Looking Ahead: For defense, excitement ‘to see what’s next’
January 04, 2018 | Football, Mike Lucas, Varsity Magazine
New faces ready to become new leaders for Badgers’ defense
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BY MIKE LUCAS
UWBadgers.com Senior Writer
This article is Part 2 of the Wisconsin football 2018 preview. Read Part 1 on the Badgers' offense here.
MADISON, Wis. — If he was sweating, Wisconsin's inside linebacker T.J. Edwards never showed it.
"We didn't lose any spirit or confidence," Edwards said after Miami pulled out to a 14-3 first-quarter lead in the Orange Bowl last Saturday. "This team has been through so much this year.
"We battled all game and I knew that we were going to come out on top."
It was just another obstacle to overcome. Like the loss to Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship Game. That one hurt.
"We've been through a lot of adversity," said Edwards, alluding to some of the season-ending injuries and first-half deficits. "A lot of ups and downs."
But the Badgers rallied against the 'Canes to secure their status as one of the top programs in the nation. Since Edwards' redshirt season (2014), they've posted a head-turning 45-10 record.
"This group," Edwards promised, "is going to come back with a lot of confidence."
Better yet, Edwards is coming back for his senior year after considering his NFL draft options. Many were sweating out his decision because he has been such an impact player over his 39 starts.
There's more to be done! #OnWisconsin
— T.J. Edwards (@TJEdwards8) January 2, 2018
Edwards can now be a stabilizing influence on a defense that must replace seven starters. For example, nose tackle Olive Sagapolu is a lone survivor, the lone returning regular on the defensive line.
"I've kind of sat in the shadows," said Sagapolu, a junior, "and led by example."
But with the graduation losses of Conor Sheehy (54 games, 33 starts), Alec James (54, 26) and Chikwe Obasih (49, 31), he understands that his job description has changed.
"There will be times when practices are going to be tough," said the 346-pound Sagapolu (36 games, 18 starts), "and I'm going to have to be that one guy who sparks everybody.
"I'm definitely one of the guys in the group who has played a lot of ball and I've learned a lot from past guys, especially this senior class. I was very close to them."
He said that they taught him to "have fun and enjoy the moment." They also encouraged him to "play ball for each other" — a common theme with all the position groups, not just the D-line.
Next Man Up
The impeding turnover on defense won't merit a gold chain. Just patience.
"I'm excited for the guys that are coming back just to see where they can take this," said defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard. "I'm excited to see what's next.
"Obviously, we lose a lot of seniors; we lose a lot of leadership and some playmakers on defense. But, year-in and year-out, you see the next man stepping up and taking on a bigger role."
That could potentially be Garrett Rand (28 games), Isaiahh Loudermilk (11) and David Pfaff (5) on the D-line. They've played a little. But it remains to be seen how the two-deep will look in the spring.
"One thing we probably lack is depth," Sagapolu said. "We'll have some new guys and we'll teach them how we do things. Hopefully they'll will learn fast enough to get ready for the season."
Playing (and winning) on big stages This year's @OrangeBowl between the #Badgers and Miami had 11.7 million viewers, the most-watched non CFP semifinal Orange Bowl. ??
— Wisconsin Football (@BadgerFootball) January 2, 2018
Growing In Confidence
The Badgers will have measurably more playing experience at linebacker, whether it's outside (Andrew Van Ginkel and Tyler Johnson) or inside (Edwards, Ryan Connelly and Chris Orr).
Edwards earlier referenced confidence and Van Ginkel, for one, doesn't lack in this area.
"He was so consistent all season long, but he wasn't necessarily making the splash plays," Leonhard said. "He had some sacks, he had some tackles for loss. But you're seeing him get more confident.
"Between the Big Ten championship and today (the Orange Bowl) — to play his best in these big moments — it's just impressive to see how much of an impact player he has become."
Van Ginkel's second-quarter interception completely reversed the momentum against Miami. He made some other big plays, including a sack and two open-field tackles on quarterback Malik Rosier.
As far as emerging new faces on defense, Van Ginkel said, "I'm going to do whatever I have to do to make this team successful, whatever that may be; I'm going to push the guys and we're going to come back ready to go next year."
Besides, Van Ginkel reasoned, "Every year, you have to replace seniors." Everyone must deal with that reality. Connelly, who led the team in tackles, has a comparable perspective on transition.
"The standard has been set and we have to be able to keep meeting that standard," he said. "The young guys have seen the older guys do it, so we know what to expect.
"A lot of my friends will be gone. But I'm excited by these young guys — these young bucks have shown some promise — so I'm excited to see what they can do.
"Our potential is unlimited really as a defense."
Establish Their Own Identity
The secondary will have the most unknowns, save for D'Cota Dixon, a fixture at safety.
"It's not too challenging," Dixon said of the orientation for the newcomers. "That's why we've got an offseason. We'll be talking with guys and just hanging out with one another."
Dixon rattled off some names from the talent pool.
"Dontye, most definitely and for sure," he said of nickel back Carriere-Williams. "Scott Nelson is a great guy. Eric Burrell. Pat (Johnson) once he gets healthy. Madison Cone. Faion Hicks."
There will be others, he assured, that will also factor into the mix. He's open-minded.
So is Leonhard, who said, "A lot of guys are going to be asked to step up; not only to take on a bigger role on the field but to become leaders, to really drive this team in the direction we want to go.
"There are going to be some fresh faces next year. We all know that. But I'm excited for this group. They have to grow up, they have to grow up in a hurry and they've got to do it together."
That would be Leonhard's goal for winter conditioning, spring practice and summer training. Meanwhile, the returning starters will be challenged to establish their identity, Connelly suggested.
"Last year was last year," he said. "Coach Chryst says that every year. When we come back (in January), he'll say, 'This team hasn't accomplished anything yet.' It's the model you've got to live by."
Nobody is about to argue with success, either.
