Mike Lucas’ Wisconsin All-Decade Team: Defense
July 06, 2020 | Football, Mike Lucas
Finding the best from Wisconsin's two alignments across one dominant decade of defense
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BY MIKE LUCAS
UWBadgers.com Senior Writer
MADISON, Wis. — The day before Paul Chryst was officially introduced to the state and local media corps as Wisconsin's new head coach – replacing Gary Andersen – Chryst met with Dave Aranda, who had been the defensive coordinator for two seasons under Andersen.
When Chryst sat down and talked with Aranda about coaching philosophy – and some of the things that both felt were important to sustaining a successful program – Chryst felt there were many common threads, including their mutual attention to detail and creativity with X's and O's.
Both reveled in breaking down an opponent's tendencies and finding matchups to exploit.
By retaining Aranda as the UW defensive coordinator – in addition to Aranda continuing as a position coach for the inside linebackers – Chryst assured much-needed continuity in that the Badgers would play the 3-4 defense implemented by Aranda in 2013.
"We saw things the same way," Chryst said. "You have to have a starting point, a foundation, and the 3-4 fits for a lot of different reasons. It can adjust to the multiple looks you get offensively, and it also meshes with some of the types of guys that you can recruit and get."
Prior to Aranda's arrival in Madison, the Badgers operated out of a 4-3 scheme orchestrated by Bret Bielema and coordinated by Chris Ash and Charlie Partridge. After Aranda left following the 2015 season, Justin Wilcox took over as the defensive coordinator and Jim Leonhard as the secondary coach.
With Wilcox calling signals for the 3-4 in 2016, the Badgers ranked fourth nationally in scoring defense (15.6 points per game) and also finished among the Top 10 teams nationally in total defense, rushing defense, and pass efficiency defense. In addition, the UW led all Power Five programs with 22 interceptions.
The following season, Leonhard made a seamless transition to defensive coordinator after Wilcox departed for the Cal head coaching job. In 2017, the Badgers led the nation in pass efficiency defense and ended up No. 2 in total defense, and No. 3 in scoring and rushing defense.
Leonhard, who played safety in the NFL for a decade, was asked about the 3-4 base alignment and pronounced, "That's who we are. I love the flexibility in it. That's what I played in during my career. I see the value in starting there and building your defense out of that."
Over the past 10 seasons, the Badgers have steadily evolved defensively from the 4-3 (2010-12) to the 3-4 (2013-19). At the start of the decade, they gave up 20.5 points and 321.8 total yards. At the end of the decade, they shut out four opponents and allowed 16.9 points and 287.1 total yards.
In the spirit of lists, my Wisconsin All-Decade Team on defense reflects both the 4-3 and 3-4 alignments.
FRONT SEVEN (4-3)
Defensive End: J.J. Watt
Strong consideration: David Gilbert
In 2010, Watt produced a stat in every defensive category except one (safety). Watt, a first-team All-American and the Lott IMPACT Trophy winner, had 42 solo tackles, 20 assisted, 21 TFLs, 7 sacks, 8 PBUs, 10 QB hurries, 2 fumble recoveries, 3 forced fumbles, 3 blocked kicks and an interception. In his final home game, he had 7 tackles, 3 TFLs, 2 forced fumbles and 3 hurries (all resulting in picks).
Defensive End: Louis Nzegwu
Strong consideration: Brendan Kelly
At Platteville High School, Nzegwu was an all-state tailback who rushed for over 3,000 yards during his career. In the 2012 Rose Bowl, Nzegwu showed that he had not lost his running back instincts. After linebacker Mike Taylor knocked the ball free from Oregon quarterback Darron Thomas, Nzegwu collected the fumble on the bounce and ran 33 yards for a touchdown in a 45-38 loss to the Ducks.
Defensive Tackle: Patrick Butrym
Strong consideration: Jordan Kohout
Butrym, the son of former Marquette center Craig Butrym (a member of 1977 NCAA championship team), was one of the unsung players on the defense. As fifth-year senior in 2011, he was a team leader. Great sense of humor. Asked how the Badgers would be able to replace J.J. Watt, who left early for NFL, he deadpanned, "Maybe we can just retire his position and play with 10."
