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UW reels in a defensive tackle

MADISON — One position on the University of Wisconsin defense that suffered from a lack of proven depth in 2008 was defensive tackle.

Given that starting tackles Mike Newkirk and Jason Chapman were seniors this season, the picture for 2009 could be even bleaker.

In an effort to bolster the depth at tackle, the UW staff has secured an oral commitment from Conor O’Neal, a 6-foot-3, 295-pound tackle from Lithia, Fla. Lithia is a few miles southeast of Tampa.

O’Neal chose UW over several schools, including Boston College, Michigan State and North Carolina State.

UW defensive line coach Charlie Partridge was the primary recruiter for O’Neal, who is the 19th known commitment for UW’s 2009 freshman class.

That class includes one other defensive tackle, Jordan Kohout from Waupun High School.

UW’s backup tackles last season were Jeff Stehle, a fourth-year junior, and Patrick Butrym, a redshirt freshman. Stehle finished with 12 tackles in 12 games; Butrym added five tackles in 13 games.

Redshirt freshman Jasper Grimes did not play and freshman Erik Briedis redshirted.

J.J. Watt, a transfer from Central Michigan who sat out last season, worked at tackle during bowl practices and is expected to compete for a starting position next season.

O’Neal recorded 35 total tackles, including six sacks, as a senior at Newsome High School. Newsome finished 9-3 and held opponents to 13.8 points per game.