Hunter Wohler: Wisconsin Football’s Million ‘Dollar’ Man on Defense

Madison, Wis. — Things didn’t go according to plan for Hunter Wohler during his sophomore season with the Wisconsin football program.

Many anticipated a breakout season from the Muskego, Wisconsin, native, but a leg injury in the season opener against Illinois State put those expectations on ice. Wohler missed seven games and wouldn’t return until week 10 against Maryland. 

The 6-foot-2, 200-pound safety played six games, logged 213 total snaps, and registered 21 tackles, 11 stops, one TFL, plus an interception. According to PFF, Wohler showed his versatility for the Badgers by playing 20 snaps up on the DL, 76 in the box, 98 at FS, and 17 in the slot. 

It’s also worth noting that PFF graded him as the fifth-best tackler on the Wisconsin football team among those who played at least 100 snaps (79.1). 

In short, UW’s defense sorely missed him. 

Dollar Dollar Bills Y’all 

On the cusp of his third season with the Wisconsin football program, Hunter Wohler is healthy and has been making waves as he transitions into the “dollar” position under new defensive coordinator Mike Tressel. 

The “dollar” position is a hybrid safety/linebacker position that requires the player to have a versatile skill set. They must be able to defend against the pass and strong enough to protect against the run. Wohler, a former four-star recruit, checks all of those boxes. 

“You get to be right down in there, and you get to hit, and you get to be in the run game, but you also get to be in the pass game,” Wohler told UW reporters.

He has the speed to play free safety and patrol centerfield, play up in the box with the linebackers, the physicality to stop the run, plus get after opponents as a pass-rusher in certain situations. 

This new position should allow Wohler to become a playmaker and showcase his unique skill set as a Swiss army knife for UW on the field. 

On the hunt 🤫 pic.twitter.com/Q6zW8FWq3d

— Wisconsin Football (@BadgerFootball) April 11, 2023

Final Thoughts on Hunter Wohler Playing the “Dollar” for Wisconsin Football

Mike Tressel’s philosophy on defense is to be multiple, aggressive, and attack the ball; the “dollar” position and having someone worthy of playing it allows for that aggression. Hunter Wohler, known for his speed and hard-hitting style of play, is the absolute perfect fit for this position.

Last season, the Cincinnati Bearcats played 66.3% of its snaps out of a 3-3-5 personnel grouping. And anyone who watched Wisconsin football during the Jim Leonhard era knows that the Badgers ran a 3-4 or 2-4-5 most of the time. So, there will undoubtedly be a transition period, but I believe a talent like Wohler can thrive in any scheme.

Wohler has received praise from his coaches for his ability to read the offense and make quick decisions on the field. That’s because he puts in extra time in the film room and on the practice field to learn the nuances of the position and improve his technique.

With his combination of speed, strength, and instincts, Wohler has the potential to become a breakout player for the Badgers’ defense this season.

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