Badgers’ secondary should be better
MADISON – The 2018 season reminded every member of the Wisconsin secondary that college football can be a humbling game and opponents have no qualms about picking on newbies.
“Last year there was a lot of guys that just wanted to play,” defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard said when asked about the growing pains the young cornerbacks experienced. “They hadn't been on the field. They knew there was an opportunity for snaps and big roles. And with experience, they realize there is a big differ
ence between playing and playing well.
“A little bit of getting humbled last year at times, struggling. We had some success at the position, but it was inconsistent. Now their focus is higher. Their understanding is higher. The urgency is higher.”
Injuries, inconsistent play and the desire to limit the workload of several younger players led Leonhard to use seven cornerbacks and five safeties.
All of the cornerbacks and three of the top five safeties are back for 2019, with UW set to open camp on Thursday.
“Physically, coming in as a young player, not everyone is prepared to play an extended role,” Leonhard explained. “Sometimes you’re forced into that role. I think another year of maturity, another year in the weight room for some of these guys will make all the difference.
“Now it is going and competing and winning, owning those roles.”
Faion Hicks (11 starts, 12 games played), Caesar Williams (5-12), Deron Harrell (5-10), Rachad Wildgoose (5-10), Madison Cone (2-12), Donte Burton (1-4) and Alexander Smith (0-4) all got work at cornerback.
Travian Blaylock contributed on special teams for four games. Because Burton, Smith and Blaylock played in only four games, they didn’t lose a year of eligibility and enter the season as redshirt freshmen.
The safeties back are Eric Burrell (612), Scott Nelson (8-9) and Reggie Pearson (1-4).
Williams, Harrell and Hicks appeared to be the top three cornerbacks in the spring, although Leonhard evaluated several combinations during practice. That included using different players on the short and wide sides of the field and in the slot as the nickel.
“Spring is a time to challenge them as much as young can,” Leonhard said, “try to overload them at times, and put them in different situations.
“Come fall we want to get the best 11 out there every play. If that is 20 snaps for you, that is your role, which it was in a lot of cases last year.
“But with injuries they had to play more. Just trying to find out who can handle what at this point. Come fall, I expect some big competition on the back end.”
Nelson and Burrell worked together with the projected No. 1 unit during the spring. Pearson, who proved to be a tenacious hitter last season, got work with the second unit. So, too, did Collin Wilder, who sat out last season after transferring from Houston, and redshirt freshman John Torchio.
“I’m excited to see what we can bring to the table,” Burrell said. “A lot of people are going to be doubting us. Safety Eric Burrell was a pleasant surprise last year when forced into a larger role.
“We’re a young group. I got a little time last year. Scotty got a little time.
“I think a lot of guys are hungry. … Whoever is out there, we’re just going to go out there and make plays.”