Wisconsin Football: Leo Chenal named the Big Ten Linebacker of the Year

Wisconsin Football has seemingly become a linebacker factory over the last decade, turning out difference-makers year after year. So, it should come as no surprise when I tell you that Grantsburg, Wisconsin native – and Wisconsin badgers star linebacker Leo Chenal has won the Big Ten Butkus-Fitzgerald Linebacker of the Year award.

Anyone with two eyes and a television saw this one coming, because Leo Chenal has simply been the best linebacker on every field he’s stepped onto this season, and arguably had the best individual season of any linebacker in the nation.

Leo Chenal becomes the third Wisconsin linebacker to be named the Big Ten Linebacker of the Year, following the likes of: Chris Borland (2013), and Joe Schobert (2015) – putting him in pretty good company.

Leo Chenal by the numbers:

• Overall grade: (91.5)  – 2nd nationally among linebackers
• Run-defense grade: (94.0) – 1st nationally among linebackers
• Pass-rush grade: (92.2) – 1st nationally among linebackers
• Tackling grade: (84.6) – 20th nationally among linebackers

Leo Chenal finished the regular season having registered: 106 total tackles, 17 tackles for loss, 7 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles.

The Junior linebacker also led the league in tackles for loss per game (1.7), finished 2nd in the Big Ten in tackles per game (10.6), 4th in sacks per game (0.7), and 4th in total tackles.

It’s also worth noting that all of this production came despite having missed the first two games of the season due to contracting Covid-19.

As it stands, NFL draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. has Leo Chenal rated as the 10th rated inside linebacker in the 2022 class.

So, it’s certainly possible, if not expected that Chenal moves on to pursue greener pastures come season’s end. Regardless of the decision Chenal makes, he’ll forever be named among the program’s best linebackers to ever do it. This award well well deserved.