Badgers by position: Inside linebackers boast experience, outside linebackers not so much

Jeff Potrykus | Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Second in a series of nine position previews leading to the opening of Wisconsin's preseason camp Aug. 2.

MADISON – Wisconsin defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard knows what to expect from the Badgers' inside linebackers in 2018.

The top three players have combined to start 68 games and play in 103.

The trio of redshirt senior T.J. Edwards (39 starts, 40 games), redshirt junior Ryan Connelly (14 starts, 40 games) and redshirt junior Chris Orr (15 starts, 23 games) boasts experience and playmaking ability.

Leonhard isn’t quite sure what to expect from the team’s outside linebackers, however.

The top three players on the outside have zero starts and 40 games played.

The trio of redshirt senior Andrew Van Ginkel (14 games), redshirt junior Tyler Johnson (14 games) and redshirt junior Zack Baun (12 games) boasts potential but lacks experience.

“Thanks for the reminder,” Leonhard joked when asked about the difference in experience on the units.

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Van Ginkel, who recorded two turnovers in the Big Ten title game and one in the Orange Bowl last season, has to lead the outside linebackers on the field and in the locker room.

He was the No. 3 outside linebacker last season behind seniors Garret Dooley and Leon Jacobs and was wise to listen to their advice.

“Last year I came in and I had to learn everything,” said Van Ginkel, who transferred to UW from Iowa Western Community College. “I was able to ask Garret and Leon what to do if I didn’t know and they would always be there for me, helping me out.

“This year, I want to be that leader if anyone asks a question or doesn’t understand what to do that I can be there for them and help them out."

Leonhard insists the talent is there.

Johnson, who joined the program as a walk-on in 2015, became the fourth outside linebacker last season after Baun suffered a season-ending broken left foot in August.

Johnson played in all 14 games and finished with eight tackles. He had forced fumbles against Illinois and Indiana and showed at times the ability to pressure the quarterback.

Depending on the health of Baun, who missed most of the spring after tweaking his left foot in practice, Johnson could start.

“We feel very confident with what Tyler did a year ago,” Leonhard said. “He did a great job impacting games, not just giving us some reps.”

Can Baun, a three-sport standout at Brown Deer High School who was the starting quarterback on the football team, give UW both reps and big plays?

The 6-foot-3, 230-pounder possesses an intriguing mix of size, speed, quickness and strength.

But he battled nagging injuries as a reserve outside linebacker in 2016 and missed all of last season.

“We love the potential,” Leonhard said. “But it’s always been something to set him back. Unfortunately, it has been the injuries."

If Baun can stay healthy, he’ll probably start with Van Ginkel and Johnson will be the third player in the rotation.

“We’re confident,” Leonhard of Baun. “We’ve just got to be able to get him on the field where he can help us out.”

Both Baun and Johnson will be expected to play significant roles this season. More will be expected of Van Ginkel because he is set to move into the starting lineup and because he is the lone senior of the group.

“Being the third (guy) a year ago,” Leonhard said, “it is: ‘If I play well, great. If I don’t flash it is kind of OK. These other guys are playing well.’

“Now it’s taking a step forward and being consistent week in and week out. And I think he had the mentality anyway.

“Now it is making sure you are a playmaker for us. And it is bringing guys along and leading the rest of the group. You’re the guy with experience right now.”

LINEBACKERS

OUTSIDE

Projected starters: Andrew Van Ginkel, 6-foot-4, 236 pounds, senior; and Zack Baun, 6-3, 230, junior.

Key reserves: Tyler Johnson, 6-3, 240, junior.

INSIDE

Projected starters: T.J. Edwards, 6-1, 242, senior; and Ryan Connelly, 6-3, 237, senior.

Key reserves: Chris Orr, 6-0, 232, junior.

INSIDE THE HUDDLE

First-year outside linebackers coach Bobby April III noted during spring practice he was working to learn the strengths and weakness of his players, particularly those players with little experience.

That means players such as Christian Bell, Noah Burks and Izayah Green-May could be used in specific packages.

Although UW appears set at inside linebacker, with Edwards and Connelly in their final season it will be interesting to see if the staff can give Griffin Grady and Mike Maskalunas, both sophomores, some playing time. Both players could compete for significant playing time in 2019 and they can use the experience.

The staff likes redshirt sophomore Mason Stokke but he missed all last season and all spring because of a knee injury.