MADISON – Mike Tressel definitely saw the need for some schematic changes to Wisconsin’s defense last season, but first he felt a change in mindset was required.

As the Badgers defensive coordinator assessed his unit’s play in 2024 he saw a group that played well against teams that spread the field and played with three and four receivers.

But when it was time to get physical UW didn’t measure up. The Badgers ranked 91^st in the nation against the run, a struggle that led to a push through the transfer portal to add bigger bodies along the defensive line and in general get bigger bodies on the field.

But before considering the measurables Tressel wanted to know if the want was there.

“The mentality of stopping the run is first,” he said. “The mentality of the physicality of football, which this place has always been about, is first and then you can get into some of the schematic things.”

That was one of the nuggets from Tressel’s interview session Wednesday morning at the McClain. Here are three other takeaways.

Tressel feels D-line additions have brought confidence to unit

Wisconsin has seven players listed 300 pounds or heavier on the defensive line. Last year there were three on the roster though Ben Barten was the only one who played regularly.

This spring the early returns show Barten (6-5,323), Charles Perkins (6-2, 316), Dillan Johnson (6-2, 312), Parker Petersen (6-4, 315), Brandon Lane (6-3, 320) as 300 pounders in the hunt for snaps.

So far, the group has delivered the physical element that was desired.

“One thing I’m seeing is a lot of confidence in the defensive front’s ability to be tough and difference-makers,” Tressel said. “When I talk about confidence I’m talking about the linebackers back behind them. I’m talking about the coaching staff. I’m talking about within their room you can see there is some great confidence in those guys.”

Aaron Witt’s new role takes advantage of his football IQ, instincts

One of the interesting changes to the defense will the hybrid role played by senior Aaron Witt, a former outside linebacker who play a combination of an inside-outside linebacker position.

The role is similar to what UW asked of former Badgers safety Hunter Wohler from a mental standpoint.

“You can’t compare it to what Hunter was doing because you’re going to put Hunter into a lot more space, but in terms of finding a guy with high football IQ and trying to put him in position to do what he does best and make plays, yes in that regard,” said Tressel.

Mike Tressel shared three goals for the defense

In addition to ranking 91^st against the run last season, the Badgers were 41^st in total defense, 47^th in scoring defense and 71^st in third-down conversion percentage.

Tressel didn’t mention statistics when talking about his hopes for his unit this year.

“We don’t need to hold them to 3 yards every single play,” he said. “We need to create negatives. We need to create takeaways and then eliminate the explosives. And then dominate in the clutch…

“I’m encouraging the players to have the game-changer mentality but myself, too. I need to call the game with a game-changer mentality. Sound. But we need to be aggressive and have a takeaway, negative-play mentality.”

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