Camping with the Badgers 2013: Defensive Line

Things are flying by quickly here as we come ever so close to the start of the first fall camp in the Gary Andersen era at Wisconsin. It also means we've reached near the halfway point in our "Camping with the Badgers" series. It's our look at what to expect from each position group heading into camp and to focus on what you should be looking for and listening for as camp rolls on over the next four weeks. 

We've already previewed the linebackers, wide receivers, and running backs and today we bring you a look at a position group that is in more flux than just about any other on this team and that's the defensive line. No doubt about it, the D-Line in the 3-4 defense has vastly different roles to play than a 4-3 D-Line. So, it's safe to say this group will tell us a lot about where the defense as a whole is headed throughout camp. 

Let's break it all down on the D-Line, shall we? 

Good News:

If it weren't for the loss of David Gilbert this spring to a foot injury and then his ultimate transfer to Miami (FL) the Badgers would've returned every single minute of play along the defensive line last year. Even so one could argue that Gilbert would've been more a hybrid type in the new look defense. 

That issue not withstanding the Badgers have NINE upperclassmen on the defensive line heading into 2013 and the three players likely to start on the line itself are all experienced options. Beau Allen, Ethan Hemer, and Pat Muldoon/Brendan Kelly are a hell of a starting point for the new 3-4 defense to say the least.

Bad News

No David Gilbert. It sure would've been nice to have an athletic option like that available to this defense, but no use in crying over something you can't really change. At the end of the day there really isn't much in the way of "bad news" for a team that returns all but David Gilberts numbers and injury history anyway. 

Questions Entering Camp:

How Quickly Does D-Line Adapt? The 3-4 defensive transition only works if the men up front get it and get it quickly. By all indications from this spring that transition has really gone over well up front. However, that was the basic defense and it remains to be seen once the full arsenal is put in if they can handle it all. If so UW fans could be in for a treat come Aug. 31 against UMass.

Will it be Brendan Kelly or Pat Muldoon? There have been some conflicting reports out there, with BadgerNation.com reporting that Brendan Kelly isn't moving to linebacker, but staying as a down lineman. However, according to Chris Borland during Big Ten Media Days, Kelly is practicing as a stand up player at the hybrid outside linebacker. This question should get answered quickly either at Wisconsin's Media Day on Friday or once practice gets under way since the media won't be privy to just kicking or stretching sessions by a paranoid coach anymore.

Who Benefits Most From New Defense Up Front? Some people think Beau Allen is the prototype of a 3-4 nose tackle and that very well could be the case, but outside of the starters it will be interesting to see who really shines through to take on a role in the two-deep roster. A lot is unknown behind the starters in reality. 

Players to Watch:

Warren Herring – Speaking of "Who Benefits Most," Herring is a player to watch because of his extensive playing time as a sophomore last season up the middle and in reality he is perhaps the only realistic option outside of Allen up the middle this season if Bryce Gilbert doesn't pan out. Either way expect him to be an option along the line in multiple roles – he's that athletic for a big man.

James Adeyanju – His athleticism and size could really lead him to be an intriguing pass rushing option off the edge in 2013 and watching his progress in camp is going to be something worth doing. He could earn himself a specialized role as an edge rusher in his redshirt sophomore year, that's how talented he is. 

Chikwe Obasih – He's listed at a light 245lbs. and that could be a problem, but according to head coach Gary Andersen all freshmen that feel they are physically and mentally up to it will get a chance to run with the 1's and 2's. That's good news for one of, if not the, best defensive line recruits in the 2013 class. Obasih has a bright future ahead of him and watching to see if he's ready to contribute right out of the gate could really go a long way in telling us just how quickly this defensive line will be able to transition to what it really wants under Dave Aranda and Gary Andersen's leadership.

Our Projected Starting Lineup: 

Full Defensive Line Roster (courtesy uwbadgers.com):

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