020-01-21T07:37:07-06:00Wisconsin football: 2019 running back overview and 2020 preview
<figure>
<img alt="NCAA Football: Iowa at Wisconsin" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/GGt4OE5uUekVwDveZSaYnSsuFLE=/0x0:3759x2506/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66136741/usa_today_13645326.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>What does a Badger world look like without Jonathan Taylor?</p> <p id="6s0X9W">Over the next week or so, we here at B5Q are going to run through every position group on the <a href="https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/">Wisconsin Badgers</a> football team and give you a recap of how they did in the 2019 season. In the same damn post we are also going to give you a preview of what we think 2020 is going to look like! Without further ado, here is your review/preview of the Wisconsin backfield.</p>
<aside id="oOvBc8"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Wisconsin football: 2019 positional reviews and 2020 previews","url":"https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/2020/1/14/21066235/wisconsin-badgers-football-2019-positional-reviews-and-2020-previews"}]}'></div></aside><h3 id="Opm3Tg"><strong>2019 statistical leaders</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li id="u7TIuu">
<span>Jonathan Taylor</span> - 320 carries, 2003 yards, 21 touchdowns, 26 catches, 252 yards, 5 touchdowns</li>
<li id="yFTkXj">
<span>Nakia Watson</span> - 74 carries, 331 yards, 2 touchdowns, 3 catches, 3 yards</li>
<li id="QepU8L">
<span>Garrett Groshek</span> - 42 carries, 194 yards, 2 touchdowns, 29 catches, 289 yards</li>
<li id="ytuyng">
<span>Bradrick Shaw</span> - 18 carries, 116 yards, 1 touchdown</li>
<li id="2VGGSI">
<span>John Chenal</span> (FB) - 18 carries, 65 yards, 1 touchdown, 3 catches 15 yards</li>
<li id="91xdmX">
<span>Mason Stokke</span> (FB) - 15 carries, 51 yards, 2 touchdowns, 6 catches, 47 yards</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="GTH3YH"><strong>2020 returning contributors</strong></h3>
<ul><li id="vlflgs">All but Taylor and Shaw, with the potential for Shaw to potentially seek a 6th years of eligibility, <a href="https://247sports.com/college/wisconsin/Article/Could-Shaw-seek-a-sixth-year-of-eligibility-141717745/">per a report</a> by 247sports’ Evan Flood. ($)</li></ul>
<h3 id="nz94K4"><strong>2019 running back overview</strong></h3>
<p id="GdaVum">2019 was exactly what we expected the Wisconsin run game to look like. Jonathan Taylor, some more Jonathan Taylor, sprinkle in a little Nakia Watson and Garrett Groshek, but then another heaping helping of Taylor.</p>
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<img alt="NCAA Football: Nebraska at Wisconsin" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ijNKnVdCQQqNfoW5rGqmbEDDe7A=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/13292191/usa_today_11415868.jpg">
<cite>Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports</cite>
</figure>
<p id="qiKqha">Taylor finished off his prolific career by breaking as many records and getting as high up the career rushing list as he could, and did all he could to win the Badgers a <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/rose-bowl">Rose Bowl</a>, but fell just short, despite surpassing 2,000 rushing yards for the second straight season. I hope Badger fans didn’t take for granted how talented Taylor truly has been for the past three seasons, and hopefully will continue to be in the NFL, wherever he ends up. He truly is one of the most special, if not the most, back the Badgers have had, from a talent perspective.</p>
<p id="peMWhZ">Nakia Watson came in from Texas with some legitimate fanfare as a recruit, and the limited amount we saw from the redshirt freshman was encouraging, showing the willingness to bang behind his pads and run with the power you’d expect from an upper 220 lbs runner. Garrett Groshek also continued to be what he has been for the past three seasons - Steady Eddy and Mr. Reliable in whatever situation Wisconsin asks of him.</p>
<p id="qGd3nf">John Chenal and Mason Stokke split the fullback duties admirably, and both had their high points of the season. While thankfully the position is celebrated by us here at Bucky’s 5th Quarter and throughout the Badger fan base - the position is largely a thankless job only pointed out when a mistake is made. Neither of these two players are exceedingly talented or special in their roles, but the workman like approach they bring to the position gets the job done.</p>
<h3 id="eBU6yu"><strong>2020 running back preview</strong></h3>
<p id="AXyjOd">The Badgers will have several options to choose from when looking to the spring at who their starting tailback could be.</p>
<p id="GoTTQD">Nakia Watson likely will and should have first dibs at the top spot. He played well when called upon, and is likely “the dude” moving forward. Groshek will likely continue to be the third down-obvious passing down back, as his prowess in pass protection has kept him on the field since he was a freshman. These two as a group are good enough to compete in the Big Ten and operate the offense. They combined likely won’t come close to the production Badger fans have become accustomed to seeing, but given who they’ve got at the position for next year, they’ll be fine.</p>
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<img alt="NCAA Football: Rose Bowl-Oregon vs Wisconsin" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/0iNRQwUvZWFv5atMUIhL3-ozRS0=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19615729/usa_today_13862111.jpg">
<cite>Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports</cite>
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<p id="wSJuKI">The group of guys behind these two will be the most interesting to watch, to me. <span>Isaac Guerendo</span> is a track guy who found his way onto the field a couple of times this season, and the coaching staff has made it clear they want to get him the ball. <span>Julius Davis</span> redshirted a year ago, and the local product from Menomonee Falls should likely push for carries as well.</p>
<h3 id="4FjwhC"><strong>Name to watch for 2020</strong></h3>
<p id="3tp1ab">Isaac Guerendo seems to be the most intriguing realistic option at the position. A former Indiana state 100m track champion, Guerendo has the speed to make defenses pay for mistakes, and his ability makes him a home run threat anytime he touches the ball.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Big Ten Football Championship - Ohio State v Wisconsin" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/6TFBl6hRu9qxP5lVZIXgCXUrAHY=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19615730/1194624680.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<p id="Eon5fM">I don’t expect a huge role for him, maybe as a kick returner and a change of pace running back, but his contributions could help alleviate the lesser number of chunk/explosive runs created from the run game.</p>
<h3 id="Z0b6T6"><strong>2020 spring depth chart projection (2020 eligibility)</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li id="vcqTBv">Runningback: Nakia Watson, Garrett Groshek, Isaac Guerendo, Julius Davis</li>
<li id="884jdN">Fullback: Mason Stokke, John Chenal, <span>Quan Easterling</span>
</li>
</ul>
<p id="E7OhK8"></p>
https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/2020/1/21/21074912/wisconsin-badgers-football-2019-running-back-overview-and-2020-preview-jonathan-taylor-nakia-watsonOwen Riese2020-01-19T08:44:00-06:002020-01-19T08:44:00-06:00Wisconsin football: quarterback 2019 review, 2020 preview
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<img alt="Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual - Oregon v Wisconsin" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/LN4Dv93QV75pH9dcB5PXcXLXQB8=/0x0:3638x2425/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66129752/1197574106.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>How did the quarterback position look in 2019, and what might change in 2020?</p> <p id="sWlGRS">Over the next week or so, we here at B5Q are going to run through every position group on the <a href="https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/">Wisconsin Badgers</a> football team and give you a recap of how they did in the 2019 season. In the same damn post we are also going to give you a preview of what we think 2020 is going to look like! Without further ado, here is the review/preview with a focus on the Wisconsin quarterbacks. Below you’ll find the link to all of our other reviews/previews.</p>
<aside id="qQMztX"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Wisconsin football: 2019 positional reviews and 2020 previews","url":"https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/2020/1/14/21066235/wisconsin-badgers-football-2019-positional-reviews-and-2020-previews"}]}'></div></aside><h3 id="Opm3Tg"><strong>2019 statistical leaders</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li id="UgD9SI">
<span>Jack Coan</span> - 236-of-339, 69% completion percentage, 2,727 passing yards, 18 passing touchdowns, five interceptions; four rushing touchdowns. </li>
<li id="k3pSgs">
<span>Graham Mertz</span> - 9-of-10, 90% completion percentage, 73 passing yards.</li>
<li id="rHOrYm">
<span>Chase Wolf</span> - 1-of-1, 100% completion percentage, two passing yards.</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="GTH3YH"><strong>2020 returning statistical leaders</strong></h3>
<ul><li id="lw2ksH">Wisconsin returns their entire quarterback room from 2019, and as of now will not be adding a scholarship quarterback in the 2020 recruiting class. </li></ul>
