Way too early Wisconsin two-deep predictions: Defense

Here’s a way too early look at Wisconsin’s projected two-deep on defense heading into 2022.

DE: James Thompson Jr. (R-SO) | Rodas Johnson (R-JR)

NT: Keaanu Benton (SR) | Gio Paez (R-JR)

DE: Isaiah Mullens (R-SR) | Isaac Townsend (R-JR)

OLB: Nick Herbig (JR) | Daryl Peterson (R-FR)

ILB: Jordan Turner (R-SO) | Maema Njongmeta (R-JR)

ILB: Tatum Grass (R-JR) | Jake Ratzlaff (R-FR)

OLB: CJ Goetz (R-SR) | Aaron Witt (R-SO)

CB: Dean Engram (R-JR) | Max Lofy (R-SO)

SS: Hunter Wohler (SO) | Preston Zachman (R-SO)

FS: John Torchio (R-SR) | Travian Blaylock (R-SR)

CB: Alexander Smith (R-SR) | Semar Melvin (R-JR)

 

The vast amount of turnover is eerily similar to the 2018 Wisconsin Badgers team that faced a significant overhaul of their defense after Jim Leonhard’s first season as defensive coordinator.

They are likely going to take some lumps as they find their way with so many new faces, but they have an abundance of talent ready to earn their opportunity.

 

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