Wisconsin Badgers beat writer Jesse Temple will be analyzing the 30 most important players to the Badgers' success in the 2015 season. Check back each weekday to see the latest player on the list.
Note: This is not a list of the team's 30 best players or a series about past success, but rather which of them means the most to how Wisconsin will fare this year. Criteria such as depth at that player's position, general expectations and overall importance of that player having a good season are all highly considered. The list does not include incoming freshmen because their potential impact is unknown at this time.
No. 5 -- Vince Biegel, outside linebacker
Why he's No. 5
Biegel is the testosterone-fueled, hyperkinetic ball of energy that helped turn Wisconsin's defense into one of the most formidable units in the country last season. He was a menace to opponents and sometimes celebrated with such zeal after making big plays that he risked injuring other teammates.
"I don't know how I want to celebrate with you when you make a good play because I don't know if you're going to head butt me or jump on me," Wisconsin safety Michael Caputo said of Biegel last November. "I keep my distance from him when he makes a good play."
Does that make Biegel more important to the team? No. But it should say something about the passion with which he plays and the energy he brings to the team -- an energy that helps raise the level of play across the Badgers' defense.
Expectations for 2015
Biegel really came into his own a year ago during his redshirt sophomore season. He finished sixth on the team in total tackles (56), first in tackles for loss (16.5) and second in sacks (7.5). He also added two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and four quarterback hurries for good measure.
What's in store for him in 2015? As Clubber Lang predicted in Rocky III: "Pain." Biegel is such a force that it seems difficult to believe his numbers could diminish this season. He and Joe Schobert form perhaps the best outside linebacker duo in the Big Ten. And though middle linebackers Leon Jacobs and T.J. Edwards will be new to starting roles, the linebacker unit as a whole should be plenty formidable. Biegel has grown immensely in defensive coordinator Dave Aranda's scheme, which takes advantage of speed and strength to pressure quarterbacks.
Biegel's seven-tackle, three-sack performance against Purdue earned him Big Ten defensive player of the week honors in November. And there should be plenty more to come in 2015.
"The game has slowed down for me this year compared to last year and the years past," Biegel said in November. "I think, really, the reps have helped with it. Last year, I was being more of a third-down situational pass rusher. And then this year kind of being the guy at outside linebacker. Getting those reps, having my coaches, teammates, friends and family all supporting me and backing me, that's been huge for my growth as a player."
What would they do without him?
Biegel will be the heart and soul of Wisconsin's linebacker group this season, and the Badgers will need his manic and effective style of play. The other outside linebackers vying for time include Jesse Hayes, Garrett Dooley, Jack Cichy and Ryan Connelly. Hayes played in 12 games last season and recorded four tackles with 1.5 sacks.
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