<h3 id="nz94K4"><strong>2019 quarterback overview</strong></h3>
<p id="p3pHRW">Jack Coan saw action in five games in 2018 as a true sophomore in place of <span>Alex Hornibrook</span>. After starting in four of those five games with a combined 2-2 record, Coan was the perceived front-runner in spring practice after Hornibrook decided to transfer to Florida State. </p>
<p id="Jmzw8L">Coan competed against redshirt freshman Chase Wolf and true freshman Graham Mertz during both spring practice and fall camp, but it was fairly apparent that Coan was QB1 based on first team reps during fall practices. </p>
<p id="oi78nQ">In his first full season under center, Coan went on to have a great season in comparison to expectations. He averaged nearly 195 passing yards per game, and was a steady presence starting in all 14 games of the season. A major leap that Coan made from 2018 to 2019 was his command of the offense, as well as in his ability to take care of the football.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Big Ten Football Championship - Ohio State v Wisconsin" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/FPsZEmTXkqm2zWlR0DQs0-crcP8=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19611135/1193358353.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<p id="f8n0a8">In the previous three seasons, Wisconsin quarterbacks had particularly struggled with turnovers and mobility. </p>
<p id="UkVNZ1"><span>Bart Houston</span> and Alex Hornibrook combined for 10 interceptions on 322 attempts, roughly an interception every 32 throws in 2016. In 2017, Hornibrook had 15 interceptions, for an average of an interception for every 21 throws. In 2018, the position was even less effective, with Hornibrook and Coan splitting time with 14 interceptions, at almost an interception per 22 tosses. In those three seasons, the quarterback position also only accounted for one rushing score, done by Coan in 2018. </p>
<p id="ab4yU7">In 2019, Jack Coan completely flipped the script on those turnover numbers, and added four rushing touchdowns. Limiting turnovers were something that Jack Coan spoke about during fall camp as a goal, and he accomplished that nicely given his ratio was improved to only an interception every 68 throws. </p>
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<img alt="COLLEGE FOOTBALL: SEP 07 Central Michigan at Wisconsin" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/-OzLnepcJ4GgHhR5RKegtfCBAIk=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19611142/1168970221.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Dan Sanger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="SZX8vV">Behind Coan, Chase Wolf and Graham Mertz each saw limited time as the listed co-backups on the depth chart. While there was an “or” designation in the weekly chart, it was apparent that Mertz was the primary player that would have been called upon in lieu of a Coan if an injury would have arisen. Luckily, Coan was healthy enough to play in each contest, allowing Mertz to preserve his redshirt status. In preparation for the Iowa game Mertz received a good chunk of the first team reps in practice while Coan was banged up, something that will only pay dividends moving forward. </p>
<h3 id="eBU6yu"><strong>2020 quarterback preview</strong></h3>
<p id="B0bQzh">After a solid 2019 season, Coan will be the incumbent starter coming into spring practices. This off-season will be crucial for him to continue to develop, as he will need to improve on his ability to stretch the field in the passing game, an area that he struggled with at times last season. With a lot of surrounding weapons like <span>Quintez Cephus</span>, <span>A.J. Taylor</span>, and <span>Jonathan Taylor</span> gone, he will be likely called upon in a bigger role with the running game unlikely to continue to steamroll at the same rate. </p>
<p id="C2fZtO">If Coan can make another leap this off-season, it is not out of the question for his numbers to improve, particularly his touchdown numbers. For example, Hornibrook threw 25 touchdowns in 2017. Coan is more than capable of getting into that range with a solid year. If he can continue to have a strong completion percentage around 70%, and limit turnovers, Badger fans would be ecstatic. </p>
<p id="6Gpn7o">While I anticipate Coan will be the primary signal caller for next season, Mertz and Wolf will have another off-season to close the gap on him. Both players are very talented, and they will have an opportunity to take the reins if they put together a strong spring and fall camp. </p>
<h3 id="mJOOzy"><strong>Name to watch for 2020</strong></h3>
<p id="b5yEHw">GRAHAM MERTZ. Go figure. </p>
<p id="mOChj9">Mertz has all of the raw talent to be a top tier Big Ten quarterback. He demonstrated his prowess in the Army All-American Game last season with his <a href="https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/2019/1/5/18170024/all-american-bowl-2019-graham-mertz-mvp-wisconsin-football">five touchdown performance</a>, and had some highlight throws in fall camp that flashed his potential.</p>
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<img alt="Big Ten Football Championship - Ohio State v Wisconsin" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/bHxPhWSNlQSiaEgkt9hBkOIptdM=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19570227/1192596164.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<p id="3xB1jN">Many fans want to see Mertz be QB1 next season, and I do believe he will play more often in 2020. With him representing the future at the position, Wisconsin would probably like to get him on the field more often to get him ready for 2021 when he will be the likely starter. I could see a situation in which Mertz plays a couple of series a game, similar to the platoon experiment in 2016 with <span>Bart Houston</span>. </p>
<p id="qJO5Ut">Paul Chryst really likes the quarterback room, and the quandary of who will play is not a bad problem to have. </p>
<h3 id="Z0b6T6"><strong>2020 spring depth chart projection (2020 eligibility)</strong></h3>
<ol>
<li id="lIBtHr">Jack Coan (senior)</li>
<li id="cwBsxo">Graham Mertz (redshirt freshman)</li>
<li id="9DFeag">Chase Wolf (redshirt sophomore)</li>
<li id="9PlMYC">
<span>Danny Vanden Boom</span> (redshirt junior)</li>
</ol>
<p id="PTUrOj"></p>
<p id="VgtTHN"></p>
<p id="m6B4QH"></p>
<p id="THlXFo"></p>
<p id="DYebuX"></p>
https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/2020/1/19/21070870/wisconsin-badgers-football-quarterback-2019-review-2020-preview-jack-coan-graham-mertz-chase-wolfMattBelz2020-01-16T09:50:00-06:002020-01-16T09:50:00-06:00Wisconsin football: WR/TE 2019 review, 2020 preview
<figure>
<img alt="Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual - Oregon v Wisconsin" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/7imLRXqQvA44h8HW_bYG9euCJP8=/0x0:2367x1578/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66114181/1197024095.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>How did the pass catchers do in 2019, and what does the future look like?</p> <p id="odkREV">Over the next week or so, we here at B5Q are going to run through every position group on the <a href="https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/">Wisconsin Badgers</a> football team and give you a recap of how they did in the 2019 season. In the same damn post we are also going to give you a preview of what we think 2020 is going to look like! Without further ado, here is your review/preview of the Wisconsin wide receivers and tight ends. Below you’ll find the link to all of our other reviews/previews.</p>
<aside id="L71U0c"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Wisconsin football: 2019 positional reviews and 2020 previews","url":"https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/2020/1/14/21066235/wisconsin-badgers-football-2019-positional-reviews-and-2020-previews"}]}'></div></aside><h3 id="Opm3Tg"><strong>2019 statistical leaders</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li id="j8j2gj">(WR) <span>Quintez Cephus</span> - 59 receptions, 901 yards receiving, seven touchdowns.</li>
<li id="HZoJ5u">(TE) <span>Jake Ferguson</span> - 33 receptions, 407 yards receiving, two touchdowns</li>
<li id="Y6HdIC">(WR) <span>Kendric Pryor</span> - 23 receptions, 278 yards receiving, 138 yards rushing, one touchdown</li>
<li id="Ecn0oG">(WR) <span>A.J. Taylor</span> - 23 receptions, 267 yards receiving, two touchdowns</li>
<li id="79DLIF">(WR) <span>Danny Davis III</span> - 30 receptions, 250 yards receiving, 110 yards rushing, two touchdowns </li>
</ul>
<h3 id="GTH3YH"><strong>2020 returning statistical leaders</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li id="mK4Mec">
<a href="https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/2020/1/6/21051635/wisconsin-badgers-football-wr-quintez-cephus-declares-for-2020-nfl-draft">Top receiver Quintez Cephus declared</a> for the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL Draft</a>, while <span>A.J. Taylor</span> graduated, and reserve slot receiver <span>Aron Cruickshank</span> decided <a href="https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/2020/1/8/21057533/wisconsin-badgers-football-aron-cruickshank-enters-the-transfer-portal">to enter the transfer portal. </a>
</li>
<li id="hGHPJW">Top tight end Jake Ferguson, and receivers Kendric Pryor and Danny Davis all return.</li>
<li id="x50EeL">Key blocking threats <span>Jack Dunn</span> and <span>Adam Krumholz</span> also return. The two reserve wide-outs combined for 61 yards and a touchdown on seven receptions. </li>
</ul>
<h3 id="nz94K4"><strong>2019 receiving overview</strong></h3>
<p id="eewfVP">The reemergence of Quintez Cephus was significant for the Wisconsin offense. After leading the team in receiving through nine games as a sophomore, he kicked off the team and out of the university due to off the field issues. He returned to practice the week prior to the opener against South Florida this year after being reinstated and found not guilty of sexual assault, and went on to have one of the more impressive receiving seasons in program history. He led the team in most statistical categories for a receiver, and was a huge spark for the passing game.</p>
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<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ZiFqQD98ZRxyt4-E-1nZjlL8NiM=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19605030/2_q_reacts_to_TD.jpg">
<cite>@B5QPhotos; Matt Fleming</cite>
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<p id="4KsmTj">While Cephus flourished in 2019, the rest of the pass catching threats were often forced to take a back seat. </p>
<p id="e3ZBOo">In 2018, <span>A.J. Taylor</span> led the team with over 500 receiving yards with Cephus out of the lineup. In 2019, the senior saw his receiving output nearly cut in half partly due to the increased attention towards Cephus and an Achilles injury late in the season. Similarly, Danny Davis saw a pretty substantial drop in his production. While he was third on the team in receptions with 30, he was not the nearly the downfield threat that he has been in the past. </p>
<p id="LWYbIc">As a freshman two years ago Davis averaged over 16 yards per reception, and represented a strong deep threat for the offense. In 2019 though his yards per reception took a precipitous fall as he averaged a mere eight yards per catch. </p>
<div id="3weiJ8">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Thank You Badger Nation ! It’s been a great ride and I’m ready for the next chapter. Thanks for all the support 8️⃣7️⃣ <a href="https://t.co/GRy3irWrAn">pic.twitter.com/GRy3irWrAn</a></p>— Quintez Cephus (@QoDeep_87) <a href="https://twitter.com/QoDeep_87/status/1214204801136779264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2020</a>
</blockquote>
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<p id="F7i0ng">The rest of the receiving room things were fairly similar to 2018. In back-to-back years, tight end Jake Ferguson was second on the team in terms of yards. He saw a slight decrease in yards and touchdowns, but overall had a nice season considering he was battling a thumb injury during the first few games. </p>
<p id="bONfWi">Kendric Pryor has been the model of consistency in his first two seasons of game action. In the past two season he has reeled in just over 270 yards and over 100 yards on the ground each year. While Pryor had a statistically similar season to the year previous, he seemed to play much better in the passing game, as he averaged an extra three yards per reception in 2019.</p>
<p id="W8CKFg">Behind Jake Ferguson, <span>Cormac Sampson</span> saw the lions share of in-line blocking opportunities. Originally recruited as a tight end he switched to the offensive line last off-season. Thanks to an injury to <span>Luke Benzschawel</span>, and youthfulness behind him, Sampson returned to tight end where he did an admirable job as a blocking threat. Sampson was not targeted in the passing game during the season however. </p>
<h3 id="eBU6yu"><strong>2020 receiving preview</strong></h3>
<p id="O15jCd">Let’s start at tight end. Jake Ferguson is still in the fold, and the rising junior should be primed for a nice season. Without Cephus and Taylor, a greater load will likely be rested upon his shoulders in the passing game. Great in the intermediate range, Ferguson is a mismatch for most linebackers and safeties in the Big Ten thanks to his quickness, athleticism, and larger frame. </p>
<div id="ozICtF">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Rose Bowls are in <a href="https://twitter.com/jqfergy11?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jqfergy11</a>’s blood. <br><br>They are part of his grandpa’s history... and now a part of his. <a href="https://t.co/55s3apt8H6">https://t.co/55s3apt8H6</a></p>— Wisconsin Football (@BadgerFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/BadgerFootball/status/1208569820524032000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 22, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="Z5XFjF">Behind Ferguson, Wisconsin will return all of their tight ends who were on the roster at the end of the season.</p>
<p id="9QasVj">Mickey Turner and Joe Rudolph are still unsure of Cormac Sampson’s long-term position for next year after playing tight end in 2019. A player that the staff is high on, it would not be shocking to see him stay at tight end in 2020, or return to the offensive line. </p>
<p id="rndJ89">Luke Benzschawel should be ready to return to action after missing all of 2019 thanks to a knee injury sustained in fall camp. A big bodied in-line option, Sampson’s position in 2020 might be dependent on the availability of Benzschawel, who is a solid run blocker. <span>Gabe Lloyd</span> also missed the year due to injury. The rising senior walk-on could be called upon in a greater capacity if needed. </p>
<p id="cd7sjB">There are a host of youthful options behind Ferguson as well. Walk-on <span>Jack Eschenbach</span> is a good pass catcher given his length and quickness, but he still needs to add weight and strength for the position. Freshmen Hayden Rucci and <span>Clay Cundiff</span> both redshirted last season, and could work their way into more opportunities in 2020 as well after a year of development. </p>
<p id="jNTiur">Incoming freshmen <a href="https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/2019/12/18/21022127/2020-tight-end-cam-large-signs-with-wisconsin-badgers-football-recruiting">Cam Large</a> and <a href="https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/2019/12/18/21020923/2020-te-cole-dakovich-signs-with-wisconsin-badgers-football-recruiting-waukesha">Cole Dakovich</a> are both athletic specimens that should elevate the talent level of the group as well. Large was one of the most sought after tight ends in the country, while Dakovich is a former basketball standout that is new to the position but possesses big-time potential. </p>
<div id="gdks3N">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">First touchdowns of the season for Wisconsin's <a href="https://twitter.com/DDIII_7?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DDIII_7</a> in the first half.<br><br>Made it easy for us camera folk <a href="https://t.co/1AYtAB8aVc">pic.twitter.com/1AYtAB8aVc</a></p>— Dan Molloy (@DanMolloyTV) <a href="https://twitter.com/DanMolloyTV/status/1193303220166283269?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 9, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
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<p id="V9D0D6">In the receiving corps, Danny Davis and Kendric Pryor are the two most established returners. </p>
<p id="ZDlIn2">Davis will be entering his senior season, and will likely be called upon to take over as the number one outside receiving threat. At 6-foot, Davis is blessed with good hands and tremendous leaping ability. For the Wisconsin passing game to be good next season it will be imperative for Davis to return to the deep threat that he was as freshman. </p>
<p id="ipjnZI">Pryor is the most dynamic receiver on the roster given his combination of speed and explosiveness. In fall camp, <span>Faion Hicks</span> specifically called out Pryor as the toughest receiver to match up with given his skill set. Pryor should continue to be utilized in the rushing attack with jet sweeps and end-arounds, but I anticipate a larger role as a receiving threat in 2020. With both Cephus and Taylor gone, the duo of Davis and Pryor will need to step up their game to pick up the slack. </p>
<p id="8gKgEG">Behind the two aforementioned returning contributors, Jack Dunn and Adam Krumholz may see an expanded role as well. Both walk-ons, they have flashed at times during practice, but are sparingly used in game situations outside of decoys or blockers. </p>
<div id="vF4vPH">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Jack Dunn had a big day for the offense catching a couple long touchdown passes from Coan and Mertz. Dunn was all over the field, catching the ball well on a lot of intermediate crossing routes.</p>— Matt Belz (@savedbythebelz) <a href="https://twitter.com/savedbythebelz/status/1162046335266304002?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
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<p id="Z7kvBN">The two primary players to keep an eye on during spring practice and during fall camp will be <span>A.J. Abbott</span> and <span>Taj Mustapha</span>. Former high-school teammates, both players bring a unique skill set to the team. Abbott is a bigger receiver at 6-foot-2 and nearly 200 pounds that can stretch the field. Mustapha is more similar to Danny Davis in terms of size and jump ball ability. The rising redshirt sophomores are primed to see more playing time, but they will need to become more reliable. In fall camp wide receivers coach Ted Gilmore praised them both for their ability, but acknowledged that he was looking for them to step up and be more consistent. </p>
<p id="gtJjCB">Redshirt freshmen <span>Stephan Bracey</span>, <span>Cooper Nelson</span>, and <span>Cam Phillips</span> will all be worth monitoring after a year to get acclimated in the program as well. </p>
