Matt Mitchell on transfers, competition

There are a lot of new faces within Matt Mitchell’s outside linebacker group that have just started their first year with the University of Wisconsin football program.

6 maps that explain Wisconsin football’s recent recruiting efforts

Wisconsin no longer has contributors CJ Goetz, Jeff Pietrowski, and Kaden Johnson from a year ago. The staff infused talent into this position, however, with the additions of transfers Leon Lowery Jr. (Syracuse) and FCS All-American John Pius (William & Mary) complementing returning Badgers Darryl Peterson and Aaron Witt.

Wisconsin also welcomed two true freshmen — Thomas Heiberger and Anelu Lafaele, who were rated as four-star recruits by at least one recruiting outlet — as early enrollees.

3 things that stood out from Luke Fickell after Wisconsin football’s 5th spring practice

“Obviously five practices in here, we’ve got a completely different group at the outside linebacker room,” Mitchell said. “A lot of new faces, so we’re working through a lot of things. Obviously teaching a lot of guys our defensive structure and individual skills, techniques. Just trying to work through that process, and as we go through that process, try to evaluate kind of where some guys are at and what skill sets they bring to the table.

“But it’s been a great group to coach. Obviously got some transfers and some early enrollee freshmen. So as I just mentioned, there’s a lot of faces and there’s a lot of growth, but they’ve all really bought into what coach (Luke) Fickell’s vision is and really bought into Wisconsin football. And I’m pleased with five practices how we’re doing.”

Here are three takeaways from Mitchell’s chat with reporters Wednesday.

How two key attributes can strengthen Wisconsin’s outside linebacker group

“Length” and “athleticism” were two key buzz words Wisconsin staff have used since December when discussing bringing in players either via the transfer portal or high school recruiting. The program found players in Lowery (listed at 6 foot 3, 251 pounds on Wisconsin’s spring roster) and Pius (6-4, 244) that fit that mold. Mitchell explained how those traits help within this specific, versatile position group.

University of Wisconsin assistant Matt Mitchell discussed the traits of length and athleticism were something they looked for with transfers in the outside linebacker group.

Where Wisconsin can take steps on special teams

Mitchell’s title at Wisconsin also includes special teams coordinator. He reflected on where the Badgers can improve heading into the 2024 season, but he also complimented a couple players in one return group.

University of Wisconsin football assistant Matt Mitchell discussed how the Badgers can take steps forward on special teams.

What the ideal depth is for Wisconsin’s outside linebackers

Both Goetz and Peterson carried the load during Mitchell’s first year at Wisconsin. Goetz received 702 reps during the 2023 season, according to PFF, while the site also credited Peterson with 554. Mitchell talked about the number of players he would like to have playing from the group.

University of Wisconsin football assistant Matt Mitchell said he would “ideally” like to have four players rotate at outside linebacker for the 2024 season.