Defensive Tackle: Ethan Hemer
Strong consideration: Beau Allen
Overlooked by college recruiters during his senior year at Medford (Wis.) High School, Hemer accepted Wisconsin's walk-on offer and wound up starting in three straight Rose Bowls. Appeared in 54 games. Had six tackles in first career start as a redshirt freshman in 2010. Moved from tackle to defensive end in new 3-4 scheme in 2013. Benched 225 pounds 32 times at pro day.
Linebacker: Blake Sorenson
Strong consideration: Kevin Claxton
Sorenson was singled out as Mr. Football in the state of Minnesota during his senior year at Eden Prairie High School. Helped lead his prep team to back-to-back Class 5A state championships. Was mainly a special teams contributor and top reserve through his junior season at Wisconsin. Once he got into the starting lineup, he delivered. Led the defense in tackles during his senior year in 2010.
Middle Linebacker: Chris Borland
Strong consideration: Culmer St. Jean
Borland was one of just six players in school history with over 400 career tackles (joining Pete Monty, Gary Casper, Tim Krumrie, Dave Lokanc and Dave Crossen). Had 420 tackles while setting the Big Ten record with 15 forced fumbles. Forced and recovered at least three fumbles in the same season twice. Transitioned to 3-4 as senior. First-team All-American – Wisconsin's first at linebacker since 1951 – and Big Ten Defensive Player of Year in 2013.
Linebacker: Mike Taylor
Strong consideration: Ethan Armstrong
Despite being relatively undersized, Taylor, an Ashwaubenon native, battled through injuries. And often played hurt. Still had more tackles than anybody in college football over his junior and senior seasons. In 2011, he had 150 tackles, tops in the Big Ten and third most in the country. In 2012, he had 123 tackles (Borland had 104 that season). Averaged double-digit tackles in his final 28 games.
FRONT SEVEN (3-4)
Defensive End: Alec James
Strong consideration: Warren Herring
Many recruiting services had James as the No. 1 high school prospect in the state of Wisconsin coming out of Brookfield East. Gradually worked his way into a contributing role with the Badgers. Through his first three years of eligibility played in 39 games with 12 starts. Blossomed as fifth-year senior. Was fifth-leading tackler with 52 (four more than career total). Also had 6.5 sacks.
Nose Tackle: Olive Sagapolu
Strong consideration: Beau Allen
Sagapolu's backflips earned him early notoriety as prep cheerleader. Had strong family mentors in uncles Domata and Tupe Peko. Both played at Michigan State and professionally. Sagapolu was agile for 340-pounder. This was a close call. Allen made the switch from a 4-3 defensive tackle where he had been a two-year starter to the nose as a senior. And he's still playing today on the D-line in the NFL.
Defensive End: Chikwe Obasih
Strong consideration: Conor Sheehy
Obasih was a friendly high school rival with James. Was four-star recruit out of Brookfield Central. After redshirting as freshman, he started seven games in 2014. Had six tackles in opener against LSU. Started all 13 games in 2015 and once again came up big against top competition with five tackles in opener against Alabama. Injuries limited playing time as senior. Up until then, he had 31 starts.
Outside Linebacker: Joe Schobert
Strong consideration: Zack Baun and Leon Jacobs
As a high school junior, Schobert led Waukesha West to the state title by rushing 38 times for 296 yards, breaking John Clay's championship game record. Walk-on originally projected as a safety. Found home on edge. Was first-team All-American in 2015 and winner of the Big Ten's Butkus-Fitzgerald Linebacker of the Year award. Had most dominating performance against Iowa with three sacks, two forced fumbles and five QB hurries.
Outside Linebacker: T.J. Watt
Strong consideration: Vince Biegel
Watt was an afterthought at tight end and injury prone before moving to linebacker. Had a banner season in 2016. First-team All-American. Led Big Ten with 11.5 sacks. Choosing between Watt and Biegel was comparable to choosing between Melvin Gordon and Montee Ball. Although he dealt with foot injuries, Biegel was a consistent force on defense. In 2015, he led the team with 16.5 TFLs.
