#3 – Defensive End
Wisconsin is really hurting at defensive end right now.
First of all, the Badgers graduated three players who made huge contributions to the program over their careers in Alec James, Conor Sheehy, and Chikwe Obasih.
Already faced with replacing all that production, they were dealt a huge blow when Garrett Rand, one of the projected starters this season, went down with a season-ending Achilles injury in the spring.
Isaiahh Loudermilk had a great season as a redshirt freshman in 2017 and was expected to start opposite Rand. He too is currently nursing an injury and may miss some games early on this season as he continues his recovery.
Loudermilk will almost certainly top the depth chart at one defensive end spot when he returns. The battle for the role opposite him will be fascinating to watch unfold throughout fall camp, as the guys in the mix are largely unknown commodities at this point.
The contenders
Aaron Vopal
The redshirt freshman Vopal could be in the best position to earn a starting job at this early point in fall camp. Listed at 6’6 and 300 pounds, he clearly has excellent size for his position.
Vopal has been spending a lot of time on the first-team defense early on. While there are plenty of practices to go before the season starts, he appears to be in great shape to secure a large role on Wisconsin’s defense as of now.
Kayden Lyles
Lyles’ transition from the offensive line to defense has probably been the biggest story of camp so far, and not only because he had been considered a future star at his old position. He could very well move back to the offense next season, but as of now, he appears to be doing quite well for himself at defensive end.
That Lyles is already earning first-team reps so soon after changing positions speaks volumes about his work ethic, as well as the coaching staff’s opinion of his ability at defensive end.
It’s going to be fun to watch his progression over the coming weeks.
Matt Henningsen
Henningsen joined Wisconsin as a walk-on but appears to be well on pace to earning himself a scholarship down the line in just his second year with the program.
After redshirting as a freshman in 2017 to put on weight and build strength, Henningsen is right in the mix for earning a spot in the defensive end rotation.
He spent the first few practices working with the second-team defense but got some time on the first team this week.
Also in the mix: David Pfaff, Keldric Preston, Kraig Howe, Isaiah Mullens, and Boyd Dietzen