The Wisconsin Badgers’ 2020 football season saw sophomore ILB Leo Chenal, freshman RB Jalen Berger, freshman OLB Nick Herbig and others break onto the scene and make their names known.
The team would not have had the same success without these guys and what they did on the field, as Chenal and Herbig were two of the driving forces on defense and Berger was far-and-away the best option in the backfield.
Going into any season there will be hype given to certain players and positions, hype which I expect the three names above to receive as well as QB Graham Mertz, WR Chimere Dike and NT Keeanu Benton.
Related: The Badgers’ projected 2021 depth chart on offense, defense
But aside from the names that every Badger fan knows and players that we know will take a step forward, who else should you watch and keep on your radar?
I set out to answer that question in this week’s edition of way-too-early breakout players and freshmen to watch for the 2021 football season.
For 2020 season review:
- Position-by-position grades, report card
- Wisconsin football seniors 2021 roster decision tracker
- 3 positives and 3 negatives from the season
- The case for OC Joe Rudolph to relinquish play-calling duties next season
- Studs and duds from the 2020 season
- MVP on offense, defense and special teams
- 10 offseason priorities for the program