Dealing with injuries, losses, and inconsistency, Wisconsin has a tough task ahead of them in trying to improve their defensive line play from a season ago.
Gilbert looks to return to full strength this season.
With David Gilbert returning from a season-ending foot injury, and emerging talents Beau Allen and Ethan Hemer clogging the middle, Wisconsin's defensive line still could make some major strides this season.
The Front Runners
Career Stats:
Tackles: 37
Tackles for loss: 5
Sacks: 4.5
Coming off a season-ending foot injury, which cost him the last 12 games of last season, Gilbert is hoping to continue where he left off in 2011. The junior was having a breakout season last year before the injury, but his return to full strength, could still be in doubt. If he's 100 percent, Gilbert will provide a consistent pass rush the Badgers have been desperately seeking.
Career Stats:
Kelly will be a key player for Wisconsin's defense in 2012.
Tackles: 43
Tackles for loss: 5
Sacks: 3
Kelly is one of the most important pieces to Wisconsin's defense, especially if David Gilbert isn't 100 percent. Kelly struggled to keep contain against mobile quarterbacks, all-in-all was pretty good starting in place for Gilbert the last eight games of the season. Kelly has the tools and athleticism to get to the quarterback consistently, and the Badgers are hoping the senior can step up in 2012.
"One of the biggest things we decided was taking the quarterback down, just getting to the quarterback, wreaking havoc, just causing problems for the offense," he said. "It's a really good thing right now with the new Offensive Coordinator (Matt Canada), because he's getting rid of the ball pretty quick. It puts more pressure on us to get to the quarterback even faster."
Career Stats:
Tackles: 55
Tackles for loss: 1,5
Sacks: 1
Hemer was a very nice surprise for the Badgers last season in the middle of their defensive line. The former walk-on, earned a scholarship for this season after starting in all 14 games in 2011. Hemer is a huge piece for Wisconsin in 2012 in their efforts to bolster the production and effectiveness of the front four.
Beau Allen will get a crack at starting at defensive tackle.
Career Stats:
Tackles: 22
Tackles for loss: 4.5
Sacks: 4
With Jordan Kohout unable to play for Wisconsin anymore, Allen will step into the starting defensive tackle spot. The junior has played in all of the Badgers' 17 games the past two seasons, and has been productive in just about each appearance.
Top Contenders
Career Stats:
Tackles: 12
Tackles for loss: 2.5
Sacks: 2
Muldoon started two games for Wisconsin last season, and played in 12 out of the 14. Although his production was often quiet throughout the season, Muldoon did play his best games against Wisconsin's toughest opponent, including Oregon and Michigan State. Muldoon might be the favorite to replace David Gilbert if he can't go against Northern Iowa.
Tyler Dippel
Warren Herring
Career Stats:
Tackles: 9
Tackles for loss: 1
Sacks: 0
Herring surprised quite a bit last season, seeing action in eight games as a redshirt freshman. Herring continued that momentum into the spring, playing very well at his new position of defensive tackle. With Jordan Kohout no longer able to play, Herring may very well find himself in the the defensive line rotation.
Career Stats:
Tackles: 27
Tackles for loss: 5
Sacks: 2
Dippel will be pushing for a starting role in 2012 after having a solid end to his sophomore campaign. Dippel came on strong at the end of last season, particularly against Illinois and Penn State. If Gilbert struggles with his health, Dippel will definitely reap the benefits with extra reps or potentially a starting role.
Konrad Zagzebski
Career Stats:
Tackles: 2
Tackles for loss: 0
Sacks: 0
Zagaebski played in just five games last year, only acquiring two tackles, but his off-season conditioning is what has the Badger faithful excited. Zagzebski came into the spring in much better shape, and drew some praise from Wisconsin Head Coach Bret Bielema.
Dark Horse
James Adeyanju
Career Stats:
Tackles: N/A
Tackles for loss: N/A
Sacks: N/A
Adeyanju showed tremendous speed off the edge as Wisconsin's offensive line struggled to block him throughout the spring. Adeyanju performed so well in the spring, it wouldn't be a stretch to say that the redshirt freshman could get some meaningful reps during the season. Either way, Wisconsin is grooming the 6-foot-2, 250-pound defensive end to be a top speed rusher in the Big Ten.
"I'm really excited about our future here," he says. "Coach always tells us don't look ahead, take it one day at a time, but you can't just not think about it. I'm really excited for the future with me and him making big plays for the defense."
Jesse Hayes
Career Stats:
Tackles: N/A
Tackles for loss: N/A
Sacks: N/A
Hayes is very skilled and his time will come at defensive end. For now, Hayes will most likely continue to watch and learn for the Badgers.
- Evan Flood
- Wisconsin Insider - Badger247