Wisconsin Football Shares Disappointing Update on Veteran Safety

Luke Fickell and the Wisconsin football team might have to navigate the rest of Spring practice without their hard-hitting safety, Kamo’i Latu.

Following a shoulder injury during an attempted tackle in the Badgers’ first padded practice, it seems unlikely that Latu will return to action this Spring. However, there is some relief in the fact that surgery may not be required for Latu’s injury.

“He’s got something with his shoulder, so he’ll be out,” Fickell told reporters. “I don’t know how long. … It’s not a surgery-type of thing, but I don’t know how much we’ll get him back for Spring ball. Hopefully, we’ll get him back later in Spring, maybe not full contact.

“As you know of Kamo’i, it’s not natural for him to not be out there and be able to go full live contact. But it might really be a great advantage to him if and when he comes back. If he’s limited, then he has to play without as much contact, which makes him have to play with his mind and under control a bit more, which gives him a chance to be a lot better player.”

When healthy, Wisconsin football safeties coach Alex Grinch will have the Badgers’ entire two-deep from last season at his disposal. Hunter Wohler is back leading the room, Austin Brown is playing the nickel, and Preston Zachman will also be an option once he returns from an injury.

Latu, who has been in the starting lineup alongside Wohler this Spring, is coming off a 2023 campaign where he recorded 19 tackles and three pass deflections. Pro Football Focus graded the Hawaii native with a 62.4, an average score according to their metric.

While Latu is sidelined, younger options like Braedyn Moore might see increased playing time. Nevertheless, Latu’s return will bolster the depth of the Wisconsin football team’s safety room once again this season.

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