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Wisconsin Football: Individual Players to Watch vs. Northwestern

By Noah Seligman

EVANSTON, IL - NOVEMBER 05: The offense for the Wisconsin Badgers prepares to take on the defense of the Northwestern Wildcats at Ryan Field on November 5, 2016 in Evanston, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
EVANSTON, IL - NOVEMBER 05: The offense for the Wisconsin Badgers prepares to take on the defense of the Northwestern Wildcats at Ryan Field on November 5, 2016 in Evanston, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /
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MADISON, WI – SEPTEMBER 09: Andrew Van Ginkel
MADISON, WI – SEPTEMBER 09: Andrew Van Ginkel /

Andrew Van Ginkel, OLB Wisconsin

Heading into the 2017 season, the Badger defense was not just replacing another defensive coordinator.  The early returns on alum Jim Leonhard have been positive.  So that’s not a big concern at the moment.

However, the most significant personnel losses on defense were at the linebacking spots.  Leader Vince Biegel is currently on the PUP list in Green Bay.  While TJ Watt led the Badgers in sacks a season ago.

Watt is of course now in Pittsburgh, a first round NFL draft pick of the Steelers.  Losing both guys meant Wisconsin had to find someone else to rush the passer and make negative plays hurt for the opposing offense.

Chris Orr looks good returning from his ACL injury and has paired well with Leon Jacobs.  Last season’s leading tackler TJ Edwards is especially valuable in pass coverage already with a pair of interceptions this year.

Thus, the opening was there for Andrew Van Ginkel to walk through.  So far he has done well pressuring the quarterback.  He has a two sacks and shown good burst and bend off the edge.  Van Ginkel is currently sixth on the Badgers in total tackles.  He has three tackles-for-loss including the sacks.

Next: Previewing the Northwestern Wildcats

At 6-feet-4-inches tall and 234 pounds he has good length for an OLB.  He’ll be a key player on Saturday against Northwestern’s strong passing game.  The Badgers need Van Ginkel to make Thorson uncomfortable in the pocket even if he doesn’t get a sack.