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Badgers get first look at new defense tonight

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Jim Leonard

The Wisconsin Badgers kick off the college football season tonight when they host Western Kentucky at Camp Randall Stadium (8 p.m. kickoff).  It’s the first look at a Badger defense that will feature seven new starters from a year ago.

Among the seven newcomers are three new defensive backs.  Cornerbacks Caesar Williams and Faion Hicks will be joined by safety Scott Nelson.  All three are redshirt freshmen.

Redshirt sophomore Dontye Carriere-Williams, who started five games last season, but announced this week that he is leaving the team and will transfer to another school.

The Hilltoppers gained nearly 85% of their yards through the air last season, which means the Badgers young secondary will be tested.  Defensive coordinator Jim Leonard will also likely use redshirt freshman Deron Harrell and freshman Donte Burton. [Read more…]

Leonard turned down good offers to stay at UW

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Jim Leonard

Wisconsin Badger defensive coordinator Jim Leonard revealed that he was linked to several job openings after the 2017 season.

According to a report in Thursday’s Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Leonard had opportunities to become defensive coordinator at Alabama, Florida State and Texas A & M.  Leonard told JS that the talks were serious, but he never came close to leaving UW.

“I had conversations with a lot of people,” he told JS on Wednesday.  “The biggest thing is, this is where I want to be.  I’m home.  This place means a lot to me and trying to take this program to the highest level, whatever that may be, means a lot to me.  That is what it came down to.”

Under Leonard, the Badgers finished second nationally in total defense and third in scoring defense last season, and Leonard was rewarded with a new three-year contract.

Leonard made $600,000 last year.  He’s set to make $966,666 this season.

Edwards returning for senior season with Badgers

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T.J. Edwards (File Photo by David Stluka).

The Wisconsin football team will get its top linebacker back in 2018.  Inside linebacker T.J. Edwards announced Tuesday that he is returning to UW for his senior season.

Edwards recorded six tackles in UW’s 34-24 win over Miami in the Orange Bowl, helping the Badgers finish 13-1 on the season.

Edwards received a return to college grade from the NFL’s Advisory Board, but he said he wouldn’t make a decision on his future until after the bowl game.

Edwards led the Badgers in tackles in both 2015 and 2016 and finished second on the team this past season with 81, seven behind Ryan Connelly.  His return means the Badgers top three inside linebackers will be back in 2018 with Edwards joined by Connelly and Chris Orr.

Edwards also tied for the team lead in interceptions with four.

Wisconsin Defensive Coordinator Jim Leonard said before the bowl game that Edwards was ready to make the jump to the NFL, but could still develop as a player if he returned.

On Twitter, Leonard said, “Odds of me looking like a good coordinator again next year are on the rise.”

Badgers down Florida Atlantic, improve to 2-0

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Jonathan Taylor

The Wisconsin Badgers got off to a better start on Saturday, but they come out of their 31-14 win over Florida Atlantic with more questions.

The Badgers led 24-14 at halftime and the defense pitched a second half shutout, while the offense managed just a single touchdown in the final two quarters.

Freshman tailback Jonathan Taylor rushed 26 times for 223 yards and three touchdowns, helping the Badgers jump out to a 14-0 lead.

Taylor got the early workload while the Badgers played without Bradrick Shaw, who was sidelined with a leg injury.  Taylor’s longest touchdown run was his first, going 64-yards. [Read more…]

Badger defensive backs have a tall order (AUDIO)

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Wisconsin assistant coach Jim Leonard

Wisconsin assistant coach Jim Leonard

The Wisconsin Badgers and LSU Tigers will open the 2016 college football season Saturday afternoon at Lambeau Field.

The number one defensive issue for the Badger defense is LSU running back Leonard Fournette.  Fournette broke more tackles than any running back in all of college football last season.

While the Wisconsin secondary will have to provide run support on Fournette and the Tigers ground game, they have an issue of their own.

The starting Wisconsin secondary stands 5’10, 5’10, 5’9 and 5’11.  Cornerback Sojourn Shelton is a veteran in the Badger secondary, having started 37 games.  But he stands 5’9 and weights 168 pounds. [Read more…]

Wilcox compensation figures released

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Justin Wilcox

Justin Wilcox

Wisconsin’s new Defensive Coordinator Justin Wilcox will earn $1.45 million over the next two years.  His compensation package was released to the Wisconsin State Journal on Thursday via an open records request.

Wilcox’s base salary is $300,000.  He’ll earn additional compensation that will pay him $200,000 in his first year and $650,000 in the second.  Wilcox will also receive a $100,000 retention payment if he’s still with the team on January 1, 2018.

Former defensive coordinator Dave Aranda made $520,000 in his final year with the Badgers in 2014.

UW also released the compensation package for new defensive backs coach Jim Leonard.  The former Badger safety will earn $225,000 in his first season as coach.

Wisconsin hires Leonard to coach defensive backs

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Jim Leonard - Photo Courtesy of Scout.com

Jim Leonard – Photo Courtesy of Scout.com

The University of Wisconsin officially announced the hiring of new defensive backs coach Jim Leonard over the weekend.

Leonard played safety for the Badgers from 2001 to 2004 and will take over for Daronte Jones, who left Wisconsin earlier this month to take a job as an assistant defensive backs coach with the NFL’s Miami Dolphins.

Leonard started his career at Wisconsin as a walk-on in 2001.  He went on to earn All-Big Ten honors three times.  He matched UW’s school record with 21 interceptions during his career.

Leonard went on to play ten seasons in the NFL with six teams.  He retired after the 2014 season and comes to Madison without any previous coaching experience.

Leonard becomes the third assistant coach to have played for the Badgers, joining offensive coordinator Joe Rudolph and tight ends coach Mickey Turner.

 

NFL News: Swain signs with Seahawks

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Former Green Bay Packers wideout Brett Swain signed a 2-year contract with the Seattle Seahawks on Monday.

Swain was a 7th round draft pick of the Packers in 2008.  He had a hard time making it on offense with the Packers deep receiving corp.  His primary role came on special teams.  Swain caught 6-passes for the Packers during the 2010 season.

Jim Leonard

Former Wisconsin Badger Jim Leonard has agreed to terms on a 1-year contract with the New Orleans Saints.  The 8-year veteran played for Denver last season, playing all 16-games with 1-start.  Leonard had 2 interceptions on the year.

Leonard also spent time in the NFL with the Buffalo Bills, Baltimore Ravens and the New York Jets.