<p id="tH2YiZ">Other reserves Emmett Perry and <span>Cade Green</span> have yet to really establish their footing on the team due to injuries, while incoming freshman <a href="https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/2019/12/18/21027526/2020-wr-isaac-smith-signs-with-wisconsin-badgers-football-recruiting-collierville-tennessee">Isaac Smith</a> and <a href="https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/2019/12/18/21027595/2020-wr-devin-chandler-signs-with-wisconsin-badgers-football-recruiting-cornelius-north-carolina">Devin Chandler</a> are probably redshirt candidates. (I love Devin Chandler’s <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/6321854/5d897ccc664afb0db44f11c8">senior film</a> though). </p>
<h3 id="mJOOzy"><strong>Name to watch for 2020</strong></h3>
<p id="lY5iG0">The key player to keep an eye on is true freshman <a href="https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/2019/12/18/21027895/2020-wr-chimere-dike-signs-with-the-badgers-wisconsin-football-recruiting-waukesha">Chimere Dike</a>. The prep standout is enrolling early at Wisconsin, and will get every opportunity to impress in spring camp. The do-it-all athlete played four sports in high school, and was always the best player on the field as a senior. He earned All-State honors for both receiver and defensive back, and also played running back at times for his high school team. He is coming in as an athlete, but projects best to wide receiver. With the opportunity to focus in on one sport, and one position, he could really pop and put himself in a spot for playing time in 2020.</p>
<div id="2bam43">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Congrats to Chimere Dike for being Offensive MVP, 1st Team All Conference WR, 1st Team All Conference DB, All State WR, Hon Mention All State DB, North’s All Time Leading Wide Receiver and the BEST Wide Receiver in Wisconsin High School History... <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GreatTeammate?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GreatTeammate</a> Make us Proud!!! <a href="https://t.co/JVcNytucs0">pic.twitter.com/JVcNytucs0</a></p>— North Football (@waukeshanorthfb) <a href="https://twitter.com/waukeshanorthfb/status/1203880615940100097?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2019</a>
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<h3 id="Z0b6T6"><strong>2020 spring depth chart projection (2020 eligibility)</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li id="4TkoP3">WR1 - Danny Davis (senior); Adam Krumholz or Taj Mustapha (redshirt sophomore)</li>
<li id="MFPTYx">WR2 - Kendric Pryor (redshirt junior); Jack Dunn (senior) or A.J. Abbott (redshirt sophomore)</li>
<li id="LM8JGN">TE - Jake Ferguson (redshirt junior); Jack Eschenbach (redshirt sophomore)</li>
<li id="xgtQph">In-line TE - Luke Benzschawel (redshirt senior) or Cormac Sampson (redshirt sophomore)</li>
</ul>
<p id="3viV79"></p>
<p id="PritXn"></p>
https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/2020/1/16/21065360/wisconsin-badgers-football-wr-te-2019-review-2020-preview-quintez-cephus-danny-davis-jake-fergusonMattBelz2020-01-15T13:14:30-06:002020-01-15T13:14:30-06:00Wisconsin football: 2019 offensive line overview, 2020 preview
<figure>
<img alt="NCAA Football: Michigan State at Wisconsin" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/axTDekXlcbtZ1W6wtouDIySqmBs=/0x207:2352x1775/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66108025/usa_today_13525861.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Wisconsin offensive line will have some new faces on it again in 2020. </p> <p id="6s0X9W">Over the next week or so, we here at B5Q are going to run through every position group on the <a href="https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/">Wisconsin Badgers</a> football team and give you a recap of how they did in the 2019 season. In the same damn post we are also going to give you a preview of what we think 2020 is going to look like! Without further ado, here is your review/preview of the Wisconsin offensive line. </p>
<aside id="oOvBc8"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Wisconsin football: 2019 positional reviews and 2020 previews","url":"https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/2020/1/14/21066235/wisconsin-badgers-football-2019-positional-reviews-and-2020-previews"}]}'></div></aside><h3 id="Opm3Tg"><strong>2019 starters</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li id="33aplo">
<span>Cole Van Lanen</span> - 13 starts at left tackle</li>
<li id="gnrjYD">
<span>David Moorman</span> - 6 starts at left guard, 1 start at right tackle</li>
<li id="vTqTX6">
<span>Tyler Biadasz</span> - 14 starts at center</li>
<li id="ecnZFR">
<span>Jason Erdmann</span> - 9 starts at right guard, 3 starts at left guard</li>
<li id="oKr9r9">
<span>Logan Bruss</span> - 12 starts at right tackle</li>
<li id="8mo857">
<span>Tyler Beach</span> - 1 start at left tackle, 1 start at right tackle</li>
<li id="fcYUDM">
<span>Kayden Lyles</span> - 4 starts at left guard</li>
<li id="du9sXF">
<span>Josh Seltzner</span> - 4 starts at right guard</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="GTH3YH"><strong>2020 returning contributors</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li id="vlflgs">Cole Van Lanen (?) - January 17th is the underclassmen declaration deadline. Van Lanen is a 4th year junior. </li>
<li id="KOGcs4">Kayden Lyles - left guard/center</li>
<li id="p9dZg3">Logan Bruss - right tackle</li>
<li id="VMAtmm">Tyler Beach - swing tackle</li>
<li id="Ou6pKS">Josh Seltzner - right guard</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="nz94K4"><strong>2019 offensive line overview</strong></h3>
<p id="GdaVum">2019 was a season of change for the Badgers’ offensive line. For the first time in four years, there was no <span>Michael Deiter</span> or <span>Beau Benzschawel</span>, and for three years no David Edwards. Jon Dietzen also left due to injuries, as a two plus year starter at left tackle and left guard. </p>
<p id="CWMsHm">It was an opportunity to showcase the depth that had built behind those long standing players after Chryst had taken over the program. We saw some of that come to fruition this season. Kayden Lyles (pictured below), who had been forced to play defensive line in 2018, moved back to the good side and started at left guard. </p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Big Ten Football Championship - Ohio State v Wisconsin" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/sx-7wJs_lG101GIrkXsIsRlLmAI=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19603601/1194625535.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<p id="uOJLZ5">Former walk on Josh Seltzner started games at right guard. Jason Erdmann, another former walk on who had played big reserve roles the past two seasons, finally had his opportunity to start at both guard spots. David Moorman, another fifth year senior, also got his chances, starting at both left guard and right tackle. These contributions are important, but for a different reason than you might think. </p>
<p id="17P1uZ">It’s important that Moorman and Erdmann got their opportunities. I don’t think there’s a football program in the country at any level that doesn’t preach some version of “those who stay will be champions” or something along those lines, promoting sticking it out and not quitting when times get tough. Those two did that, and were rewarded for their hard work as seniors. </p>
<p id="Zmk2uv">However, what their contributions meant, maybe more importantly, was it allowed some of the very talented incoming players the opportunity to redshirt, and continue to build more competition and depth in the room moving forward. <span>Logan Brown</span> and Joe Tippman, both 4-star or higher rated players in high school, were able to redshirt, gain experience and get stronger and will now have an entire offseason and spring to prepare for their “freshman” seasons. </p>
<p id="gP7o3N">Overall, I think the group played fine. It wasn’t Wisconsin’s most talented iteration of their offensive line in recent memory, but they were far from average, as <span>Jonathan Taylor</span> had another 2000 yard season, and <span>Jack Coan</span> was able to continue to develop while avoiding being under duress for the most part. They finished second in the Big Ten, averaging 240.5 yards per game on the ground, and finished second in the conference in sacks allowed, with just 20. </p>
<h3 id="eBU6yu"><strong>2020 offensive line preview</strong></h3>
<p id="AXyjOd">The Badgers, again, will feature some new faces in 2020. At least Tyler Biadasz, Jason Erdmann and David Moorman will be gone, as well as potentially (?) Cole Van Lanen. </p>
<p id="kF5WHt">We’ll start with the returners. I would expect some combination of Kayden Lyles and Josh Seltzner at the guard spots. If Van Lanen returns, he’ll play left tackle. Logan Bruss will likely start at right tackle again. Lyles also provides some versatility at center, which I’ll touch on here in a second. Seltzner (pictured below) is a mammoth human being, and with another year of experience should be ready to lock down a guard spot.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="COLLEGE FOOTBALL: OCT 19 Wisconsin at Illinois" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ILjzGziny7crfUy9moFGULCfu6k=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19603608/1177483023.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by James Black/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<p id="D4FI2x">The questions then turn to left tackle and center. If Van Lanen comes back, he’s the starter. But if he doesn’t, I’d assume Tyler Beach would be the answer. He’s done a good job as the swing tackle in the past. Now, this brings forth the question: what about 5-star redshirt freshman Logan Brown? That’s the wildcard here. He could beat out Beach for left tackle if it’s between the two - which could be one of the premier battles of camp. </p>
