Tag: Semar Melvin

Michigan State football: 2023 transfer tracker

Tracking Michigan State’s transfer portal activity in 2023:

The transfer portal is seeing a record number of players entering to look for new homes around college football.

Michigan State is no exception, and it will see its fair share of attrition within the roster. On the flip side, the Spartans are looking to bring in a large number of transfers to enhance the roster and fill holes left through graduation, transfers and other departures.

Take a look at Michigan State’s 2023 transfer tracker of outgoing and incoming transfers:

Contact/Follow us @The SpartansWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Michigan state news, notes, and opinion. You can also follow Cory Linsner on Twitter @Cory_Linsner.

Michigan State football picks up Wisconsin cornerback transfer

MSU has landed Wisconsin CB transfer Semar Melvin

Michigan State has picked up their second Wisconsin transfer of the 2022-23 transfer portal cycle, adding CB Semar Melvin to the program. Melvin has spent the past four seasons with the Badgers after playing high school football at St. Thomas Aquinas.

Melvin recorded 15 tackles and 3 pass defends in his career with the Badgers. He will be a great addition to the depth in Michigan State’s secondary going into the 2023 season.

Stay up to date with all of Michigan State’s transfer news with Spartans Wire’s transfer tracker.

Contact/Follow us @The SpartansWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Michigan state news, notes, and opinion. You can also follow Cory Linsner on Twitter @Cory_Linsner.

[lawrence-auto-related count=1]

A Wisconsin cornerback enters the transfer portal

The Badger cornerback is officially in the portal

Another Wisconsin Badger has officially entered the transfer portal. On Tuesday morning, Semar Melvin announced his decision to take his two years of eligibility elsewhere.

Melvin appeared in four games for Wisconsin in 2022, totally two passes defended and five tackles.

“I want to thank my family and friends for their constant love and support,” said Melvin in his goodbye message to Wisconsin fans. I would also like to thank all of my teammates, Coach Leonhard and Coach Chryst for being a family away from mine back home.”

Here is a look at Melvin’s full post. He announced his decision via Twitter on Tuesday morning:

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbyzzyj3n3jt6m7 player_id=none image=https://badgerswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/plugins/mm-video/images/playlist-icon.png]

A way-too-early look at the 2022 Wisconsin Badger defense

Paul Chryst and the Wisconsin Badger coaching staff have been making waves on the recruiting trail during the last few months, landing…

Paul Chryst and the Wisconsin Badger coaching staff have been making waves on the recruiting trail during the last few months, landing big defensive names including Braelon Allen, T.J. Bollers, Hunter Wohler and Darryl Peterson.

Their 2021 class currently stands at No. 14 in the nation and No. 3 in the conference, both marks placing the class as the best the program’s had since the online ranking era began.

Every college football fan knows that the Badgers pride themselves on their defense and they–no matter who is out there on the field–always seem to have one of the conference’s best defensive units.

With all of the question marks surrounding the upcoming 2020 football season I’m looking into the future at the 2022 defensive unit, one which at this point is lining up to be an absolute sight to see.

 

Defensive Line

Syndication: Milwaukee
Badgers nose tackle Keeanu Benton (95) and linebacker Jack Sanborn celebrate a fumble recovery by UW’s defense deep in its own territory during the first quarter against Michigan. Credit: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel-Imagn Content Services, LLC

Defensive end: T.J. Bollers, Ayo Adebogun, Mike Jarvis, Cade McDonald

Nose tackle: Keeanu Benton, Rodas Johnson

 

Keeanu Benton showed crazy potential last season as a true freshman. He will be a senior at this point and the leader of a talented defensive front.

Bollers is a four-star recruit and will be coming to Madison in 2021 as one of the highest-rated recruits in the 2021 class.

This unit will have the skills needed to control the opponents’ ground game but even more significantly they will be an absolute force rushing the quarterback.

 

Next…the linebackers

Pages: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3

Projecting Wisconsin’s 2020 Spring Defensive Depth Chart

Who will open up on Wisconsin’s spring depth chart on the defensive side of the football?

Wisconsin’s defense in 2020 will be missing not only two key players but also two key leaders to not only the defense but the entire team. Those two players being 2019 team captains outside linebacker Zack Baun and inside linebacker Chris Orr. Despite Wisconsin losing Baun and Orr to graduation the Badgers still return an impressive nine starters from last year’s defense.

In this Badgers Wire feature, we project what the spring depth chart on defense will look like when the Badgers open up spring practice.

