Wisconsin Football Coordinator Shares Update on the Comeback Kid

After three years marked by numerous injuries, it’s no surprise that the Badgers fanbase still holds Aaron Witt in high regard, particularly for his standout performance in the storied Dukes Mayo Bowl. Now, after years of strenuous rehab, the Wisconsin football outside linebacker is healthy, back on the practice field, and getting reps with the second team.

Witt appeared in five games for the Badgers during his true freshman season and showed serious flashes as a pass-rusher, registering three tackles, two TFLs, two pressures, one sack, plus a forced fumble.

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However, a horrific leg injury kept the 6-foot-6 outside backer sidelined until late last season, when Witt finally made his way back onto the field for two games, earning 15 snaps against LSU in the ReliaQuest Bowl, per Pro Football Focus.

This spring, Witt is getting a chance to knock off the rust and is competing for a spot in the Wisconsin football team’s two-deep under position coach Mike Mitchell. He is joined by transfers Leon Lowery and John Pius, returning starter Darryl Peterson, and freshman early enrollees Thomas Heiberger and Anelu Lafaele.

Wisconsin football defensive coordinator Mike Tressel has liked what he’s seen from Witt through a handful of spring practices thus far and thinks there’s a lot of value in the physicality he brings to the Badgers defense.

“He is a very, very physical football player,” Tressel told reporters. “And every rep he’s in there impacts the defense, because they feel his passion, his intensity, and his physicality. Knock on wood, he’s doing a great job right now.

“There hasn’t been any type of an issue. He’s doing great. We’re really optimistic that we’re gonna get to a point where we’re not having to worry about rep counts or any of that stuff.”

Forecasting Witt to secure a significant role or push for consistent snaps on the edge might be ambitious at this stage. However, his upside is still there if he can stay healthy once the Wisconsin football season kicks off.

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