<p id="Q91jxq">Center is interesting. I mentioned earlier that Lyles could play center, and I don’t think we should rule that out. However, I think the key name here is <span>Joe Tippmann</span>. He practiced as a center during his redshirt season, and if he’s ready to go, it would go a long way to solidifying the offensive line. If Lyles is forced to play center, then I think you’re probably looking at <span>Michael Furtney</span> at one of the guard spots. </p>
<h3 id="4FjwhC"><strong>Name to watch for 2020</strong></h3>
<p id="3tp1ab">I’m going to cheat and pick two: Logan Brown and Joe Tippmann. </p>
<p id="I9zTP6">Brown is the second highest rated prospect in school history, and his measurables should already have NFL scouts salivating. 6’6” 311 as a freshman with vines for arms and remarkable athleticism, Brown is likely Wisconsin’s best bet for a surefire first round pick that they’ve had since <span>Joe Thomas</span>.</p>
<p id="qEDMtP">Tippmann is another highly regarded lineman coming into the program from Indiana, and if he can lock down the center position during the spring, the next three to four years of the position should be in good hands, with a 6-foot-6 312 pound true freshman having the physical profile to shore up the pivot for years to come. </p>
<h3 id="Z0b6T6"><strong>2020 spring depth chart projection (2020 eligibility)</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li id="vcqTBv">Left tackle: Cole Van Lanen (maybe), Tyler Beach, Logan Brown</li>
<li id="d8xMwv">Left guard: Kayden Lyles, Michael Furtney</li>
<li id="IUjkjH">Center: Joe Tippmann, <span>Blake Smithback</span>/Tanor Bortolini</li>
<li id="olG00y">Right guard: Josh Seltzner, Jack Nelson</li>
<li id="94Xi4n">Right tackle: Logan Bruss, Tyler Beach, <span>Aaron Vopal</span>/<span>Cormac Sampson</span>
</li>
</ul>
<p id="b55XYr"></p>
https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/2020/1/15/21066962/wisconsin-badgers-football-2019-offensive-line-overview-2020-preview-tyler-biadasz-cole-van-lanenOwen Riese2020-01-14T11:08:00-06:002020-01-14T11:08:00-06:00Wisconsin football: 2019 defensive line review, 2020 preview
<figure>
<img alt="COLLEGE FOOTBALL: DEC 07 Big Ten Championship Game" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/wAukIt5ntEEo0GbIDzKWhggYVP0=/0x2:3000x2002/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66099465/1187051148.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Badgers enjoyed a healthy defensive line in 2019, a huge improvement over 2018.</p> <p id="6s0X9W">Over the next week or so, we here at B5Q are going to run through every position group on the <a href="https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/">Wisconsin Badgers</a> football team and give you a recap of how they did in the 2019 season. In the same damn post we are also going to give you a preview of what we think 2020 is going to look like! Without further ado, here is your review/preview of the Wisconsin defensive line. </p>
<aside id="oOvBc8"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Wisconsin football: special teams 2019 review and 2020 preview","url":"https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/2020/1/9/21057984/wisconsin-football-special-teams-2019-review-2020-preview-aron-cruickshank-zach-hintze-anthony-lotti"},{"title":"Wisconsin football: secondary 2019 review and 2020 preview","url":"https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/2020/1/10/21058601/wisconsin-badgers-football-secondary-2019-review-and-2020-preview-eric-burrell-rachad-wildgoose"},{"title":"Wisconsin football: linebackers 2019 review and 2020 preview","url":"https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/2020/1/13/21062960/wisconsin-football-linebackers-2019-review-2020-preview-chris-orr-zack-baun-jack-sanborn-leo-chenal"}]}'></div></aside><h3 id="Opm3Tg"><strong>2019 statistical leaders</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li id="33aplo">
<span>Garrett Rand</span>- 27 total tackles, 3.0 TFLs, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble</li>
<li id="9Xi7Iv">
<span>Isaiahh Loudermilk</span> - 24 total tackles, 5.0 TFLs, 3 sacks, 2 forced fumbles</li>
<li id="P2oC8X">
<span>Matt Henningsen</span> - 24 total tackles, 5.0 TFLs, 4 sacks, 2 fumbles recovered, 2 defensive touchdowns</li>
<li id="4ttK77">
<span>Keeanu Benton</span> - 12 total tackles, 4.0 TFLs, 2 sacks, </li>
<li id="DMttm3">
<span>Bryson Williams</span> - 6 total tackles</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="GTH3YH"><strong>2020 returning statistical leaders</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li id="vlflgs">See above.</li>
<li id="KoeXFe">Badgers graduated defensive linemen <span>David Pfaff</span> and Gunner Roberge, neither recorded a stat in 2019.</li>
<li id="RT9TwR">All contributors return for 2020. </li>
</ul>
<h3 id="nz94K4"><strong>2019 defensive line overview</strong></h3>
<p id="GdaVum">In 2018, the Badgers’ defensive line was not, what’s the technical term for this? They weren’t good. That’s it. Garrett Rand missed the season with an Achilles injury suffered in the summer. Isaiahh Loudermilk missed multiple weeks throughout the season several times with injury. They had a redshirt freshman walk-on Matt Henningsen starting at one defensive end spot, and an offensive lineman <span>Kayden Lyles</span> starting at defensive tackle. </p>
<p id="6wDKz5">Not ideal! </p>
<p id="LK8em2">2019 was better. Rand, a former 4-star recruit, was back and better than ever, AND playing in his rightful 3/4i tech position. Loudermilk was back and healthy. The emergence of true freshman Keeanu Benton after Bryson Williams’ injury was also a godsend. The four of them, along with Matt Henningsen (pictured below) being perhaps the most improved player on the team, allowed the defense to operate as we’ve become accustomed to seeing a Wisconsin stop unit perform. </p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="COLLEGE FOOTBALL: SEP 28 Northwestern at Wisconsin" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/65tJR6IYj2CmDcNkGmCPVIOY-fo=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19600457/1171794270.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Dan Sanger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<p id="0fLk5R">The really exciting concept? They’re all back in 2020. The Badgers didn’t lose a tackle of production from the defensive line. This will help mitigate the loss of <span>Chris Orr</span> and <span>Zack Baun</span> while <span>Leo Chenal</span> and a likely combination of outside linebackers look to fill those gaps in the front seven. </p>
<h3 id="eBU6yu"><strong>2020 defensive line preview</strong></h3>
<p id="AXyjOd">The Badgers are in an interesting position heading into 2020. As we’ve stated throughout this article, they return almost everybody heading into next season. This is the opportunity that Wisconsin hasn’t had often over the past few seasons to continue to build depth along the defensive line, for when Rand and Loudermilk graduate AFTER next season.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Big Ten Football Championship - Ohio State v Wisconsin" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/H5xmpUUiOYBGd3EH6QCCFhMmD2I=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19600458/1194625577.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<p id="Na0qIp"><span>Rodas Johnson</span>, <span>Gio Paez</span>, <span>Isaiah Mullens</span>, <span>Boyd Dietzen</span> and <span>C.J. Goetz</span> are all scholarship defensive linemen who haven’t seen the field much, if at all, during their Wisconsin tenures. This spring and fall season are crucial opportunities for them to find their way into the rotation or onto the field in garbage time. Rand and Loudermilk have both been around for seemingly forever (that’s good), and when they’re gone, there will be a lot of snaps for guys to pick up (somewhat similar to the offensive line this past season once Deiter, Benzschawel and Edwards all left). </p>
<h3 id="4FjwhC"><strong>Name to watch for 2020</strong></h3>
<p id="3tp1ab">Keeanu Benton is my pick for this. </p>
<p id="I9zTP6">It’s somewhat difficult to pick a newcomer for a position where everyone comes back, but Benton saved Wisconsin’s behinds this season playing as well as he did as an eighteen year old nose tackle in the Big Ten. Wisconsin hasn’t recruited the nose tackle position very well, and they’ve still only got two scholarship players on the roster. Benton has an opportunity to cement his role on this defense in 2020, and could even usurp Bryson Williams, depending on how long he’s out with injury. </p>
<h3 id="Z0b6T6"><strong>2020 spring depth chart projection (2020 eligibility)</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li id="vcqTBv">Defensive end (5 tech): Isaiahh Loudermilk, Isaiah Mullens</li>
<li id="d8xMwv">Nose tackle: Bryson Williams, Keeanu Benton</li>
<li id="IUjkjH">Defensive tackle (3/4i tech): Garrett Rand, Matt Henningsen</li>
</ul>
<p id="Vgibsw"></p>
https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/2020/1/14/21065290/wisconsin-badgers-football-2019-defensive-line-review-2020-preview-keeanu-benton-bryson-williamsOwen Riese2020-01-13T11:57:33-06:002020-01-13T11:57:33-06:00Wisconsin football: linebackers 2019 review and 2020 preview
