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Wisconsin Football: “Death Row” is home to the best linebacker duo in the nation

By Dillon Graff

MADISON, WISCONSIN - NOVEMBER 13: Leo Chenal #5 of the Wisconsin Badgers reacts after a play against the Northwestern Wildcats in the first half at Camp Randall Stadium on November 13, 2021 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
MADISON, WISCONSIN - NOVEMBER 13: Leo Chenal #5 of the Wisconsin Badgers reacts after a play against the Northwestern Wildcats in the first half at Camp Randall Stadium on November 13, 2021 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /
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Jack Sanborn; Wisconsin football
Wisconsin linebacker Jack Sanborn (57) recovers a fumble by Notre Dame quarterback Drew Pyne during the fourth quarter of their game Saturday, September 25, 2021 at Soldier Field in Chicago, Ill. Notre Dame beat Wisconsin football 41-13.Uwgrid26 16 /

Wisconsin Football was in need of a shift in defensive philosophy when they changed from a 4-3 to the 3-4 base defense they still run today back in 2013. That decision has proven to be one of the most impactful changes in recent memory.

Wisconsin has long been a part of the discussion as Running Back U, and even O-Line U. However, since the change in defensive scheme back in 2013, it would be hard to ignore the fact that Wisconsin has become an absolute factory at churning out high-level collegiate linebackers.

Over the last eight seasons, Wisconsin has turned out: Chris Borland, Marcus Trotter, Derek Landisch, Joe Schobert, Vince Biegel, TJ Watt, TJ Edwards, Jack Cichy, Ryan Connelly, Chris Orr, and Zach Baun. Chances are, I’m forgetting someone noteworthy – which should speak to just how impressive their run has been. It’s been plug-and-play difference-makers for the better part of a decade now.

Now, in 2021, you can add the likes of Jack Sanborn and Leo Chenal to that already impressive list. Both of Wisconsin’s starting inside linebackers have been nothing short of fantastic this season, and people are taking notice on a national level.

Per PFF, Leo Chenal is the top-graded linebacker in the entire nation (92.0), and Jack Sanborn is the 11th ranked linebacker (88.1). Additionally, NFL draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. rated Jack Sanborn and Leo Chenal as the 9th and 10th rated inside linebackers in the 2022 class, respectively.

What the two have accomplished so far this season is undeniable, totaling 155 tackles, 28 tackles for loss, and 9.5 sacks.

Let’s take a look at each player individually and how they stack up..