Wisconsin Football Exploring Potential Upgrades in Transfer Portal

Madison, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin football program is only one week into spring practice, and the Badgers are already looking to the transfer portal for help solidifying the secondary. 

On Monday evening, former Boston College cornerback Josh DeBerry posted on social media that he received a scholarship offer from the Badgers. Coastal Carolina, Arkansas, and Texas A&M are also in the mix. 

Thankful to receive an offer! pic.twitter.com/jcAt5gIruM

— Joshua DeBerry (@j_deberry21) April 3, 2023

Per Pro Football Focus, DeBerry logged 2,004 career snaps across four seasons. Of those, 131 came in the box, 914 from the slot, and 920 as a boundary corner.

This past season, the 5-foot-11 defensive back registered 50 tackles, 18 stops, 4.0 pass deflections, 3.5 TFLs, 3.0 pressures, and one interception while splitting time between the boundary corner and the slot. DeBerry also allowed a 64.8 REC% — giving up 35 catches on 54 targets, per PFF.

Wisconsin Football Lacks Experience at CB

Entering 2023, the Wisconsin Badgers secondary has some real question marks. The sixth-year senior Alexander Smith is the unquestioned CB1, and fellow Boston College transfer Jason Maitre has run as the starting nickel corner during the spring. 

Beyond them, UW’s cornerback room has a severe lack of experience. Sophomore Ricardo Hallman earned meaningful snaps last season and showed flashes, and I’d expect him to be one of the regulars. 

The Wisconsin football program has collected some intriguing talents, namely Avyonne Jones, Jonas Duclona, Jace Arnold, and Amare Snowden. However, there’s no denying they could benefit from additional seasoning. 

Adding a player like Josh DeBerry, who has appeared in 39 games and played over 2,000 snaps, makes a ton of sense for the Badgers, who would prefer not to rely on their inexperienced youth so heavily. 

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