One former Wisconsin star cracks analyst's all-time Top 5 walk-ons list
Just about every year, we see a star emerge on the football field. There are always a few players who started their careers as walk-on players and develop into key contributors to their teams.
This week, FOX college football analyst RJ Young took on the task of naming the five best walk-ons of all-time, a pretty difficult challenge for anyone. But the list was a pretty solid one, and even included a former Wisconsin star.
Coming in at No. 5 on the list was former Wisconsin defensive back Jim Leonhard, who is currently the Badgers defensive coordinator. Leonhard was a three-time All-B1G and three-time All-American selection during his time in Madison. He ended his career with 281 tackles, 21 interceptions and 1,347 punt return yards with 3 touchdowns.
Leonhard’s success in Madison resulted in a 10-year career in the NFL, where he totaled 429 tackles and 14 interceptions, while also racking up over 1,200 yards as a return man.
Below is the complete list from Young:
- Brandon Burlsworth, OL, Arkansas
- Baker Mayfield, QB, Texas Tech/Oklahoma
- Santana Moss, WR, Miami
- Adam Archuleta, DB, Arizona State
- Jim Leonhard, DB, Wisconsin
Started from the bottom but went on to have incredible careers 📈
Do you agree with @RJ_Young's list of top walk-ons of all time? pic.twitter.com/YViwmegGg3
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) February 23, 2021
Leonhard is the defensive coordinator for the Badgers, a role he’s been in since 2017. He’s also the team’s defensive backs coach.