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Wisconsin exit interview: Leon Lowery on the transfer decision and his thoughts on the Badgers’ future

Umito
Wisconsin exit interview: Leon Lowery on the transfer decision and his thoughts on the Badgers’ future

MADISON, Wis. — Outside linebacker Leon Lowery’s transfer portal saga Last December was one of the strangest Wisconsin football commitments in recent program history. He committed to Badgers after visiting campus on a Sunday, decommitted that Monday, briefly hired two NIL agents to handle its recruitment, fired those NIL agents the next day, and reaffirmed its commitment to Wisconsin on Thursday.

It turned out to be the most memorable part of Lowery’s time at Wisconsin. He finished the season with 29 tackles, one sack and four quarterback hurries. He announced Sunday his intention to re-enter the transfer portal, which opens Dec. 9. Lowery will have one more season of eligibility.

Lowery previously spent four seasons at Syracuse, including a redshirt year during the pandemic-shortened 2020 campaign. He started 12 games for the Orange in 2023 when he collected 46 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. But that production hasn’t translated to Wisconsin. He went from 523 snaps at Syracuse to 372 snaps at Wisconsin, according to Pro Football Focus, although he started 11 of 12 games for the Badgers.

Lowery spoke to Athletics Sunday after his transfer announcement on why he decided to move on and his lone season at Wisconsin.

Why did you decide to transfer?

There’s nothing wrong with the program or anything. It’s just that they’re choosing to go in a different direction in how they want to run the defense. I just feel like it doesn’t fit my playstyle. We had a few conversations and decided that it would probably be best for me to go into the portal because obviously I want to do what he does. there’s something better for me with the year I have left. So nothing bad about the Wisconsin staff. They’re all good people there. They all know what they’re doing. It was just a ploy. I just decided to choose a different direction.

What exactly isn’t right for you here? Didn’t they want the same type of edge rushers?

It was more like putting your hand in the dirt. I didn’t really want to do that. Schematically, it wouldn’t be better for me. So I decided to see what else was out there for me.

Were they talking about using you like they did outside linebacker Darryl Peterson this season?

A bit like that.

Was transferring something you considered doing during the season?

It wasn’t something I thought about during the season. I had a few exit meetings with some coaches and talked to them about some things. It was something that had just happened. I actually planned to stay. But things happen. It’s a business. You just have to be able to adjust and adapt. They’re all good coaches there. Nothing personal against these guys. Just something I think will be in my best interest to do.

Which coaches have you talked to about Wisconsin?

My position as coach. Coach (Matt) Mitchell.

What was his message to you? Looks like Wisconsin wanted you to stay?

They wanted me to stay. They loved having me here. I just felt like the path they were choosing just wasn’t right for me, so I just decided it would be best for me to look and see what else was out there for me .

How would you describe what this season has been like for you?

It was fun. I loved being coached by my position coach. I had a great time, made some great connections and relationships that I will have for the rest of my life. I loved the program. I planned to stay. I like it here. But sometimes things happen and you have to know how to move forward and adapt.

What are your thoughts on the direction the Wisconsin program is heading under Luke Fickell?

I feel like they are in good hands with Coach Fick. He has a vision for the program. He has a good plan. Sometimes things don’t go your way. Since I had one year of eligibility left, I just wanted to have the best options for me.

What are you looking for in your next school?

I liked the way we played the original defense. I like to stand up, to be on the edge. Something I’ve done my whole football career since playing as an away supporter. So I’m looking for something like that.

Why did they think you would be a good fit for a hands-on type of guy?

I really couldn’t tell you. It’s just something that I assume Coach Fick wants to go in that direction.

What do you think you can bring to your next school?

Experience. I’m a student of the game, very intelligent. I understand things, training. I give effort, attitude. I can be a versatile player. I’m confident and humble and hope to land in the right place.

I know your portal process at this time a year ago was very unusual. Do you feel like you learned anything from this situation by looking back at it?

I certainly did. Just trust God and trust my instincts. Take as many tours as possible to get a feel for the place. I’m just looking for the next step, keeping my faith in God and seeing what the next step is for me.

Journalists had the opportunity to observe spring training and the first weeks of preparatory camp. You had some really good training. Did this season meet your expectations in terms of what you thought it would bring?

No, I don’t think that’s the case. But you live and you learn. Keep going and improve. No, I don’t feel like it meets my expectations. I just have to do what’s best for me.

Did you put that on how you were used or was that not the right fit in Wisconsin?

A bit of both. But this is nothing personal against the coaches. Just the way the cookie crumbles. You have to do what you have to do.

What’s your plan here? Are you finishing your studies in Madison?

I’m still in Madison right now. I’m going to finish the semester which is almost over. So I’m going to do that and then go from there.

How will you remember your year at Wisconsin?

The bonds I made with my guys and my position group, John the Piusbeing my roommate. Darryl Peterson and Aaron Wittthese guys. Coach Mitch is a great coach. I will definitely remember these links. I’m going to miss these guys, but you have to do what’s best for you.

(Photo: Mark Hoffman / USA Today Network via Imagn Images)