Six Wisconsin Badgers were included in Athlon Sports’ collection of preseason All-Big Ten teams.
Star safety Hunter Wohler made Athlon’s first-team defense, both wide receiver Will Pauling and right tackle Riley Mahlman made the second-team offense, cornerback Ricardo Hallman made second-team defense, running back Chez Mellusi made third-team offense and, finally, left tackle Jack Nelson made fourth-team offense.
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The selections are not a surprise for a Wisconsin team that is flying mostly under the radar entering the season. It has undeniable star power in Wohler, Pauling and Hallman, but the rest of the team is somewhat of an unknown.
Transfers QB Tyler Van Dyke, RB Tawee Walker, DL Elijah Hills, LB Leon Lowery, LB John Pius and LB Jaheim Thomas all expect to play significant roles. But there is a legitimate question surrounding whether any can become impact, top-of-the-conference performers.
A strong season in year two under head coach Luke Fickell and offensive coordinator Phil Longo should see a collection of players join Wohler, Hallman and Mahlman on the postseason All-Big Ten teams. But Athlon Sports shares the opinion of many: we’ll believe it when we see it from the new-look Badgers.
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