UW’s Goetz becoming dependable linebacker
MADISON – Wisconsin’s defensive coaches weren’t sure what to make of or do with C.J. Goetz when he arrived in 2018.
Goetz came to UW from Catholic Memorial High School, where he helped the Crusaders win the WIAA Division 3 state title as a junior in 2016 and was named the state’s top linebacker as a senior in 2017.
Listed at 6-foot-3 and 238 pounds, Goetz was penciled in to start out at inside linebacker. But the
UW staff wondered if he could bulk up and become a light but quick end who could provide another pass-rusher.
“We thought he could be a little bit different lineman for us,” defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard said. “But was his body going to grow into that? Then he kind of hit that wall and it really tailored more toward that outside linebacker position.”
Goetz, a 243-pound redshirt sophomore this season, has been a pleasant but
under-the-radar surprise for a UW team that is 2-3 and has fallen short of internal expectations as it prepares to host Minnesota (3-3) at 3 p.m. Saturday.
“He has bounced around a couple positions trying to figure out where his body was going to grow, how he was going to finish developing,” Leonhard said. “He really settled into the outside linebacker position.”
Through five games this season, UW has relied mostly on Nick Herbig, Noah Burks and Goetz at outside linebacker.
Herbig, a touted freshman from Hawaii, and Burks, a senior, have started all five games.
Herbig leads the trio in solo tackles (14), total tackles (15) and tackles for loss (six). Goetz, a standout on special teams last season, and Burks, in his second season as a starter on defense, have 10 tackles apiece. Goetz has one sack and two hurries. Burks has one sack.
“He is young to the position,” Leonhard said of Goetz, “but he has taken a huge stride from last year.
“He kind of changes that room for us a little bit with his physicality. Really strong. Powerful kid. Great get-off.
“We're excited for his future at the position. He is playing solid right now and you feel like there is more play-making in there. It just might take a little bit of time, but we like everything he is providing us right now.”
Leonhard likened Goetz's place on the learning curve to that of Burks last season.
Burks provided a solid, complementary piece to Zack Baun. While Baun blossomed into an elite pass-rusher who was also stout against the run, Burks set the edge of the defense and made plays that came his way.
“The Noah Burks comparison is very fair,” Leonhard said. “Be consistent. Be physical. Set the edge.
"He (Goetz) has the ability to get after the passer. The production hasn't necessarily been there yet, but he does have that ability. We're excited for that to continue to flash.”
Head coach Paul Chryst allows Leonhard and the defensive staff to handle their business without interference. Yet he believes Goetz could develop into a play-maker.
“I think he has truly found a home where he can fit and contribute,” Chryst said. “Love his approach, his competitiveness, his toughness. We think he is athletic for his size. We get to see him every day.
“I think he has been one of those bright spots, a guy taking advantage of an opportunity and continuing to grow.
“I think it is kind of feeding him. He does something well and he takes that and it fuels him. I think there is a vision…I think it excites him and it does the staff.
“We obviously feel very confident with him in the game.”
Davis, Pryor likely out again: Chryst isn't optimistic senior wide receivers Danny Davis and Kendric Pryor will be available Saturday. Both have missed multiple games because of apparent concussions and neither player has done much work in practice this week.
Davis hasn't played since the Michigan game. He has three catches for 78 yards and a touchdown and has rushed eight times for 69 yards and a touchdown.
Pryor has eight catches for 119 yards but has missed games against Northwestern and Iowa.
“They haven't been ruled out,” Chryst said Thursday, “but they haven't done a ton (in practice).”