<figure>
<img alt="NCAA Football: Illinois at Wisconsin" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/NLAnJRF0TO03kUM1R5bamGV6qyY=/0x0:3844x2563/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66092881/usa_today_11479826.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Badgers reloaded at linebacker in 2019, and they’ll have to do the same in 2020. </p> <p id="6s0X9W">Over the next week or so, we here at B5Q are going to run through every position group on the <a href="https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/">Wisconsin Badgers</a> football team and give you a recap of how they did in the 2019 season. In the same damn post we are also going to give you a preview of what we think 2020 is going to look like! Without further ado, here is your review/preview of the Wisconsin linebackers.</p>
<aside id="oOvBc8"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Wisconsin football: special teams 2019 review and 2020 preview","url":"https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/2020/1/9/21057984/wisconsin-football-special-teams-2019-review-2020-preview-aron-cruickshank-zach-hintze-anthony-lotti"},{"title":"Wisconsin football: secondary 2019 review and 2020 preview","url":"https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/2020/1/10/21058601/wisconsin-badgers-football-secondary-2019-review-and-2020-preview-eric-burrell-rachad-wildgoose"}]}'></div></aside><h3 id="Opm3Tg"><strong>2019 statistical leaders</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li id="33aplo">
<span>Jack Sanborn</span>- 80 total tackles, 9.0 TFLs, 5.5 sacks, 3 interceptions, 1 fumble recovered, 1 fumble forced</li>
<li id="9Xi7Iv">
<span>Chris Orr</span> - 78 total tackles, 14.0 TFLs, 11.5 sacks, 1 fumble recovered, 2 fumbles forced</li>
<li id="P2oC8X">
<span>Zack Baun</span> - 75 total tackles, 19.5 TFLs, 12.5 sacks, 1 interception, 2 forced fumbles, 1 defensive touchdown</li>
<li id="4ttK77">
<span>Noah Burks</span> - 36 total tackles, 7.0 TFLs, 2 sacks, 1 interception, 1 defensive touchdown</li>
<li id="DMttm3">
<span>Leo Chenal</span> - 17 total tackles, 1.0 TFL</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="GTH3YH"><strong>2020 returning statistical leaders</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li id="vlflgs">Chris Orr and Zack Baun are graduated, and will likely be playing on Sundays next season. </li>
<li id="uoAj78">Jack Sanborn is returning, and will likely start in the middle with Leo Chenal. </li>
<li id="gCaX4d">Noah Burks will likely be one of the starting outside linebackers.</li>
<li id="JfAj3b">
<span>Christian Bell</span> (grad transfer) and <span>Tyler Johnson</span> (graduation) are also gone.</li>
<li id="1DipZR">Look for <span>Spencer Lytle</span>, <span>Izayah Green-May</span> and <span>Jaylan Franklin</span> to compete for that other outside linebacker position. </li>
</ul>
<h3 id="nz94K4"><strong>2019 linebackers overview</strong></h3>
<p id="GdaVum">The Badgers defense always has (since they switched to the 3-4 in 2013) and always will be driven by the play of their linebackers; it’s simply the structure of the defense. </p>
<p id="HMQWjl">The Badgers have had stellar inside linebacker play for seemingly the last six or seven years, and that continued with Chris Orr and Jack Sanborn. Orr finally received his full-time opportunity after essentially losing it when he tore his ACL on the first play of the 2016 season. He waited in the wings and prepared for his turn behind <span>T.J. Edwards</span> and <span>Ryan Connelly</span>, and made the most of it with 78 tackles and 11.5 sacks, an insane number for an inside linebacker. Orr’s top skill is his blitzing ability, something that surely makes defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard smile. </p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual - Oregon v Wisconsin" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/TE1ssLstzMVemTJk547Kbx5qkns=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19598247/1197039244.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<p id="nh1FWr">Jack Sanborn showed promise, being in the two-deep with Orr as a true freshman. As a sophomore, he didn’t disappoint, as he led the team with 80 tackles and had an important interception in the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/rose-bowl">Rose Bowl</a>. He’ll be an impact player moving forward, likely the next two years. </p>
<p id="1rYDEG">Nearly as crucial to the 3-4 defense’s success, the outside linebackers took a major step in the right direction in 2019 after a rare step down in 2018. Redshirt senior Zack Baun took complete advantage of his last opportunity in the cardinal and white, with 12.5 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss. When the Badgers needed a big play on defense, it was seemingly always Baun who was there to make it. Dynamic play makers are paramount on the outside of a 3-4 scheme, and Baun will be making an NFL team happy in the near future. </p>
<p id="kecgSo">While Baun received the majority of the accolades, deservedly so, the other contributors were noteworthy as well. Noah Burks, Christian Bell, <span>Tyler Johnson</span>, Izayah Green-May and Jaylan Franklin all received snaps at the other outside linebacker spot, and combined for 53 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 6 sacks, an interception, and a defensive touchdown. Burks had the majority of those stats, but every one of those guys recorded a sack and a tackle for loss. Disruption matters, and this spot can be pointed to as a personification of the “next man up” mantra Wisconsin uses. </p>
<h3 id="eBU6yu"><strong>2020 linebackers preview</strong></h3>
<p id="AXyjOd">Wisconsin continues to arguably recruit the linebacker position as well as any position on their roster, offensive line included. </p>
<p id="eZErMK">I think three spots are probably locked up, barring a large change or injury/suspension/something of that nature. Noah Burks should likely start at one of the outside linebacker positions. Burks will be a redshirt senior, and is the type of guy who has had above average seasons for the Badgers during this stage of their career. </p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="COLLEGE FOOTBALL: AUG 30 Wisconsin at USF" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/1kV5HzwhJKGzg4FmU32tJnUj9Zw=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19160408/1165136486.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<p id="n3kbwm">Inside, Jack Sanborn and Leo Chenal are likely going to start next to each other for the next two years. Sanborn is a good athlete and made plays all over the field this season, and there’s no reason that won’t continue for the next two years of his career. Chenal, following a similar career arc to Sanborn, was on the two deep as a true freshman, and played special teams and late in games. I fully expect him to step into this starting role and not let it go for the next two to three seasons. </p>
<p id="vRUocz">The other outside linebacker position will be interesting to watch. Izayah Green-May started the season across from Zack Baun, and I’d suspect he’ll be next in line to start at the other outside linebacker position. Jaylan Franklin also saw some time early in the year. Spencer Lytle, who will be a redshirt freshman, will also be in the conversation after his redshirt season. Lytle had over 40 scholarship offers coming out of high school, he’ll be another top contender to start at outside linebacker. </p>
<h3 id="4FjwhC"><strong>Name to watch for 2020</strong></h3>
<p id="3tp1ab">I think that Leo Chenal is the low hanging fruit answer here, but it’s also the correct one. He’s a beast physically, coming into Madison last January at 245 pounds as a high school senior. He’s physically ready to compete and thrive in the Big Ten, something that isn’t often said of 18-19 year olds. </p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Kent State v Wisconsin" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/G1lNbnz0LYS4POsn5evwHmLCI_Q=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19306508/1179217977.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<p id="0fqN5Y">He’s athletic enough to be a pain for defenses, and his presence inside will remind Badger fans of <span>T.J. Edwards</span>. A thumper in the middle who can move well enough to get to the outside. </p>
<h3 id="Z0b6T6"><strong>2020 spring depth chart projection (2020 eligibility)</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li id="vcqTBv">Outside linebacker (field): Noah Burks, Spencer Lytle</li>
<li id="P0s79S">Inside linebacker: Jack Sanborn, <span>Mike Maskalunas</span>
</li>
<li id="CfHCdr">Inside linebacker: Leo Chenal, <span>Maema Njongmeta</span>
</li>
<li id="3lwiS6">Outside linebacker (boundary): Izayah Green-May, Jaylan Franklin</li>
</ul>
<p id="WMXrke"></p>
https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/2020/1/13/21062960/wisconsin-football-linebackers-2019-review-2020-preview-chris-orr-zack-baun-jack-sanborn-leo-chenalOwen Riese2020-01-10T12:36:00-06:002020-01-10T12:36:00-06:00Wisconsin football: secondary 2019 review and 2020 preview
<figure>
<img alt="Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual - Oregon v Wisconsin" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Vua5AYad5F9Dr4Eh5FKPTSF78I8=/0x0:4033x2689/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66080504/1197023563.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>How did the unit do last year, and what does the future look like? </p> <p id="odkREV">Over the next week or so, we here at B5Q are going to run through every position group on the <a href="https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/">Wisconsin Badgers</a> football team and give you a recap of how they did in the 2019 season. In the same damn post we are also going to give you a preview of what we think 2020 is going to look like! Without further ado, here is your review/preview of the Wisconsin defensive secondary.</p>