Projected Spring Depth Chart Defensive Line: DE 1. Isaiahh Loudermilk and Garrett Rand, 2. Matt Henningsen and Isaiah Mullens NT 1. Keeanu Benton 2. Gio Paez

Loudermilk and Rand were able to stay healthy over the course of their redshirt junior seasons and as long as they stay healthy they have established themselves as starters at the defensive end positions. Henningsen used last year’s spring practice to put him in a position to have a terrific redshirt sophomore season. If Henningsen can put together a productive spring like he did in 2019 should allow him to take another step in his development. Mullens appeared in 13 games mostly on special teams as he registered one tackle. With backup defensive end David Pfaff graduating he’ll have a chance in spring football to show why he deserves to be apart of the defensive line rotation. At nose tackle, Keeanu Benton will be going through his first spring practice and will receive plenty of valuable practice reps as Bryson Williams could miss all of spring football as he continues to recover from his left leg injury that he suffered this past season. If Williams can’t go that will mean more reps for redshirt freshman Gio Paez as it will be critical that he takes advantage of his reps.

Projected Spring Depth Chart Linebackers: OLB 1. Noah Burks and Izayah Green-May, 2. Spencer Lytle and Jaylan Franklin ILB 1. Jack Sanborn and Leo Chenal 2. Mike Maskalunas and Maema Njongmeta

Christian Bell would’ve had a chance at competing for one of the starting outside linebacker positions opposite of Noah Burks but instead elected to transfer. That leave’s Green-May as the likely starter opposite of Burks when Wisconsin opens spring football. Green-May initially started the 2019 season as a starter but suffered a right arm injury early in the season, which caused him to miss time. Green-May was able to put together a productive fall camp and the practice habits he developed last year will need to continue if he wants to establish himself as the starter once again. Outside linebackers coach Bobby April will also give Franklin and Lytle a look as a starter opposite of Burks. Making it an important spring for both of them as the Badgers look for a starter who can complement Burks. Wisconsin may lose Chris Orr at middle linebacker but the transition between Orr and Leo Chenal should be a smooth one. Chenal gained valuable experience last year as he played as a true freshman. Chenal will receive plenty of reps over spring football and he should be able to take a nice step in his development. Maskalunas will be Chenal’s top competitor for the other starting inside linebacker position as he’s been serviceable during his time at Wisconsin. Njongmeta redshirted last season and will be going through his first spring practice.

Projected Spring Depth Chart Cornerbacks: 1. Faion Hicks and Rachad Wildgoose 2. Caesar Williams and Semar Melvin

Hicks has been a regular starter at cornerback for Wisconsin the past two seasons and that shouldn’t change heading into spring practices. Wildgoose and Williams started eight and seven games respectively a season ago. The trio has been Wisconsin’s most consistent group of cornerbacks. Semar Melvin is coming off a redshirt season but he was able to take advantage of the redshirt rule by playing in four games without burning a year of eligibility. Melvin was up and down, which is understandable but the reps he does receive during spring practice will be invaluable as he looks to build off of his freshman season. Jim Leonhard will also likely rotate in Donte Burton and Deron Harrell too as the starters at cornerback or with the second string cornerbacks too.

Projected Spring Depth Chart Safety: FS 1. Eric Burrell, 2. John Torchio SS 1. Reggie Pearson, 2. Collin Wilder

Wisconsin Football Season Review: Cornerbacks

How did Wisconsin’s cornerbacks play during the 2019 football season?

Wisconsin finished its fifth season under head coach Paul Chryst as Chryst improved his overall record to 52-16 and has a posted a 34-10 record in conference games. After not winning the Big Ten West Division title in 2018 the Badgers were back in Indianapolis for the Big Ten Championship game as the West representative for the fourth time in the last six years since the Big Ten went to its current format.

In this Badgers Wire feature we will examine the play of Wisconsin’s cornerbacks from the 2019 season and take a sneak into what the 2020 season may have in store for the position:

One of the main questions heading into the 2019 season was if Wisconsin could have two players from the cornerback position emerge and lock down the position. Considering over the 2018 season the Badgers used seven different starting combinations at the cornerback position.

In 2019 not much changed as the Badgers once again used seven different starting combinations. That’s not a bad thing though as the Badgers for a second consecutive year received good production from their cornerbacks as they helped to only allow 187.3 passing yards a game.

Faion Hicks was one of the constants in the starting lineup at cornerback as he started 12 games for the Badgers, Rachad Wildgoose was second with eight starts, and Caesar Williams started the last seven games this season. Redshirt sophomore Deron Harrell (four starts), redshirt freshman Donte Burton (two starts), and true freshman Semar Melvin (two starts) all started at least two games this past season.

The highlight of the season for Williams was the game against Minnesota as he put his best game to date together. As he registered his only interception of the season against the Gophers and broke up four passes.

With two of his four pass breakups coming on consecutive plays against consensus first-team All-Big Ten wide receiver Tyler Johnson. Minnesota attempted a pass on both third and fourth and goal with Tanner Morgan’s pass attempt intended for Johnson. The problem was Williams was there both times ready to break up the pass.

Hicks once again was steady manning his positon at cornerback as he was a consensus All-Big Ten honorable mention selection. Hicks finished the season with 32 tackles, one pass breakup, and one tackle for loss. Hicks has the trust of defensive coordinator and secondary coach Jim Leonhard as he is able to play disciplined football and doesn’t get beat easily.

