Wisconsin may have found a way to make an already loaded linebacker room even more dangerous.
The Badgers entered the offseason with Mason Posa and Cooper Catalano looking like two of the best young inside backers in the game. Then Wisconsin added Kansas transfer Jon Jon Kamara, and the move looked intriguing from the jump because the fit wasn’t obvious at first glance.
But spring camp started to reveal the plan: Kamara wasn’t coming in to compete for the same exact job as Posa and Catalano. He was sliding into the “X” or “STAR” role in defensive coordinator Mike Tressel’s scheme, a movable off-ball linebacker spot that lets him roam around the formation.
Now, four practices into fall camp, that idea looks a lot more serious.
Kamara was on the field for almost every snap with the starters during Wisconsin’s fourth practice of fall camp, a sign that the Badgers are preparing to use him in a major way. That also meant the defense was showing five linebackers at once when you count the edge defenders and inside backers, creating a 2-5-4 look that stands out even in a modern defense that likes to keep things flexible.
“I love it. You got Cooper (Catalano) at the Mike spot, me and Jon Jon at the Will and X. I definitely think this could be one of the best linebacker trios in the country," Mason Posa said.
"Adding Jon Jon, he has a diverse package of pass-rushing. I’ve learned stuff from him, and he’s learned stuff from me.”
That kind of deployment runs a little differently than what many expected. The assumption was that Wisconsin would lean more heavily on nickel personnel, with Ohio State transfer Bryce West working as the slot corner. Tressel will still adjust based on the offense in front of him, but the early signs point to Kamara being more than a simple depth piece.
"The front seven, having Tommy (Heiberger), adding Jon Jon, I feel like we’re diverse in a lot of areas and just a lot faster linebacker room," Posa added.
Speed is the key here. Kamara brings real range as an off-ball linebacker, covering ground quickly and moving with the kind of athleticism that jumps out. He even drew a mention on Bruce Feldman’s annual “freaks list” for his 10-11 broad jump at 6-4, 242 pounds.
"You talk about length and athleticism, you’ve got guys like Jon Jon, he’s been a huge piece and he’ll continue to be throughout the season. Also another great dude as well," Heiberger added.
Calling it an embarrassment of riches might be too easy, and maybe not perfectly fitting. But there’s no denying that Wisconsin’s linebacker room looks like the strength of the defense, and maybe even the whole team. With Posa, Catalano and Kamara all on the field together, the Badgers may have uncovered the kind of three-linebacker package that can change the shape of the defense.
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