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Much of the University of Wisconsin’s practice time this spring — the bulk of it, in fact — focuses on aspects of football that don’t occur within the normal flow of a game.

There are loads of drills, meticulous technique work, continuous memorization of the playbook and individual coaching to make sure no mistake goes uncorrected.

No matter what the Badgers are doing to best prepare for the 2016 season, though, the defense has kept one thing at the forefront throughout the past month.

“It’s always about the ball,” new defensive coordinator Justin Wilcox said. “So when we’re doing drills or team periods, we have an awareness of the football. Whether it’s a strip attempt or it’s when the ball’s in the air in the pass game, we’re aggressive towards it and try to make a play on it.”

That mentality has worked this spring as the Badgers have made it a common occurrence to force three, four or even more turnovers in a single practice.

UW’s defense even recorded seven interceptions on April 7, two of which were returned for touchdowns, and nearly got their hands on a few more.