The beginning of spring football practice has, as usual, triggered talk as to what the fate of the 2003-'04 Wisconsin Badgers will be. Some are predicting a top bowl and conference championship while others are anticipating another lackluster year.
In either event, the talk has surrounded the status of senior wide receiver Lee Evans, the abilities of junior quarterback Jim Sorgi and the game-breaking capabilities of sophomore running back Anthony Davis, all offensive players. Returning 20 of 22 players from last season, it may prove to be that the defense is worthy of all this attention.
\We have a lot of guys coming back with a lot of experience,"" sophomore safety Jim Leonhard said. ""That experience is gonna help us out because we've seen all the situations and we've been in all the situations.""
The Badger defenders have jumped into spring practice with determination, hoping to avenge a season that saw them start 5-0 and finish with only two conference wins. Having taken much of the blame for the meltdown, Wisconsin's defense is starting this season like the last never ended.
""It doesn't take long for us to get back into the flow and contact of the game,"" sophomore cornerback Scott Starks said. ""Two months to us isn't all that long.""
Wisconsin's all-American Leonhard returns for his second season as a starter to lead what could potentially be the top defensive backfield in the Big Ten. Aided by Leonhard and junior Ryan Aiello, the Badgers' shaky cornerback tandem will have the comfort of knowing that they have insurance in centerfield.
Though Starks, entering his third year as a starter, is experienced and athletically capable to play a starting role, the status of his cross-field counterpart is less certain. Sophomore cornerback Chuckie Cowans is the likely heir of the departed B.J. Tucker but will face competition en route.
""Jimmy [Leonhard] had a tremendous year last year, made a lot of plays. Scott [Starks] did a lot of things,"" UW defensive coordinator Kevin Cosgrove said. ""What we need is more consistency, play after play, from that whole group. I'm seeing it this spring, I'm seeing them get better and they're playing with more confidence.""
Wisconsin's linebacking unit is looking to be one of the deepest in recent years. Defensive standouts juniors Jeff Mack and Alex Lewis present threats to the offense at any given time with their instincts and playmaking abilities. Mack is hoping to finish out his admirable tenure as a Badger on a high note. Lewis, who was not even listed in the linebacker rotation at the beginning of last season, looks to add to his ever-growing reputation.
Sophomore Kareem Timbers and junior Broderick Williams will vie for the final starting spot. Whoever loses out, though, will still see plenty of playing time off the bench.
The defensive line, frequently criticized last season for an inability to rush the passer, loses accomplished tackle Jake Sprague but features a capable front four. The starting line is composed of players who have all accumulated significant playing time the last two seasons, assuaging fears of inexperience.
Defensive line mainstay junior Erasmus James will bring speed off the edge in conjunction with unproven junior Darius Jones. Sophomores Anttaj Hawthorne and Jason Jefferson will be tasked dominating the interior, something not done since the days of Wendell Bryant. The pieces are there for a marquee defensive front, it just remains to be seen whether or not they fall into place.
With almost the entire defense returning, Wisconsin is aiming to build off their successes from last season, correct their flaws and hit the ground running in late August.
""I like the way we finished last season, particularly the Colorado game,"" Cosgrove said. ""I think our kids played with a lot of confidence, they were very physical and those are the things we're trying to build on this spring: being physical, having fun playing the game and expecting to dominate the other team.\
