Wisconsin Football: Most underrated returning Badgers

Linebacker – Andrew Van Ginkel

Van Ginkel is a bit of a stretch to be underrated, but I still want to give him a shout out on this list. He introduced himself to the college football world with some huge plays late in the season. Most notably was his pick-six against Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship Game.

Van Ginkel is the only pass rusher returning for the Badgers with significant experience. It’s hard to overlook him in the position group because he’s really the only familiar name, but that may also be a reason to not expect much from that group.

Van Ginkel and Carriere-Williams have a lot in common in that regard. They’re both the lone returning contributor in a very unproven position group. However, recent history suggests the Badgers defense will be fine.

Van Ginkel will be free to relentlessly attack opposing quarterbacks. He tied the team lead in sacks last season with 6.5, so he has the ability. Now, getting to run full time, I expect that number to approach double digits. Van Ginkel is an impressive athlete and should have no problems matching up with opposing lineman. He shouldn’t have any issues wrapping runners in the backfield either.

It’s uncertain how the rest of the outside linebackers will play, but Van Ginkel can be counted on to produce for at least himself. The defense should still be one of the best in the Big Ten because of Van Ginkel and Carriere-Williams.

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Whether it’s one of the best in the entire country again will be up to to the rest of the depth chart at those key positions.