Wildgoose was able to take a nice step from his true freshman season to his sophomore year. Wildgoose was able to become more consistent in his play as he registered his first interception in his career, which came against Michigan State to help preserve the shutout. Wildgoose once again put himself in a good position to make a play on the football as his six pass breakups were the second most amongst the cornerbacks only trailing Williams who had 11.

2020 Wisconsin Cornerbacks

In 2020 Wisconsin once again could utilize multiple starting combinations but the main three will likely be Hicks, Wildgoose, and Williams. Those three were the most consistent in their play a season ago and if they continue to develop their games the Badgers once again should be to tough pass on. It will also be interesting to see how Leonhard utilizes Melvin who will be a redshirt freshman next year. Considering the talent Wisconsin has at the cornerback position he still played in four games and made two starts. If he continues to develop he’ll push for playing time. Burton and Alexander Smith will need to continue to develop the consistency that is needed if they want to push for playing time in 2020.

Three Players Listed as Questionable Heading into Big Ten Championship Game

Wisconsin lists three players as questionable heading into the Big Ten Championship Game against Ohio State.

Heading into Wisconsin’s rematch against Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship game the Badgers ruled three players as questionable in A.J. Taylor (right leg), David Moorman (left leg), and Rachad Wildgoose (left leg).

Wildgoose missed the game against Minnesota while Taylor and Moorman both had to leave the game early against the Gophers.

Moorman has started the last six games and seven overall this season and if he can’t go on Saturday he’ll be replaced by redshirt sophomore Kayden Lyles at left guard.

True freshman Semar Melvin who made his first career start against Minnesota likely will play in his fourth game this season if Wildgoose can’t go.

Melvin despite being responsible for giving up the first touchdown to Rashod Bateman bounced back as he finished the game with one tackle and one pass breakup.

Wisconsin lost to Ohio State earlier this season 38-to-7 in Columbus, their second straight loss at the time before winning their final four games. Wisconsin and Ohio State will kickoff at 7 p.m. as the game can be seen on Fox.

 

Cole Van Lanen to Miss Game Against Purdue

Wisconsin will be without starting left tackle Cole Van Lanen when they play Purdue.

[jwplayer Fri9RJF1-er0jUifI]

Wisconsin was already going to be without starting nose tackle Bryson Williams, as he’ll miss his second straight game and fifth overall this season. Wisconsin can add one more name to that list, as starting left tackle Cole Van Lanen will also miss the game against the Boilermakers with a head injury.

Van Lanen wasn’t listed on the preliminary injury report that was released on Monday. He will be replaced by redshirt sophomore Tyler Beach in the starting lineup.

This will mark Beach’s second career start for Wisconsin as he started earlier in the year against Illinois at right tackle. Overall, Beach has appeared in 23 career games for Wisconsin.

Losing Van Lanen hurts, as Beach will be counted on to try and help neutralize Purdue defensive end George Karlaftis, who leads the Big Ten in tackles for loss per game at 1.57.

There was one subtraction from the injury report that was released on Thursday, as true freshman cornerback Semar Melvin (head) who was listed as questionable on the preliminary injury report was taken off the report.

Bryson Williams set to Miss Game Against Purdue

Bryson Williams will miss second straight game with a left leg injury. Semar Melvin listed as questionable.

Bryson Williams will miss his second straight game because of a left leg injury as the Badgers get set to play Purdue.

Williams had to leave the game against Iowa early and with him set to miss Wisconsin’s home finale against the Boilermakers, this will mark the fifth game he has missed this year.

Keeanu Benton will start in his place as Benton has started six games and has appeared in nine games overall. Benton over Big Ten play has registered seven of the 10 tackles he has on the year and his lone sack came against Ohio State.

True freshman cornerback Semar Melvin who missed the game against Iowa with a head injury was listed as questionable heading into the game against the Boilermakers.

Melvin has only appeared in two games this year against South Florida and Ohio State as he recorded a tackle in each game.

Wisconsin will take on Purdue at 3 p.m. as the game can be seen on Fox.

 

Semar Melvin out for the Game Against Nebraska

Semar Melvin and Bryson Williams set to miss game against Nebraska.

When Wisconsin released its preliminary injury report on Monday freshman cornerback Semar Melvin was listed as questionable with a head injury. On Thursday when Wisconsin released its injury report heading into their game against Nebraska, Melvin was listed as out.

This will mark the second straight game Melvin has missed as he and nose tackle Bryson Williams will also miss the game with a left leg injury.

Williams a native of Lincoln left the game early with a leg injury against Iowa as he will be replaced by freshman Keenau Benton. Williams has struggled to stay healthy at times this year as this will mark the fourth game he will miss this year.

The Badgers and Cornhuskers will play for the Freedom Trophy as the game can be seen on the Big Ten Network at 11 a.m.