Wisconsin cornerback Xavier Lucas is making waves in his true freshman season, earning an impressive PFF grade of 80.7. This places him sixth among all true freshmen in the Power Four conferences after seven weeks of play. Despite minor injuries, Lucas has consistently contributed to the Badgers' defense with nine tackles, one tackle for loss, one interception, and two pass deflections. Notably, effective coverage often results in fewer thrown passes, as seen with other top performers like Ricardo Hallman. Lucas is on track to match the caliber of the best newcomers in the nation.

By the Numbers
  • Xavier Lucas ranks 6th among true freshmen in Power Four with a PFF grade of 80.7.
  • He has recorded 9 total tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 1 interception, and 2 pass deflections in 7 weeks.
Yes, But

While Lucas’s statistics highlight his on-field contributions, the nature of cornerback play means metrics can underrepresent his effectiveness. Players like Ricardo Hallman demonstrate that fewer stats can signify stronger performance in coverage.

State of Play
  • Lucas's availability for the upcoming game against No. 3 Penn State remains uncertain due to a recent injury.
  • The Badgers are looking to him as a key player in what is considered a pivotal matchup this season.
What's Next

As Wisconsin prepares for its matchup against Penn State, Lucas's healing progress will be crucial. Should he be cleared to play, his performance could impact the outcome of this significant game for the Badgers.

Bottom Line

Xavier Lucas has emerged as a promising talent in Wisconsin's defense. His performance this season highlights the importance of understanding player impact beyond just statistics, particularly in pivotal games as the season progresses.