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Wisconsin defensive tackle James Thompson Jr. signed with Illinois on Wednesday, according to On3’s Pete Nakos.
Thompson Jr. is the 12th Wisconsin transfer to find a new destination. He is the third former Badger, all three defensive starters, to sign with the Fighting Illini, joining DT Curt Neal and OLB Leon Lowery
Related: Wisconsin football 2024 transfer portal departure tracker
Thompson Jr. entered the transfer portal earlier this month after five years with the Badgers. He originally joined the program as a three-star recruit in the class of 2020.
The veteran tackle emerged as a primary force on the Badgers’ defensive front in 2022, totaling 23 tackles, seven tackles for loss and two sacks. He backed that up with a strong 2023 campaign: 29 tackles, six tackles for loss, three sacks, two pass deflections. Thompson Jr. then missed the majority of the 2024 campaign after a torn pectoral muscle suffered in training camp. He returned to play seven snaps in the Badgers’ Week 13 loss at Nebraska, then did not see the field during their season finale against Minnesota.
He joins an Illinois program that recently wrapped up a 9-3 regular season. It enters its bowl game against South Carolina needing a win to clinch the program’s first 10-win season since 2001.
Bret Bielema continues to target former Wisconsin players and coaches for his Illinois program, one which he’s building to replicate the Badgers of the mid-2000s. Former Wisconsin stars Aaron Henry (defensive coordinator) and Terrance Jamison (defensive line coach) currently lead his coaching staff. Wisconsin program Jim Leonhard was also an analyst with the program in 2023 before moving up to the NFL.
Now, Bielema’s defense will be led by three former Wisconsin starters in Thompson Jr., Neal and Lowery. The Badgers will get a first-hand look at whether…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/third-wisconsin-defensive-starter-transfers-203310636.html
Author : Badgers Wire
Publish date : 2024-12-25 20:33:00
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