Wisconsin LB Jack Sanborn preparing to face alma mater of his late father in Rose Bowl

Jack Sanborn had a memorable breakout season in 2019, and he will get the chance to end it in a special Rose Bowl appearance.

The sophomore linebacker burst onto the scene as a starter and quickly turned into a valuable piece of the Badger defense. He tied Chris Orr for the team lead in total tackles with 72. Sanborn also finished third on the team with nine tackles for loss and added 5.5 sacks and two interceptions.

The incredible season for Sanborn is not necessarily unexpected, considering his football background. Sanborn’s father, Paul Sanborn, was an offensive lineman at Oregon. Sadly, he passed away in 2005 at the age of 43.

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On Monday, Sanborn discussed the significance of getting to face his father’s alma mater in this year’s Rose Bowl. Jeff Potrykus with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel shared Sanborn’s comments:

#Badgers Jack Sanborn on facing his late-father's team: "I grew up watching Oregon. They got me into college football. Then I came to Wisconsin because I wanted to win a Rose Bowl. To have the opportunity to do that against Oregon, life comes full circle."

— Jeff Potrykus (@jaypo1961) December 30, 2019

#Badgers LB Jack Sanborn said his mother, Malinda, called him after Oregon-UW match-up was set. "I said I can't believe it," Jack said. Mom's response: "It was meant to happen." Pops would be proud.

— Jeff Potrykus (@jaypo1961) December 30, 2019

I asked #Badgers LB Jack Sanborn whether his father, if still alive , would be OK with his son playing well but Oregon winning. Sanborn: "No, I think he'd be rooting for us."

— Jeff Potrykus (@jaypo1961) December 30, 2019