We've come to our final segment in our Preseason burning questions edition of "Badgering the MTB Staff" and after looking into what will happen with the new 3-4 defense, just how important a 2nd WR option is, what the chances are for a UW four-peat as B1G Champions, and who the heck will be the starting quarterback it's now time to dive into the really deep end of the pool.
That's because we are talking about underrated stories heading into camp. It's our chance to give you some things to think about that aren't necessarily in the mainstream of thought – call it our attempt to expand your Badger horizons if you will. So, let's just get right to it today, shall we?
Question: What is the biggest under the radar story you'll be watching in 2013?
Paul Kilgas: The biggest under-the-radar story this year will be how well Ethan Armstrong plays inside next to Chris Borland. Armstrong played outside last year and was a quiet success. The 3-4 defense relies on the middle linebackers to make quick decisions and take on offensive linemen that release to the second level as a result of only having one interior defensive lineman. It’s worth noting that the three projected starters on the defensive line (Muldoon, Allen, and Hemer) are all seniors that have been successful, and hopefully they will be able to use their experience to make life easier for the linebackers.
Both middle linebackers will need to take on blockers to free the other to make the play in the hole. On top of that, they’ll be flanked by a huge former defensive end (Kelly) and a complete unknown (freshman Vince Biegel), so the inside men will have to shoulder a huge amount of responsibility. Armstrong has no quit in him and is a very sound tackler, but he’s listed at 216on the team website and if he’s not up to 235ish by the time the season starts, I wonder how he’ll fare taking on blockers inside. His development will affect Borland’s success and the run defense as a whole.
Arman Belding: A good secondary. Everyone is pointing to the Badgers CB and safeties as the biggest area of concern for this upcoming season. I'm looking at the players we have coming in, specifically at corner, and I believe they'll be the surprise unit of the team. Sojourn Shelton will start, alongside Darius Hillary, which will make for a smart, very athletic group. Peniel Jean will also get reps. I believe all three, while young, will be strong contributors. Safety is a little more complicated with so many departures, but I believe that in the end this entire unit will perform well above expectations.
Andy Coppens: I think the biggest under the radar story to watch this season is the story of Sojourn Shelton. With all that's happening around him it appears Shelton will be in line for at least a significant role to start the season at a minimum and it shouldn't shock anyone to see Darius Hillary move back to safety because Shelton shows so well in camp that the Badgers can afford to make that move and allow Shelton to start. I think he's a game changer for this team and fits perfectly with what Wisconsin wants out of their corners. He sure isn't afraid to mix it up and to be confident in himself. By the time it's all said and done for him at UW I think we're talking about the next great Badger defensive back and if he makes an impact in 2013 that means this team is in great shape in the secondary and in turn on the defensive side of the ball as a whole.
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