Badger of Honor
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Wisconsin Football Twitter Awards

By Tanner Nestle

MADISON, WI - OCTOBER 15: Dontre Wilson #2 of the Ohio State Buckeyes makes a catch past Zack Baun #56 of the Wisconsin Badgers in overtime at Camp Randall Stadium on October 15, 2016 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
MADISON, WI - OCTOBER 15: Dontre Wilson #2 of the Ohio State Buckeyes makes a catch past Zack Baun #56 of the Wisconsin Badgers in overtime at Camp Randall Stadium on October 15, 2016 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /
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Wisconsin Football LB Ryan Connelly
MADISON, WI – SEPTEMBER 01: Ryan Connelly (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

Under the Radar: LB Ryan Connelly

A player who’s going under the radar does all the dirty work and is seldom given credit where it’s due. Playing alongside an All-American can do that to you. But I’m not going to let Ryan Connelly be overlooked. He led the team in tackles last season and is primed to do it again. Wisconsin’s run defense was dominant and Connelly was a huge reason why. But a lot of people wouldn’t know that because of the guy playing next to him, T.J. Edwards.

Connelly is the kind of linebacker you build from the ground up to play in Wisconsin’s defense. He has a restless pursuit and plays to the whistle. There isn’t much that’s flashy about his game, but when has that ever mattered at Wisconsin? When you can trust a guy to not miss tackles and plug up any running lanes you’ve got a stud at the position. That’s what Connelly is.

It feels like Connelly is going to be flying under the radar a lot this year playing alongside Edwards and Andrew Van Ginkel. But don’t think for a second that Wisconsin’s defense is where it is without the help of Connelly.

Next. Breaking down the 2018 schedule. dark

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