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One former Wisconsin star cracks analyst’s all-time Top 5 walk-ons list
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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.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB