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:

  1. Brandon Burlsworth, OL, Arkansas
  2. Baker Mayfield, QB, Texas Tech/Oklahoma
  3. Santana Moss, WR, Miami
  4. Adam Archuleta, DB, Arizona State
  5. Jim Leonhard, DB, Wisconsin

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.