<aside id="fIpwbh"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Wisconsin football: special teams 2019 review and 2020 preview","url":"https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/2020/1/9/21057984/wisconsin-football-special-teams-2019-review-2020-preview-aron-cruickshank-zach-hintze-anthony-lotti"}]}'></div></aside><h3 id="Opm3Tg"><strong>2019 statistical leaders</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li id="Q8SWO2">(S) <span>Reggie Pearson</span> - 60 total tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, four pass breakups</li>
<li id="pYLAv9">(S) <span>Eric Burrell</span> - 55 total tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, three interceptions, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, six pass breakups. </li>
<li id="vIyxrR">(S) <span>Collin Wilder</span> - 19 total tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, one sack, one interception, six pass breakups.</li>
<li id="tvXkQD">(CB) <span>Caesar Williams</span> - 35 total tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, one interception, 10 pass breakups, one forced fumble.</li>
<li id="EJzp8I">(CB) <span>Faion Hicks</span> - 32 total tackles, one tackle for loss, one pass breakup.</li>
<li id="KNcFcB">(CB) <span>Rachad Wildgoose</span> - 22 total tackles, three tackles for loss, one interception, six pass breakups.</li>
</ul>
<div id="Mp2kH6">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Five <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Badgers?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Badgers</a> earned honorable mention All-Big Ten honors: <br><br>S Eric Burrell (consensus)<br>CB Faion Hicks (consensus) <br>DL Isaiahh Loudermilk (consensus)<br>DL Matt Hennigsen (coaches)<br>CB Rachad Wildgoose (media)</p>— Zach Heilprin (@ZachHeilprin) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZachHeilprin/status/1202001177501741066?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
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<h3 id="GTH3YH"><strong>2020 returning statistical leaders</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li id="bDldOz">EVERYONE IS BACK!!! At least as of now. </li>
<li id="31RyNz">
<span>Scott Nelson</span> - the opening game starting safety missed all but one contest in 2019. Recorded 41 total tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, one interception, one forced fumble in 2018. </li>
</ul>
<h3 id="nz94K4"><strong>2019 secondary overview</strong></h3>
<p id="PrODBH">Overall the Wisconsin secondary had a positive 2019 season. Fairly experienced in terms of games played, yet young in terms of eligibility, Jim Leonhard’s unit did a nice job in coverage most of the season despite losing starting safety Scott Nelson in the first game of the year. The secondary was a big reason for the Badgers defense ranking nationally No. 9 in limiting third-down conversions, No. 6 in opponent completion percentage, No. 10 in points allowed, No. 12 in passing yards allowed, and No. 31 in interceptions. </p>
<p id="kx2JEJ">The Badgers rotated in a lot of different combinations of players in the secondary, indicative of the depth of talent in the program, but also potentially a lack of separation between the players in regards to production.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="COLLEGE FOOTBALL: OCT 19 Wisconsin at Illinois" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/GstM2as0V3XtNFvwOAz4qq76ZBs=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19591556/1177482838.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by James Black/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<p id="TCHc24">Starting with the safety position, Wisconsin utilized a three safety look frequently. Eric Burrell and Reggie Pearson were the primary starters at the position after Nelson’s injury. Burrell was more of a prototypical free safety in this pairing, reeling in three interceptions on the season, while also helping nicely in run support. Pearson was more of a quintessential strong safety, in the mold of <span>Michael Caputo</span>, who was stout in run support and a solid tackler in space. </p>
<p id="VnpoTv">Collin Wilder and hybrid defensive back <span>Madison Cone</span> also contributed at the safety spot in all 14 games this season in a reserve capacity. Each player was called upon at times to spell the starters and occasionally as a third safety in specific packages. Freshman walk-on <span>John Torchio</span> also saw limited time, particularly in the Michigan game where he was started with Pearson and Burrell both out for the first half due to targeting penalties from the game prior. Torchio intercepted a pass in that game, and demonstrated why the staff is high on him moving forward. </p>
<div id="7vMgsY">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Badgers CB Caesar Williams entered this week’s game LEADING THE NATION breaking up or picking off 19.7% of the passes he defended <br><br>Backs it up with a HUGE first half interception <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/YoungCaesar?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#YoungCaesar</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Caesar_Austin?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Caesar_Austin</a> <a href="https://t.co/eoHXGDryXt">pic.twitter.com/eoHXGDryXt</a></p>— IKE Badgers (@IKE_Badgers) <a href="https://twitter.com/IKE_Badgers/status/1200891587624161285?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 30, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
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</div>
<p id="p6bmLl">At cornerback <span>Deron Harrell</span> and Faion Hicks began the season as the starters for the opener against South Florida. As the season went on though, Harrell surprisingly did not play the final seven games. In his place, junior Caesar Williams would go on to start the majority of the games. The dyad of Hicks — a sophomore — and Williams were formidable this season. Williams specifically played well as the season wore on, finishing the season leading the team in pass breakups, and he did a tremendous job against Minnesota and their talented receiving corps. </p>
<p id="jbpZA0">Behind them, Rachad Wildgoose was the primary nickel corner for most of the season. The true sophomore did some nice things in run support and in coverage. Unafraid to go toe-to-toe with anyone, his aggressiveness is good for the defense. Redshirt freshmen <span>Donte Burton</span> and <span>Alexander Smith</span> also saw action in a limited fashion, while true freshman <span>Semar Melvin</span> looked the part of a Big Ten corner in the four games he played in while preserving his redshirt status.</p>
<aside id="bxuwlm"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Wisconsin football 2019: Top ten defensive plays","url":"https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/2019/12/12/21010347/wisconsin-badgers-football-2019-top-ten-defensive-plays-chris-orr-zack-baun-matt-henningsen"}]}'></div></aside><h3 id="eBU6yu"><strong>2020 secondary preview</strong></h3>
<p id="1FTbLE">With everyone slated to return to Wisconsin next season, expectations are high for this portion of the defense. The group seemed to improve from 2018 to 2019, and with another year of development and tutelage under Jim Leonhard a similar jump may be in the works.</p>
<p id="g5vEHB">Hicks and Williams will likely enter spring practices as the top corners. The interesting nuance to watch here will be Deron Harrell (pictured below). If he can return to the player that flourished in fall camp, he will have a chance to disrupt that top group. Rachad Wildgoose, Donte Burton, Alexander Smith, and Semar Melvin will all be battling to round out the two-deep. Wildgoose has the leg up as the nickel, but the other three youngsters have also flashed their talent and potential at times. </p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Northwestern v Wisconsin" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/g7hq2jQSKSiAoawphtS7bGBDNWQ=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19591559/1177770124.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<p id="eJkF1O">Speaking of the nickel role, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Wisconsin deploy three safeties more frequently next season, assuming everyone is healthy. Eric Burrell, Reggie Pearson, and Scott Nelson will duel it out for the two starting positions. Burrell will be a senior, and he has done a tremendous job the past two seasons at creating turnover opportunities. Nelson, a junior, is one of the more vocal leaders on the team — something that will be needed with <span>Chris Orr</span>’s departure — but is coming off of a major injury. Pearson is the youngest player of the group, but he may be the most physically gifted as an in the box safety. I think the main battle for playing time will be between Nelson and Burrell for that free safety position.</p>
<p id="IS3jTF">The depth in the secondary in 2020 will undoubtedly be a strength, but the position battles in the spring and during fall camp should be fun to watch. Jim Leonhard may have to get creative to get his best players on the field at the same time. I would personally not be surprised to see the Badgers use three safeties as a base defense given the skill available at safety. </p>
