Wisconsin Football: Top Five Big Ten Defensive Players
By Sam Land
#3 – Wisconsin LB T.J. Edwards
For the last few seasons, senior linebacker T.J. Edwards has been the heart and soul of a Badger defense that is consistently one of the Big Ten’s best.
Edwards has been one of Wisconsin’s top players from the beginning of his career. A relatively under-recruited player who was a high school quarterback, Badger fans have watched him develop into an All-American and future NFL linebacker.
Edwards was a dominant force last season. He posted 75 tackles (53 solo) 11 tackles for loss, two sacks, and a team-high four interceptions for one of the nation’s top defenses. He was a finalist for the Butkus Award and a consensus First Team All-Big Ten performer. Edwards was also honored as a First Team All-American.
After that kind of year, many Badger fans were certain Edwards would declare for the NFL draft. However, he pleasantly surprised them by deciding to return to school and help Wisconsin reach its goal of securing a College Football Playoff berth.
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There's more to be done! #OnWisconsin pic.twitter.com/rql2A9UpI7
— T.J. Edwards (@TJEdwards8) January 2, 2018
The Badgers will be breaking in quite a few new starters on defense this season. Edwards’ play-making ability and leadership will be crucial to the success of that unit, and the team as a whole. If Wisconsin achieves its goal of making it to the Playoff, his play will be one of the main reasons why.
Look for Edwards to cap off his fantastic career in Madison with another All-American season before heading to the NFL.