Mike Tressel has revamped inside linebacker group to work with at Wisconsin

MADISON – Mike Tressel, entering his second season as Wisconsin’s defensive coordinator/inside linebackers coach, and two of his linebackers met with reporters Wednesday.

Here are selected comments from Tressel, Jake Chaney and Christian Alliegro.

Wisconsin’s Luke Fickell used the transfer portal to bring in three inside linebackers after last season

Three inside linebackers transferred to UW this winter — Jaheim Thomas (Cincinnati, Arkansas), Sebastian Cheeks (North Carolina) and Tackett Curtis (USC).

Head coach Luke Fickell noted that unit probably underwent the most dramatic change after UW’s loss to LSU in the bowl game.

Tressel believes that trio, along with returnees Chaney and Alliegro, provide plenty of options both in the base defense and in specific packages.

“There’s multiple positions that we’ve been able to find some talent or take big steps forward with the guys that we’ve had here,” Tressel said. “Inside linebacker will look a little bit different.

‘Truthfully, we got a little bit longer. Hopefully, as we see it on the field, we’ve gotten a little more athletic. And like we’ve had in the past we’ve got guys who play violently and play hard.

“You’re also hoping – and I believe – that the depth will be there and you can play more and more guys.

“I know there’s a lot of guys in the room who believe they are starting material and they are. But only two can start, so hopefully we can play a bunch.”

Senior Jake Chaney adapting to new teammates and being a more vocal leader

Chaney (11 starts, 34 games played) saw several close friends/fellow inside linebackers depart after last season. Maema Njongmeta left for the NFL and Jordan Turner transferred to Michigan State. In addition, Tatum Grass exhausted his eligibility and Bryan Sanborn retired from football because of…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/mike-tressel-revamped-inside-linebacker-192123261.html

Author : Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Publish date : 2024-04-03 19:21:23

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