The Badgers’ breakout star has a familiar name, blossoming game, and an attitude that will remind you of his big brother
MADISON, Wis. — The breakout star of Wisconsin’s overachieving defense joined the Badgers in 2013 as a tight end. He injured his right knee in 2014, his left knee in 2015. He underwent surgery, then rehab, then a position change. Fourteen months after “learning the basic things, like where defensive players put their hands”—his words—he’s one of the Big Ten’s most disruptive linebackers. He humbled Leonard Fournette in Week 1, tormented Michigan State in Week 4 and absorbed double-teams and protection slides against Michigan in Week 5, still finishing with 11 tackles, two for loss, a sack and a quarterback hurry.