<div id="l7IKlM">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Badgers?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Badgers</a> CBs Semar Melvin and Faion Hicks after the win. Melvin, a true freshman, received a lot of love from Hicks and Tyler Biasdasz in the postgame media availability area. <a href="https://t.co/kWqGoQweZr">pic.twitter.com/kWqGoQweZr</a></p>— Jake Kocorowski (@JakeKoco) <a href="https://twitter.com/JakeKoco/status/1200953487644938240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
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</div>
<h3 id="4FjwhC"><strong>Name to watch for 2020</strong></h3>
<p id="JX4iAI"><a href="https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/2019/12/18/21027979/2020-cb-max-lofy-signs-with-wisconsin-badgers-football-recruiting-colorado-springs">Max Lofy</a> is the only newcomer to join the fold from the 2020 recruiting class, but Semar Melvin from the 2019 class is the guy to watch. The talented prospect came in and earned time during four games in 2019, even with a crowd of capable contributors in front of him. Coming off of a redshirt season in which he started the Minnesota game as the nickel corner, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him make a nice leap and work his way into the two-deep come fall.</p>
<h3 id="Z0b6T6"><strong>2020 spring depth chart projection (2020 eligibility)</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li id="qMCKGZ">Cornerback - Faion Hicks (redshirt junior); Rachad Wildgoose (junior)</li>
<li id="p2mYT3">Cornerback - Caesar Williams (redshirt senior); Donte Burton (redshirt sophomore)</li>
<li id="LljMfD">Free Safety - Eric Burrell (redshirt senior) <em>or</em> Scott Nelson (redshirt junior)</li>
<li id="rQgX0b">Strong Safety - Reggie Pearson (redshirt sophomore); Collin Wilder (redshirt senior)</li>
</ul>
<p id="dIqpGN"></p>
<p id="2be7bU"></p>
<p id="jvW4Wk"></p>
<p id="ihDcJ0"></p>
https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/2020/1/10/21058601/wisconsin-badgers-football-secondary-2019-review-and-2020-preview-eric-burrell-rachad-wildgooseMattBelz2020-01-09T10:34:00-06:002020-01-09T10:34:00-06:00Wisconsin football: special teams 2019 review and 2020 preview
<figure>
<img alt="COLLEGE FOOTBALL: SEP 07 Central Michigan at Wisconsin" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/e2wprR872bn1eiXGTdj3l5aE-7s=/0x0:5472x3648/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66071171/1168970176.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Dan Sanger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>There is actually a lot to talk about for special teams!</p> <p id="6s0X9W">Over the next week or so, we here at B5Q are going to run through every position group on the <a href="https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/">Wisconsin Badgers</a> football team and give you a recap of how they did in the 2019 season. In the same damn post we are also going to give you a preview of what we think 2020 is going to look like! Without further ado, here is your review/preview of the Wisconsin special teams.</p>
<h3 id="Opm3Tg"><strong>2019 statistical leaders</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li id="33aplo">
<span>Anthony Lotti</span> - 45 punts, 1,788 yards (39.73 avg.), long of 59 yards, three touchbacks, 17 punts inside the 20</li>
<li id="9Xi7Iv">
<span>Collin Larsh</span> - 12-of-18 (66.7%) on field goals, long of 44 yards, 53-of-54 on extra points</li>
<li id="P2oC8X">
<span>Zach Hintze</span> - 89 kickoffs, 5,643 yards (63.4 avg.), 69 touchbacks (NICE!)</li>
<li id="4ttK77">
<span>Jack Dunn</span> - 24 punt returns, 200 yards (8.3 avg.), long of 41 yards</li>
<li id="DMttm3">
<span>Aron Cruickshank</span> - 23 kick returns, 674 yards (29.3 avg.), long of 95 yards, two touchdowns</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="GTH3YH"><strong>2020 returning statistical leaders</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li id="vlflgs">Lotti and <span>Connor Allen</span> (three punts) graduated and they did all the punting in 2019, so there’ll be somebody new!</li>
<li id="uoAj78">Larsh is returning.</li>
<li id="gCaX4d">Hintze graduated and did all the kicking off in 2019, so there’ll be somebody new!</li>
<li id="JfAj3b">Dunn is returning.</li>
<li id="1DipZR">
<span>Nakia Watson</span> - two kick returns, 28 yards (14 avg.), long of 28</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="nz94K4"><strong>2019 special teams overview</strong></h3>
<p id="GdaVum">The special teams unit for the Badgers this past season was a real mixed bag. The kickoff specialist, Zach Hintze, was amazing and rarely gave the opposition a chance to return a kick which was extra nice when the Wisconsin kick returner, in this case Aron Cruickshank, decided he was going to start making house calls. </p>
<div id="JBEtUC"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/F4VYUeiy-BE?rel=0" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media; accelerometer; gyroscope; picture-in-picture"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="dNsKz2">Both of Cruickshank’s touchdowns came after the other team had marched down the field and scored on their own opening drive. He had a real penchant for taking the wind out of sails. He was No. 8 in the nation in yards gained per kickoff return and tied for No. 2 in the nation with those two TDs. Since he’s only a sophomore this posit...what’s that? No, that can’t be right.</p>
<p id="0KMI6D">Folks, we are getting word that <a href="https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/2020/1/8/21057533/wisconsin-badgers-football-aron-cruickshank-enters-the-transfer-portal">Cruickshank has entered the TRANSFER PORTAL and will be exploring his other options.</a> While this is a bummer for Wisconsin’s return unit we hope that Cruickshank finds a school that might feature him more in the base offense.</p>
<p id="4iOlmg">The punting game in 2019 wasn’t great. Anthony Lotti had consistency issues and then, in the last two games of the season, he just started dropping the football when it was snapped to him. It was pretty wild tbqh. He actually got benched in the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/rose-bowl">Rose Bowl</a> in favor of Connor Allen.</p>
<p id="VEV6iK">The place kicking game also wasn’t that great in 2019. Hintze did make a 62-yard field goal against Purdue which was pretty awesome. Collin Larsh will be back in 2020 but will undoubtedly face a competition in camp.</p>
<aside id="AZmcOq"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Wisconsin football 2019: Top five special teams plays","url":"https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/2019/12/11/21004953/wisconsin-badgers-football-2019-top-five-special-teams-plays-aron-cruickshank-zach-hintze"}]}'></div></aside><p id="HfjwTz">I don’t know nearly enough about special teams coverage units to talk about them to a dog, let alone you smart people, but I do know that the Badgers blocked a punt against Ohio State and forced a safety on a punt against Central Michigan and both of those things are good.</p>
<h3 id="eBU6yu"><strong>2020 special teams preview</strong></h3>
<p id="AXyjOd">Wisconsin’s special teams needs to improve more for them to ever truly compete for conference titles. There shouldn’t be a sense of impending doom every time the place kicker trots on to the field to attempt a field goal or the punter saunters on and takes his position and all you can see is the ball going right through his chest and out of the end zone for a safety.</p>
<p id="Xeycga">You should hopefully NOT be thinking these things!</p>
<p id="fMz0Le">There will be a new punter in 2020, this is for certain. Will there be a new kicker in 2020? If there is, it might be the same guy who is the new punter! There will be a new kickoff specialist and there will be a new kick returner (unless Cruickshank doesn’t like what he sees in the transfer portal and decides to come back to Madison, but that seems unlikely) as well.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="COLLEGE FOOTBALL: JAN 01 Rose Bowl - Oregon v Wisconsin" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/jUNk0eHwHfc_mqTjT0Zyik-eYHo=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19588627/1191477258.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<p id="MaKvPl">Dunn (pictured above) will still be fielding punts for another year because there is apparently no one else in the entire state who is willing to do it.</p>
<h3 id="4FjwhC"><strong>Name to watch for 2020</strong></h3>
<p id="3tp1ab">I think that redshirt freshman P/K <span>Blake Wilcox</span> is going to make us all forget about our special teams kicking woes. Dude has a huge leg and I think he’ll win the punting job easily and maybe even contribute on kickoffs too.</p>
<h3 id="Z0b6T6"><strong>2020 spring depth chart projection (2020 eligibility)</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li id="vcqTBv">Kicker - Collin Larsh (RS junior)</li>
<li id="0ncDha">Punter - Blake Wilcox (RS freshman)</li>
<li id="dQ9b9o">Kickoff specialist - Wilcox</li>
<li id="b3IFFY">Kick returner - <span>Isaac Guerendo</span> (RS sophomore)</li>
<li id="YZGUYx">Punt returner - Jack Dunn (RS senior)</li>
<li id="rY1b1h">Long snapper - <span>Adam Bay</span> (senior) ((he’s really good, we don’t need to talk about him))</li>
</ul>
https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/2020/1/9/21057984/wisconsin-football-special-teams-2019-review-2020-preview-aron-cruickshank-zach-hintze-anthony-lottiDrew Hamm