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Wisconsin: The NFL's Linebacker U?
10 Feb
Summary
- Wisconsin leads all schools in linebacker sacks and forced fumbles.
- T.J. Watt and Andrew Van Ginkel are key edge rushers for Wisconsin.
- The Badgers' linebacker tradition is still strong with new talent emerging.
The Wisconsin Badgers are solidifying their reputation as the premier producer of NFL linebackers. Over the past five years, no other college program has seen its former linebackers achieve greater success in the professional league.
Wisconsin alumni have amassed more sacks, tackles for loss, forced fumbles, and interceptions than any other school during this period. While some contributions come from edge rushers like T.J. Watt and Andrew Van Ginkel, off-ball linebackers such as T.J. Edwards and Zack Baun also rank among the best at their positions.
The sheer depth of talent from Wisconsin is a significant factor, with numerous alumni like Jack Sanborn, Leo Chenal, and Nick Herbig making substantial impacts. This legacy of development, fostered by coaches like Paul Chryst and Jim Leonhard, is now being continued by Luke Fickell's staff.
Future NFL prospects are already emerging from Wisconsin's current roster and pipeline. With players like Mason Reiger and Darryl Peterson entering the NFL Draft, and promising talents such as Mason Posa and Cooper Catalano on the current team, the Badgers' linebacker tradition remains exceptionally strong.
