Ricardo Hallman is really good. That much was proven in his sophomore year, when he recorded 34 tackles and seven interceptions (with a touchdown thrown in). He came into his junior year last season with all the expectations in the world, and he struggled to put up even close to similar numbers. He only recorded 16 tackles and zero interceptions. It was a frustrating year for him, but in pass defense, he was still incredibly effective.
He now heads into his senior season looking to reclaim some of that glory and prepare himself well for an NFL future. Wisconsin fans are keeping an eye on him because those sophomore stats weren't a fluke; he truly is a special player.
Today, after spring practices, head coach Luke Fickell spoke about Hallman and how he had developed before his senior year, and the quote should excite Wisconsin fans.
Luke Fickell: “this has been a different Rico (Hallman) that I’ve seen. Bigger, faster, stronger.” #Badgers
— Nick Osen (@TheRealNickOsen) April 8, 2025
Luke Fickell said that Ricardo Hallman is bigger, faster, and stronger for 2025
Luke Fickell is impressed with Hallman's ability to get better and use his junior year as fuel for his senior campaign. He said that Hallman looks bigger, faster, and stronger than he's ever looked. He said he's different this season than he was last season. He is more primed for a breakout final season as a Badger.
That should put a bit of worry into the Big Ten wide receivers, as he wasn't even bad last season; he just didn't have the interceptions he would like. Sure, he was targeted less than he was in his sophomore year, and that's part of it, but he truly still was a lockdown cornerback.
According to his bio page on Wisconsin Football, "[Hallman] was targeted 33 times across 319 coverage snaps during the regular season, the fewest times for any corner in the nation with 300+ coverage snaps (PFF) … allowed 20 catches, the second-fewest in the Big Ten among corners with 300+ coverage snaps … made 16 tackles (15 solos) … broke up four passes … blocked a field goal attempt in Wisconsin’s win at Rutgers (Oct. 12)"
That was his "down" year. He's going to be a monster this next season if what Luke Fickell says is accurate. Hallman may completely close down one half of the field on his own.