Can Rodas Johnson adequately replace Matt Henningsen on UW's defensive line? To do so he must marry discipline with his physical tools.
MADISON – Matt Henningsen was dependable, dedicated and productive during three-plus seasons on Wisconsin’s defensive line.
He earned a starting role after joining the program as a walk-on in 2017 and eventually started 29 games and played in 42.
As a senior last season, Henningsen led UW's linemen in total tackles (33), sacks (three) and tackles for loss (5 ½). He was drafted in the sixth round by Denver and secured a spot on the Broncos' 53-player roster.
The job of replacing Henningsen on the line in 2022 belongs to redshirt junior Rodas Johnson.
“He wants to get on Matt Henningsen’s level,” nose tackle Keeanu Benton said bluntly. “I’ve talked to him about that. I tell him: ‘If you want to do something, go do it.’”
Johnson, 6-foot-2 and 293 pounds, possesses a thick upper body but a somewhat lean lower body.
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Rodas Johnson showcases his athleticism on the Wisconsin Badgers' defensive line
“He is fast,” Benton said. “He is very athletic. He might have a little gut. I always make fun of him for that.
“His feet are nuts. He’s got a lineman’s body with skilled feet.”
Johnson laughed when told of Benton’s comments.
“Yes sir,” he said. “That’s my prototype. I’m the fastest lineman for sure.”
Johnson flashed that athletic ability at times last season, including with a sack/forced fumble in the loss to Notre Dame.
That was his highlight play of the 2021 season and he finished with seven tackles.
Johnson is set to replace Henningsen in the starting lineup this season, opposite end Isaiah Mullens. One of the areas Johnson focused on in the offseason was being better able to anticipate offensive plays based on formation and tendency.
That was one of Henningsen’s strengths.
“I talked to Coach K about this,” Johnson said, referring to line coach Ross Kolodziej. “Last year was more of a blur and it was just me filling a (minor) role. Now I am in that (major) role I am way more (aware) of what I have to do and how I should do it.
“Even little things like a backfield set or a formation, I am able to at least get a heads-up on what type of block I’m going to get or what type of counter I can get in that scheme. Just knowing what I am going against and how I can counter it helps a lot.
“That’s half the battle. Growing up, my daddy always told me that the game is 90% mental. Now that I am getting the mental part down it is a lot easier for my body to do whatever I can.”
Wisconsin coach Paul Chryst says Rodas Johnson 'is explosive' and has 'the ability to make plays'
Johnson enjoyed a solid camp and during practices open to reporters was able to make plays in the backfield, particularly against the run. Despite his size, Johnson is quick off the ball and explosive.
“He has grown,” defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard said. “He is a guy that is high energy, high motor. He is going to be productive because of how hard he plays. His only weakness is a little bit of the consistency and sometimes trying to do too much. Sometimes doing your job is all you need to do.
“He flashes every day. He shows you something every day that you get excited about. If he can eliminate little (mistakes) here and there he will be on the field a ton.”
Another of Henningsen’s strengths was maintaining gap integrity and being in the right place every down.
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If Johnson can improve in that area, combined with his physical traits, he should be able to give UW another disruptor on the line.
“He is explosive,” head coach Paul Chryst said. “He’s got the ability to make plays.
“I think he has just got to understand – like a lot of guys – that it is in him. That is a good thing. And it will come. Just stay disciplined. Stay true to it.
“You see that at a lot of positions. It comes from a good spot. They want to make a play. They want to do something.
“Trust that you’re good enough, that if you do your part those things will come.”
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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Rodas Johnson determined to follow Matt Henningsen's lead with UW
