No. 2: Linebacker Jack Sanborn

Syndication: Milwaukee — Badgers inside linebacker Jack Sanborn celebrates a tackle during the first half against Michigan. Credit: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel-Imagn Content Services, LLC

With Chris Orr and Zack Baun gone to the NFL, Jack Sanborn will need to step into the role as the leader of the defense and the so-called “quarterback” of the unit.

Last season in Leonhard’s defense Sanborn led the team in tackles with 80, was third in tackles-for-loss and sacks with nine and 5.5 respectively, led the team in interceptions with three and recorded one forced fumble.

This all in his first season as a starter and as a true sophomore.

Those are numbers impressive for an upperclassman to put up but if the linebacker was able to do that last season, Badger fans should be ecstatic about what the 2020 campaign holds.

Is the linebacker position an overall more-valuable one than edge rusher? No. But in the Badgers’ defense they need great linebacker play more than most teams I’ve seen and Sanborn is set this year to fill that role.

Next…No. 1 who was the most obvious choice for this list

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