Veterans say future is bright for UW
Younger players starting to play stronger roles
MADISON – Senior safety D’Cota Dixon knows his time in a Wisconsin uniform is nearing an end.
UW (6-3, 4-2 Big Ten) has dropped out of the top 25 in both major polls and needs help to rally for another West Division title.
Yet Dixon can’t help but think about what will remain after his departure. He understands UW has used 24 first-time starters this season. That includes 16 on defense, with nine of those in the secondary.
“I see a future,” he said of UW’s defense. “I really do. I see a vision.
“I’m very excited for them. There is a lot of leadership in that room. …
“There are a lot of young guys stepping up and finding their role. That is confidence. I am happy for them and excited to see them grow.”
That youth will be on display one more time when UW faces host Penn State (6-3, 3-3) at 11 a.m. Saturday.
With senior nose tackle Olive Sagapolu (right arm) out for the season, UW’s top four linemen should be freshman nose tackle Bryson Williams, redshirt freshmen ends Matt Henningsen
and Kayden Lyles and redshirt sophomore end Isaiahh Loudermilk, who has missed four games because of injury.
Williams joined Henningsen and Lyles in the starting lineup last week when UW opened in a three-man front.
“That is something we talked about,” Williams said of the all-freshman front. “We looked back to spring and we told ourselves: ‘Who would have thought this would happen?’
“We were excited.”
UW coach Paul Chryst thought Williams held up fairly well in the middle and that the young defensive line is making progress.
“I like the way he is competing,” Chryst said of Williams. “There is no hesitation. He gives us good energy and
he is getting better.
“That is what is fun about the game. It takes everyone.
“Henny has been showing up and making plays and I still appreciate a ton what Kayden has been giving us. I like that group and they’re young. Each week – each day – they can learn and get better.”
Dixon returned to the starting lineup last week after missing three games because of a right-ankle injury.
He can’t be sure who will start in the secondary against the Nittany Lions.
Redshirt freshman safety Scott Nelson (right hamstring) and redshirt freshman cornerback Deron Harrell (right ankle) could return to action.
Nelson, who has five starts, has missed the last three games. Harrell, who has four starts, has missed the last two games.
Overall, defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard has started five cornerbacks
and four safeties. That total includes redshirt freshmen cornerbacks Harrell and Faion Hicks; freshman cornerback Rachad Wildgoose; freshman safety Reggie Pearson; and Nelson.
“Playing as a true freshman is tough to do,” said fifth-year senior linebacker T.J. Edwards, who redshirted his first year. “Just that experience factor. …
“Next year they’ll be so far ahead of where they are now. They’ll learn so much this year. It is going to pay dividends moving forward.”
Dixon and former walk-on safety Evan Bondoc, who has two starts this season, are the only seniors in the secondary.
Despite the constant shuffling in the secondary, UW has limited its last four opponents to a combined 54.1% completion rate (60 of 111) for 642 yards (160.5 per game).
During that run, UW has intercepted six passes and allowed two touchdown passes.
UW’s defense will be tested Saturday by Penn State quarterback Trace McSorley.
He is nursing a right-knee injury and his numbers are down from last season (190.1 yards per game, 12 TDs, five INTs) but he remains a threat.
“It can be difficult, especially when you want to come in and contribute to the team as best you can,” Dixon said of playing early in the secondary. “You might feel like you’re not doing a good job or getting the respect of your teammates and not making plays.
“But I feel for the most part these guys have been put in positions where they don’t have a choice due to injuries. And they have stepped up to the challenge.
“I haven’t seen any guys shy away or be afraid.
“They’ve been doing a really good job.”