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Wisconsin Football: Pre-fall camp award predictions

By Christian Borman

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 27: Scott Nelson #9 of the Wisconsin Badgers tackles Travis Homer #24 of the Miami Hurricanes in the first quarter of the New Era Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium on December 27, 2018 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 27: Scott Nelson #9 of the Wisconsin Badgers tackles Travis Homer #24 of the Miami Hurricanes in the first quarter of the New Era Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium on December 27, 2018 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /
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Comeback Player of the Year

Defensive End – Garrett Rand

(Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
(Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

Last year’s squad was decimated by injuries. So much so that they needed to convert Kayden Lyles to defense and play the walk-on redshirt freshman Matt Henningsen most of the season.  The run defense struggled last year in comparison to the year before. A big part of that was the loss of Garrett Rand, who had an Achilles injury during summer workouts last year.

Defensive end Isaiahh Loudermilk also missed much of last season after undergoing surgery on his knee to clear up past injuries. With both returning this year, their defensive line depth is back, allowing Lyles to return to the offensive line.

I like both these guys to make an impact this season, but I think Rand will be a difference-maker on that defensive line. As Zach Heilprin wrote for Mad City Sports Zone, coach Inoke Breckterfield sees a lot of similarities between Rand and Aaron Donald.

Also. Three questions facing the Badgers before camp. light

Now, am I expecting Rand to be the next Aaron Donald? Absolutely not. But the similarities are indeed there. He has a lot of strength and is very quick for a guy his size, which can cause a lot of trouble for opposing offensive lines. I think he is hungry to come back and will be a huge part of this Wisconsin football defense.

The big thing for Rand is to stay healthy. If he can stay healthy the whole season, then I think he can make a huge difference on this defense, one we haven’t seen since the 2017 season, when the defense ranked 3rd in the country, allowing just 98.4 rushing yards per game.

Other candidates: Isaiahh Loudermilk, Bradrick Shaw