Wisconsin Football Appears to Be Getting a Veteran Defensive Player Back

It has yet to be formally announced anywhere (that I’ve seen). Still, all indications are that the Wisconsin Badgers football program will have an experienced defensive player back in the fold heading into 2024. 

The player I’m referencing is safety Kamo’i Latu, who has been featured in numerous offseason social media lifting videos and pictures. 

Hunt or be hunted ⚒ pic.twitter.com/T24qJfvRSe

— Wisconsin Football (@BadgerFootball) January 26, 2024

Assuming the Honolulu, Hawaii native is returning to the Wisconsin Badgers, that would mean new safeties coach Alex Grinch has the entire two-deep from a season ago at his disposal. Hunter Wohler, Austin Brown, and Preston Zachman are the other returning options. 

Wisconsin Football Safety Kamo’i Latu Appears to be Returning

Sep 24, 2022; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes tight end Cade Stover (8) is flipped upside down by Wisconsin Badgers safety Kamo’i Latu (13) during the second quarter at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports

There have been whispers since Wisconsin football was preparing for the ReliaQuest Bowl against LSU that Kamo’i Latu planned on returning, but the fact they continue to feature him on social media seems to confirm it.

🛩️ @BadgerFootball Top 20yd Sprint Speeds 👀🔥💪🏾💪🏻🦡👐🏻@trechkekahuna @Will_Paul6 @hollywoodN34 @IamQB3 @TMcIntosh44 @DuclonaJonas @CJWilliams_03 @brysonjgreen19 @amare_snowden @NickEvers12 @nyzier2 @ZachmanPreston @15Latu @TyrellHenry12 #TND #HUNT pic.twitter.com/lqSydr1kMM

— Brady Collins (@BCstrength) February 6, 2024

The 6-foot safety registered 19 tackles and three pass deflections in a reduced role after a poor start to the season. According to Pro Football Focus, Latu had a 62.4 grade, which is average. 

In 2022, however, Latu put together a much better season as the Badgers starter, finishing with 55 tackles, five passes defender, 3.0 TFLs, two sacks, and two interceptions—with an above-average PFF grade (64.1).

Anytime you can retain a hard-hitting safety with 984 snaps worth of experience—you do it. If Latu is, in fact, returning to the Wisconsin football team heading into next season, and it appears likely, the Badgers will have a deep group on the backend. 

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