Wisconsin has two of the best young linebackers in the nation, with Mason Posa and Cooper Catalano. Both were standouts as true freshmen and are heading into their sophomore years essentially secure in their starting roles. However, Mike Tressel says if they don't have other linebackers pushing them, then they won't get better. He said, the good news is, there are two that are coming for Posa and Catalano's jobs.
"I'm sure you guys are all talking Catalano Posa. Of course, they've proven they're really good players, but I see Tommy, I see Jon Jon certainly being in a position to push them, right? Because if you just have two and there's no one pushing them, how are we going to get better? And we ultimately know uh got to get your best players on the field and do what they do best."Mike Tressel
Thomas Heiberger and Jon Jon Kamara are names to watch in the linebackers room
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Tressel identifies red-shirt sophomore Thomas Heiberger as one of those guys showing the ability to push Posa and Catalano. The other being the Kansas transfer Jon Jon Kamara, who is also a redshirt sophomore. Each player has a chance to either elevate Posa and Catalano or take their jobs.
While it's not really an open competition, he wants Posa and Catalano looking over their shoulder, noticing how close the other linebackers are getting to them. Tressel wants to make sure Posa and Catalano don't get content in their starter role and don't continue to elevate their games.
Heiberger didn't get a ton of opportunities last season with only three starts at linebacker, but he was able to prove that he belongs on the field. Now that he's shown up in spring camp with fire, who knows how they will find roles for him?
Kamara had a similar season to Heiberger, but for Kansas. He played in all 12 games as a freshman and was able to start three of them. He recorded 13 tackles, 1.5 tackles-for-loss, and an assisted sack.
Tressel is impressed with the entire group, and for Badger fans, there's something amazing about that statement from Tressel, but also knowing each and every player mentioned above, from Posa to Catalano to Heiberger to Kansas, are all sophomores. Young and skilled. The future is bright in the linebackers' room.