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. 9 -- Joe Schobert, outside linebacker
Why he's No. 9
Schobert was an absolute force last season in his first year as a full-time starter. He ranked fourth on the team in total tackles (69) and was third in tackles for loss (13.5). He also led the Badgers with seven pass breakups, five quarterback hurries and two forced fumbles. He also happens to be the perfect complement to Vince Biegel at the other outside linebacker position.
While Biegel is much more a manic, in-your-face type of player, Schobert quietly goes about his business with swift results. His high school football coach used to call him "Sleepy Joe" because of his general lack of emotion at practice. Badgers defensive coordinator Dave Aranda, meanwhile, has taken to calling him "Sinatra" because of the smoothness with which Schobert plays on the field.
"You put him in tough situations maybe somewhere where there is a conflict, and Joe is able to kind of smoothly move through that and make plays," Aranda said in November. "He's done that ever since I've known him, so the name kind of stuck. He's gotten better and better."
Expectations for 2015
Schobert started every game last season, so the expectation is that he'll do the same as a senior. In his career, he has played in 32 games with 15 starts and should help Wisconsin once again have one of the top linebacker units in the Big Ten.
During the team's spring game, Schobert recorded four tackles with a sack and a forced fumble. And he certainly appears in line for a monster year as he continues to develop in Aranda's third-year defense.
"It's about realizing that you're a senior now," Schobert said after the team's spring game. "New guys are coming in and are going to look up to you. You have to set an example. I'm not really a vocal leader. I think Vince Biegel does more of that. I like to lead by example. You have to know that when you're in the weight room or in practice younger guys are looking up to you. I want to set a good example."
What would they do without him?
Wisconsin has a pretty solid stable of linebackers, but Schobert clearly is one of the most important pieces. Jesse Hayes has bided his time and did play in 12 games a year ago, so he'd be a candidate for more time without Schobert in the mix. Other players battling for time include Garrett Dooley, Jack Cichy and Ryan Connelly.
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