Inside Linebacker: T.J. Edwards
Strong consideration: Jack Cichy
Edwards was a prep quarterback, explaining why he wasn't heavily recruited by Big Ten programs. UW uncovered a gem. Ended up as ninth-leading tackler in school history with 367. First-team All-American in 2017. Runner-up for Butkus Award. Was obviously strong against the run, but he was also effective in pass coverage. Had 10 interceptions in his career, the most ever by a UW linebacker.
Inside Linebacker: Ryan Connelly
Strong consideration: Chris Orr and Marcus Trotter
It was only fitting that Connelly and Edwards would form a tag-team since Connelly was also a high school quarterback. He sparked Eden Prairie to a Minnesota Class 6A state championship. Also won a state title in lacrosse as a prep junior. Turned out to be another UW walk-on success story. Was leading tackler in 2017 with 88, including 11 TFLs. Was second to Edwards in 2018 with 89, including 10 TFLs.
SECONDARY
Cornerback: Sojourn Shelton
Strong consideration: Darius Hillary
In 2013, the 5-foot-9, 165-pound Shelton was the first true freshman to start a UW season opener since offensive lineman Travis Frederick in 2009. Had four interceptions that first season, the most by a Badgers freshman since Jamar Fletcher had seven as a redshirt frosh in 1998. Shelton's next pick sealed win over USC in 2015 Holiday Bowl. Started 51 of 54 career games.
Cornerback: Antonio Fenelus
Strong consideration: Nick Nelson
The Badgers have gotten a lot of productivity from Florida high school defensive backs. Fenelus, who hailed from Boca Raton, was no exception. Started five games as a true freshman in 2009. Led team with four interceptions and 11 PBUs while starting all 13 games in 2010. Was first-team All-Big Ten. As a senior, he was the fifth-leading tackler with 51. Also had four picks to tie for team lead.
Free Safety: Aaron Henry
Strong consideration: Leo Musso
In 2010, Henry, then a junior, started all 13 games and checked most boxes. Led defense in fumbles recovered, second in picks, third in passes defended. Had three defensive touchdowns. Pick-sixes against Northwestern and Indiana. Returned fumble for score against UNLV. In 2011, he was the third-leading tackler behind Mike Taylor and Chris Borland. Had 67 stops, with four interceptions.
Strong Safety: D'Cota Dixon
Strong consideration: Michael Caputo
It was really hard to pick one over the other. Sort of like Gordon/Ball. Sort of like Watt/Biegel. There's not a wrong choice. Dixon's narrative has been well-documented. In twist of irony, he came off the bench in 2015 opener against Alabama to replace the injured starter, Caputo. Both hit like linebackers. Both were tremendous leaders on the field, in the locker room and off the field.
Special Teams
Kicker: Rafael Gaglianone
Strong consideration: Philip Welch
Gaglianone rewrote the UW record book. Converted 70 of 92 career field goal attempts, surpassing previous record holder Todd Gregorie (65 of 85). Also owns school PAT record (216 of 218). Accounted for 426 points, tying Ron Dayne for second most in school history behind Montee Ball (500). Was credited with four game-winning field goals, including OT winner over Auburn in Outback Bowl.
Punter: Brad Nortman
Strong consideration: Drew Meyer
Fourth-and-4 from the UW 26. The Badgers trailed Iowa, 30-24, with less than seven minutes left at Kinnick Stadium. Bret Bielema was known for his aggressive play-calling and this was the ultimate gamble: a fake punt which went by the name of "Chains" in the huddle. It worked to perfection as Nortman moved the chains on a 17-yard run up the middle to keep alive the game-winning drive.
Return Specialist: David Gilreath
Strong consideration: Kenzel Doe
In 2010, Gilreath returned the opening kickoff against No. 1 Ohio State for a touchdown.
Bang. Enough said.
