Wisconsin Badgers

Badgers fall camp sneak peek: Defense and special teams

Published Aug. 6, 2015 3:54 p.m. ET

Dave Heller

Wisconsin's first game is a month away. With the Badgers opening their fall camp Aug. 10 -- the first with Paul Chryst as head coach -- here's a position-by-position look at the defense.

DEFENSIVE END

What you need to know: Simply put, the ends in Wisconsin's 3-4 defense don't make a lot of tackles. Chikwe Obasih had 21 -- and that's the most for any player who saw extensive action at end. Obasih figures to start at one end with Arthur Goldberg, who played primarily note guard last season, at the other. Goldberg led all defensive linemen with 25 tackles. Alec James figures to see action as well, although once seen as a starter he might be best suited to attack on passing downs.

Youngster to keep an eye on: Billy Hirschfeld. Really, Obasih is one to watch to break out, but since he's starting we'll take a shot in the dark and say the former Arrowhead star who was highly recruited. Hirschfield is the biggest of the defensive ends (listed at 6-foot-6, 285 pounds), so he could be a good contain end, or even a candidate to move to the middle.

NOSE GUARD

What you need to know: Interestingly, Wisconsin moved Conor Sheehy from end to nose guard in spring ball. Remember, nose guards in this 3-4 generally won't compile big tackle numbers (Beau Allen had 20 as a senior in 2013, for example) but are there to help others get freed up and make plays. Sheehy is big (6-4) but is he thick enough to play the position (listed at 275 pounds) to play the position, which calls for occupying as many offensive linemen as possible? Defensive coordinator Dave Aranda must think so for him to basically swap out Goldberg and Sheehy.

Youngster to keep an eye on: Jeremy Patterson. Now, when you talk about a prototypical nose guard, well, just take one look at Patterson, who is listed at 6-3, 326. The question just seems to be when, or if, he'll be ready to assume the role.

OUTSIDE LINEBACKERS

What you need to know: No question who is starting here. Vince Biegel and Joe Schobert more than established themselves last season. Schobert had 69 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 7 passes broken up, 5 QB hurries and 2 forced fumbles. Biegel had 56 tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, 2 passes broken up, 4 QB hurries and 2 forced fumbles. Needless to say, a lot will be expected from this duo in 2015.

Youngster to keep an eye on: Jack Cichy. It might be easier to list true freshman Arrington Farrar, a highly touted safety in high school who is making the move to linebacker. But Cichy impressed enough as a true freshman walk-on two years ago to get some playing time. Wisconsin had him redshirt last season to bulk up and then put him on scholarship before the start of this year. He's a kid who seems like he could be a Biegel clone, or maybe a mini-Biegel. Either way, worth watching.

INSIDE LINEBACKERS

What you need to know: This is a season of transition on the inside. Wisconsin no longer has Marcus Trotter or Derek Landisch, who were second and third on the team in tackles last year. Speedy Leon Jacobs moved from the outside to inside last year and recorded 28 tackles, 2 TFL and 1.5 sacks. He is all but set at one spot. The other . . . well, if and when the transfer of Kellen Jones from Clemson becomes official, it makes things a little more interesting. Jones is a graduate transfer -- a rule Wisconsin fans know all about (Hi, Russell Wilson!) -- and will be a senior in 2015. He has never been a starter, but could slide into that role thanks to his extensive experience. He did have 29 tackles last year with Clemson. The other choice would likely be redshirt freshman T.J. Edwards, a former high school quarterback who has barely played defense.

Youngster to keep an eye on: T.J. Edwards. OK, so we're slightly cheating here, but if Edwards doesn't start he still figures to be a prominent member of this defense. Teammates say he is a natural at inside linebacker. He backed that up some with a nine-tackle (including a sack) performance in the spring game. However, it might be best for him to learn as a backup to start with, instead of being saddled with one of the most important positions on the defense.

SAFETY

What you need to know: Wisconsin has an interesting mix at safety. Michael Caputo is the team leader and one potentially one of the best defensive backs in the country (or at least he's on numerous watch lists). Last season he led the Badgers with 106 tackles and it would be no surprise to see his name once again atop the list in 2015. At the other safety spot will be Tanner McEvoy, who at 6-foot-6 offers a little different dimension than Caputo. McEvoy is just a good all-around athlete and could also see time at wide receiver. Let's not forget before his failed tryout at quarterback last season he played safety in 2013 (he even started three times) and acquitted himself fairly well.

Youngster to keep an eye on: Lubern Figaro. Thrown into the fire last year as a freshman, Figaro had his struggles and eventually got demoted from starter to backup. There's need for a nickel back, not to mention if and when the starters need a few plays off. Figaro has the talent, he just needs more consistency. Evan Bondoc could be another to watch. The redshirt freshman had a big spring game, but is further down the depth chart.

CORNERBACKS

What you need to know: Like safety, the starters here are all set. Sojourn Shelton will be starting for the third straight year and is looking to rebound from a disappointing sophomore season. At 5-foot-9 and without blazing speed, Shelton has obstacles to overcome â but he did just that as a confident freshman. But as a sophomore . . . Despite playing one more game last season than in 2013, Shelton had fewer tackles (36 to 33), passes defensed (7 to 6) and interceptions (4 to 0) in 2014. Instead it is Hillary, also in his third consecutive year as a starter, who turned into Wisconsin's best cover corner last year. If Hillary can maintain his good play and Shelton gets back to form, the Badgers have a pretty good backfield duo to contend with.

Youngster to keep an eye on: The Florida trio. Wisconsin has three sophomores from Florida who all could compete for playing time and also be the future at corner for the Badgers. Derrick Tindal (Ft. Lauderdale) played 12 games last season, with one start, so he has some experience. Or at least, has more experience than his other two homestate teammates. D'Cota Dixon (New Smyrna Beach) was moved to linebacker last season and was injured early (he perhaps could apply for a medical redshirt, although that is not yet noted on Wisconsin's website). He bulked up to play linebacker, but presumably would be the biggest hitter in the group. Natrell Jamerson (Ocala) is the tallest cornerback on Wisconsin's roster (along with Elijah Strong) at all of 6-feet. Jamerson was recruited as a wide receiver and lined up there last year, although he never caught a pass. His transition will be interesting to follow.

SPECIAL TEAMS

What you need to know: The kicking game is set with Rafael Gaglianone the kicker, Drew Meyer the punte and Connor Udelhoven the long snapper. Meyer might be on a short leash, but he's got a leg up (so to speak) at the start as Wisconsin hopes he can regain his form from way back in his freshman year. The return game is much more up in the air. Kenzel Doe handled punts and kicks last year, so this will be a true transition. Among those who might get a shot at returns are A.J. Jordan, Natrell Jamerson and perhaps even Alex Erickson. Chryst used Tyler Boyd, easily Pittsburgh's best receiver, as his main returner with the Panthers, so don't count anyone out. The return game could see many participants in 2015 as Wisconsin looks for some sure-handed consistency along with a big-play threat.

Youngster to keep an eye on: Connor Allen or P.J. Rosowski. If Meyer 's struggles continue, it will be up to Allen, a freshman, or Rosowski, a redshirt freshman, to try and give Wisconsin good field position. Entrusting a freshman might not be the ideal scenario, but, hey, it worked in the kicking game last year with Gaglianone.

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