Top five returning tackles for loss leaders in the Big Ten
The NFL draft is in the books and the annual spring games have come to an end across the Big Ten and it is time to start diving into who to watch and what to expect during the 2022 season. We already dove into the top five returning rushers, passers, receivers, overall scorers, kick return leaders, offensive yardage leaders, all-purposes leaders, punt return leaders, and touchdown scorers returning in the Big Ten.
Next, I wanted to dive into the defense and who are the top five returning tacklers for loss (solo) in the Big Ten.
Many of the names on this list are going to be familiar, but a few may surprise you.
Off we go …
Nick Herbig, Wisconsin
Nov 20, 2021; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Nick Herbig (19) tackles Nebraska Cornhuskers tight end Austin Allen (11) during the third quarter at Camp Randall Stadium. Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Nick Herbig finished last season sixth in the Big Ten with 13 tackles for loss. Herbig is the next Wisconsin linebacker that is expected to reach greatness.
.@BadgerFootball @nickherbig_ has everything it takes to have a “Monster Year” for the Badgers. His speed to power is what every #NFL team gets excited about. Collapse the pocket! Affect the QB. #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/vqA5oDzhNF
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) May 23, 2022
Xavier Henderson, Michigan State
Apr 16, 2022; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Michigan State University Spartans safety Xavier Henderson (3) celebrates the game with young fans at Spartan Stadium. Credit: Dale Young-USA TODAY Sports
Xavier Henderson finished last season tenth in the Big Ten with ten tackles for loss and the fifth-year senior is looking to make the most of his last season at Michigan State.
You might wanna block Xavier Henderson NU…… pic.twitter.com/gpBmJg6qJw
— NCAAF Nation (@NCAAFNation247) September 4, 2021
Garrett Nelson, Nebraska
Nov 6, 2021; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers linebacker Garrett Nelson (44) strips the ball out of the hands of Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) during the third quarter at Memorial Stadium. Credit: Dylan Widger-USA TODAY Sports
Garrett Nelson finished last season 13th in the Big Ten with nine tackles for loss. The Nebraska linebacker is ready to raise that number even higher in 2022.
Garrett Nelson is ready for this one. #Huskers pic.twitter.com/I4QEfKleyj
— Matt Reynoldson (@Matt_Reynoldson) October 5, 2019
Branson Deen, Purdue
Purdue defensive tackle Branson Deen (58) during practice, Friday, March 4, 2022, at Mollenkopf Athletic Center in West Lafayette. Credit: USA TODAY Sports Network
Branson Deen finished last season 16th in the Big Ten with eight tackles for loss and will look to take another step in his development this season.
Branson Deen with the cross chop/club/rip.@beedo317___ attacks 1/2 a man with a plan. He attacks the blocker’s outside hand with the cross chop/club & uses the rip to get vertical & get the sack.
Also great bull rush at the top by @TheGK3! #passrush #boilerup #nfldraft pic.twitter.com/bSz4lEzGpw
— DLineVids (@dlinevids1) October 17, 2021
Devon Witherspoon, Illinois
Nov 27, 2021; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive back Devon Witherspoon (31) teammates Tony Adams (6), and linebacker Isaiah Gay (92) team up to tackle Northwestern Wildcats wide receiver Malik Washington (6) during the first half at Memorial Stadium. Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Devon Witherspoon finished last season 17th in the Big Ten with eight tackles for loss. Witherspoon was an honorable mention All-Big Ten member and will be looking to make first-team All-Big Ten this season.
Devon Witherspoon pic.twitter.com/FZFvFV1jlo
— IllinoisLoyalty (@IllinoisLoyalty) October 23, 2021
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