Aaron Henry is a leader

Last year, J.J. Watt led the Badger defense statistically, but, most importantly, vocally — on and off the field.

Without a doubt, Aaron Henry is UW’s vocal leader this season.

He may not be able to figuratively carry the city around in the palm of his hand like Watt, but the senior safety is easily one of Wisconsin’s most beloved players.

But while his “yes, ma’ams” and “thank you, sirs” have made him one of the most notoriously polite players you may ever encounter, on the field, he is completely different.

“It’s just a mentality. You have to be able to have that switch,” Henry said. “Being on the field and just walking around here talking to people are just two different things. … The reality of football is it’s a nasty, rough, tough sport. It’s in your face and it’s smash mouth. You don’t go out there to try and make friends with people.”

Henry attributes his well-defined manners to his grandmother and just showing respect to people.

This respect is not just for show. And his genuine personality has allowed him to be one of the most respected players and a captain, in return.

“He’s an over-the-top funny guy, he’s a little vain, he’s a little bit of everything,” sophomore safety Dezmen Southward said. “We’re going to miss him next year.”

“He’s obviously a great player, but I think he’s a much better individual,” junior safety Shelton Johnson said. “There’s a lot of players … that are just players, but Aaron Henry, he’s just an all-around wonderful individual player to be around, and we kind of feed off that as a team.”

While he is a great leader now, Henry’s career at UW has not been the smoothest.

Henry played cornerback throughout his entire life until last year and did not agree with head coach Bret Bielema’s decision to move him to safety.

“I hated it,” Henry said. “I didn’t really like the decision, we kind of butted heads. He always has a player’s goodwill at heart. He’s been doing this for a long time. I didn’t understand it because I had been playing corner my whole life … but after suffering my knee injury and going through a few surgeries, he thought it would be best.”

The Immokalee, Fla., native said he is now thankful for the switch and admits that if he could change things he may have started out at safety — but he will always be a corner at heart.

Let's hope he can help lead the Badgers to a Big Ten Championship.  GO BUCKY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Head coach Bret Bielema discussed some of the key players in Saturday's win over Austin Peay, as well as the Badgers' upcoming game and Big Ten opener at Michigan State.

Bielema began the press conference by stating his excitement for getting into Big Ten play.  He then went on to focus on some of the key players in Saturday's record 70-3 victory over Austin Peay, as well as the team's preparation for rival Michigan State.

Freshman running back James White was the offensive MVP in the team's victory this week, carrying the ball 11 times for 145 yards and scoring a remarkable four touchdowns.  White joins Ron Dayne as the second freshman in Badger history to score four rushing touchdowns in one game.  White was also named Big Ten Freshman of the Week for his performance.

"[It was] fun to see him grow and get those touchdowns. That was really neat for his confidence," Bielema said.

On defense, Bielema named junior defensive back Aaron Henry team MVP. Henry racked up four tackles and a career-high three pass breakups in the win on Saturday.

"[Henry has] played his most two complete games back to back," Bielema said.

Bielema said he is also very excited about where his team is from a health standpoint.

"Since fall camp started, this is the healthiest we have been ...We were able to rest a few guys in the second half Saturday, which was critical because there were a number of guys that we didn't know if they were going to be able to actually play in the game," Bielema said. "For us to be able to get those things done on Saturday without them being out there was very, very big in our preparation for this week."

The Badgers must have a strong focus this week in preparation for Michigan State.

"We know that going up there is a tremendous challenge.  I think they are rolling pretty good as a 4-0 football team," Bielema said.

This year, the Spartans have shown a very strong running game, racking up over 900 yards already.  They also have a very efficient quarterback, Kirk Cousins, who has completed 67 percent of his passes thus far.

It is not just Michigan State's offense that worries Bielema though, it is their defense as well.  

"To me, they might feature the best defensive player from last year's film, and he is playing at high level this year, Greg Jones.  He is a guy that is just really, really special to watch," Bielema said.

The Senior All-American linebacker was named the Big Ten Defensive Co-Player of the Week after recording the first two interceptions of his career, along with four tackles and a forced fumble, in the Spartans' 45-7 win over Northern Colorado on Saturday.

The Badgers will have their work cut out for them going to Michigan State on Saturday, with the Spartans holding a 14-7 advantage in games played in East Lansing, and hope to improve upon the 2-2 record they have under Bret Bielema in conference openers.

Lets hope the Badgers can win at Michigan State. GO BUCKY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!