As we all try to make it through these trying times there is still, hopefully, a college football season on the horizon.
For the Wisconsin Badgers, one of the key figures in that upcoming season will be junior linebacker Jack Sanborn.
Sanborn came to Wisconsin in 2018 and saw the field right away as a true freshman.
The Illinois native then took over the starting job at middle linebacker as a sophomore in 2019 with former Badgers T.J. Edwards and Ryan Connelly gone to the NFL.
He now enters his junior season coming off a 2019 campaign during which he produced an impressive 80 tackles, nine tackles-for-loss, 5.5 sacks, three interceptions including one in the Rose Bowl against Oregon, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.
BadgersWire caught up with the linebacker to see how the preparation for the 2020 season is going and dive into his progression from a backup as a true freshman to now being the centerpiece of the defense.
BadgersWire: We know today’s situation has really affected draft prep for the guys entering the NFL, but what’s life like for you right now in terms of how you guys are getting ready for the 2020 season?
Sanborn: This is a definitely a crazy time for college sports and our country. Right now the most important thing is being safe and healthy and then making the most of your time to get better as a player.
BadgersWire: Looking forward, what’re your thoughts on playing 2020 potentially without fans in attendance?
JS: Playing without fans is something that has been talked about and I guess we will see where we are in terms of health of our country when the time comes. Football season is still a little while away but the most important thing is the health and safety of everyone involved and that includes the fans.
BadgersWire: It’s rare for a player, especially a linebacker, to see the field as a true freshman in Madison. What was it like seeing playing time right away and how has that first year experience helped you develop into the player you are today?
JS: It has helped greatly in my development since I have been on campus. The greatest teacher is experience as they say and I could not agree more. That really benefitted me but also learning from guys like T.J., Ryan, and Chris helped me develop as a player and learn so much about the game.
BadgersWire: Continuing off that, you started last year and helped to fill the shoes of four-year starter and current Philadelphia Eagle T.J. Edwards and current New York Giant Ryan Connelly, and looking forward to this upcoming year you’ll be doing the same with Chris Orr now graduated. What has it been like filling the shoes of such accomplished players at the position?
JS: Coming in as a freshman I knew those guys were there and I was excited to be in the same room as them. All three of those guys played in a lot of games and a lot of big games and I learned so much from all three of them early on in my career that really helped me grow as a player.
BadgersWire: Looking holistically, how has the Wisconsin program and coaches Paul Chryst and Jim Leonhard aided you in your development and how has the program been able to sustain such an impressive track record at the linebacker position?
JS: Coach Chryst and Coach Leonhard are two of the smartest people in terms of football that I have ever been around. I have learned a lot from them and they really care about you on a personal level and are fun to be around which in a coach makes you love to play for them.
BadgersWire: Is there one moment/one play that sticks out to you as your favorite thus far through two years? (Rose Bowl INT, etc.)
JS: I have made so many memories here in two years so far and look forward to making many more memories with the guys in that locker room whether it’s at practice or in games. If I had to pick one moment I would say winning the axe back.
BadgersWire: Finally, What does it mean to you to have your younger brother [Bryan Sanborn] committed to play for the Badgers after he graduates in 2021?
JS: I’m excited that Bryan is coming to Madison. It’s a great place, a place I love and know that he is going to do great things here.