August 2, 2023

At which positions does Wisconsin have quality depth? Where are they thin?

What are the biggest strengths? Where are there questions?

Who will play on defense for Wisconsin in 2023? A simple question with lots of different names counting toward the answer. As highlighted in the subtitle, there are 2 ways I like to look at a roster.

1st – Strengths and Weaknesses (question marks) among the starters.

2nd – How deep Wisconsin is in a position when the inevitable injury bug strikes.

The defense has 8 returning starters from last year. The 3 losses were big ones though. John Torchio, INT machine, gone. Nick Herbig, pass rush monster, gone, NFL 4th round. Keanu Benton, monster run stuffer, gone, NFL 2nd round.

Thankfully those D-Line losses should be replaceable. The new 3-3-5 defense that Jim Tressel is implementing requires fewer down lineman but asks for more pass rushing from the linebackers. This side of the ball has far fewer transfers than the offense, but it also didn’t have as many holes to fill. 

2023 transfers will be underlined.

Interior D-Line

• Possible Weakness
• Concerns about depth

Starters: Rodas Johnson, Isaiah Mullens, Gio Paez (NT)

Depth: Darian Varner, James Thompson Jr., Curt …