Wisconsin Football: Biggest Questions for Defensive Position Groups

Wisconsin Football: Big Qs for Defensive Positions

Dec 30, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; USC Trojans running back Justin Davis (22) jumps over the line as Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Chris Orr (50) safety Michael Caputo (7) and linebacker T.J. Edwards (53) defend during the second quarter in the 2015 Holiday Bowl at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /

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Coaching

After losing Defensive Coordinator Dave Aranda to LSU after the 2015 season, Wisconsin Football replaced him with Justin Wilcox, the USC Defensive Coordinator. After a successful year in Madison, Wilcox is back to the Pac 12 taking over California. That left yet another coordinator change for Wisconsin Football. At this point it’s pretty clear UW isn’t going to pay its coordinators competitive enough salaries to keep them around.

Former Wisconsin Football star Jim Leonhard at just age 34 is the new Defensive Coordinator. He ascends to the role after just a single coaching season, handling Badgers defensive backs last year.

So the most important question is how Leonhard adjusts to the full responsibilities of the defense. If he can keep the defense humming, Wisconsin Football should remain on pace to meet its lofty preseason expectations.

Dec 7, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive back Jim Leonhard (30) runs back an interception during the fourth quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Colts beat the Browns 25-24. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /