Crystal clear memories3/6/2023 ![]() ![]() ![]() Tied with Torchio for the team lead in interceptions, Latu now has some bragging rights. And you're starting to see that play speed come out in the run and the pass game." He's getting more and more comfortable within this defense every week, and he's coming off his best games back to back so excited about where he's at, he still has to continue to grow and learn to communicate certain things within this defense, but he's gaining more confidence every week. "So we thought he was going to be able to do some very good things in coverage, on top of the physicality that he loves to play with. I mean, he's very explosive and can run," interim head coach and defensive play caller Jim Leonhard said. Latu has started the last five games in place of sophomore Hunter Wohler, who suffered a left leg injury in a Week 1 victory over Illinois State. He's allowed 85 yards on 12 targets, per Pro Football Focus, and enters Week 7 tied for second on the team with three pass breakups. While he's given the Badgers plenty of production in that regard - he has 20 tackles, one tackle for a loss and a sack - he's been equally as valuable in coverage. Latu, who recorded 19 tackles and defended three passes over nine games for the Utes in 2021, came to the Badgers with a reputation as a physical, hard-hitting thumper, particularly against the run. So, he jumped to the top of the list now. We were giving him (Kamo'i) crap this week because he didn't have an interception yet. They are best friends, and I love seeing them make plays. "He's really physical and brings a lot of juice to the defense. "He flies around," fifth-year senior John Torchio, who also has two interceptions on the season, said. That made him the seventh Badger to record multiple interceptions in a game since 2010. Hilinski rolled to his right and fired to a receiver inside the 5-yard line, where Latu jumped in front of the pass. He snagged his second of the day in the third quarter when Northwestern went for it on 4th-and-3 from UW's 13-yard line. Latu's performance, which earned him Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week, didn't end with just one interception. Me and my best friend are really doing things we talked about doing.'” I was like, ‘Wow, this is really happening. Just knowing what he’s been through, and seeing the hard work and everything pay off, I am still at a loss for words. I didn’t even know what to say on the sideline after because I was at a loss for words. "That’s stuff you literally dream about with your best friend. “That’s stuff we would dream about," Herbig, who has five sacks this season, said. The Badgers went into halftime leading 28-0 after scoring two more touchdowns in the second quarter.Īssisting Latu on an interception felt surreal, Herbig said. The offense started at its 43-yard line and put the Badgers ahead 14-0 three plays into the drive when quarterback Graham Mertz and junior wide receiver Chimere Dike connected on a 52-yard touchdown. That interception helped the Badgers kickstart the blowout. " It was kind of a rewind to high school," Latu, a junior safety, said. Latu, who positioned himself perfectly, anticipated an off-target throw and dove to make the grab. On a 3rd-and-6 late in the first quarter, Herbig, UW's star outside linebacker, drilled quarterback Ryan Hilinski as he unleashed a pass over the middle. It made his first collegiate interception even easier. Latu's relationship with Herbig made his decision to transfer to Wisconsin in the offseason easy. That combination paused for two years - Herbig went to the University of Wisconsin in 2020, and Latu went to Utah that same year - but it was back on display this past week in the Badgers' 42-7 victory over Northwestern. When Nick Herbig and Kamo'i Latu starred for the Saint Louis School in suburban Honolulu, Hawaii, a handful of years ago, this scenario played out more than a few times: Herbig applying pressure on a quarterback and Latu making a play on the back end. ![]()
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