Monday afternoon, Eric Burrell was the latest Badger named to a preseason award watch list for the Jim Thorpe Award that goes to the best defensive back in college football.
Wisconsin #Badgers football: Eric Burrell added to Jim Thorpe Award watchlist
One of the top returning defensive backs in the whole B1G is also one of the top returning defensive backs in the whole country. https://t.co/gACOhMBzAN pic.twitter.com/tvj0U5I8lk
— Bucky’s 5th Quarantine (@B5Q) July 20, 2020
Burrell filled in at safety last season for an injured Scott Nelson and had an absolutely outstanding year for Wisconsin. He was always around the ball and dished out big hits as well as clutch turnovers throughout the year. Burrell finished last season with 55 total tackles, two sacks, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, three interceptions, and six pass deflections.
Breaking news:
2020 Sznn otw🤫 pic.twitter.com/BKXK7z5Qv4— Eric Burrell (@EricBurrell_) May 7, 2020
I expect Burrell to continue to play a massive role in the secondary in his redshirt senior season and to continue to improve as he has done in all four of his previous years at Wisconsin. Before last season, Burrell played mostly cornerback and he may return to that position come fall. Although he may not be playing safety this season because of the return of Scott Nelson, a secondary with Eric Burrell, Reggie Pearson, and Scott Nelson could make this Wisconsin defense even better than last year.