Wisconsin Badgers Head Coach Gary Andersen has referred to Chris Borland as “the best linebacker in the country” on numerous occasions.
While it can be argued that Andersen is slightly biased towards his experienced senior linebacker, there’s no argument about what Borland brings to the Badgers’ defense each and every week.
Fellow senior linebacker Conor O’Neill hit it on the head when he said “Borland is such a huge emotional leader, the boost he gives us before the game is something special.”
As of now the 5-11, 246 pound prospect from Kettering, Ohio projects to be a third to fifth round draft pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. His leadership and special instincts could have him climbing all the way up to the second round though.
Tackling has become a lost art in the NFL, but it’s an area that Borland has excelled in as one of the most sure-tacklers in the Big Ten Conference.
Wisconsin’s previous two games have been a showcase for Borland who matched a career-high with 16 tackles against the Ohio State Buckeyes followed by another 10 tackles in a win over Northwestern.
Borland has three double-digit tackles games this year and 15 for his career. With 364 total tackles, Borland is tied with Ken Criter (1966-68) for eighth on the Badgers’ all-time list.
When asked about why he’s so good at tackling, Borland answered, “I’ve been at it a long time so I should be good at it by now. We put an onus on it and practice tackling. I’ve had great coaches, especially at teaching tackling technique.”
In addition to tackling, Borland also is a master at forcing fumbles. His 13 career forced fumbles are a school-record and one shy of a NCAA record held by five other players.
Anyone that has watched a Wisconsin football game knows the impact that Borland has in the middle of the field.
Even Coach Andersen can’t believe what Borland does each Saturday.
“Chris, he’ll never cease to amaze me. I don’t know if he’s ever not going to surprise me with the way he plays. He played at a high level. He plays at a high level every single week. He’ll continue to do that.”
Maybe Borland will surprise his coach and everyone else by making a splash in the NFL one day.
What are you most impressed by with Chris Borland? Do you think he will make in the NFL? Let me know by commenting below.
Nick Grays is a senior writer at the Sports Bank where he covers the Wisconsin Badgers and Green Bay Packers. He also enjoys sharing Fantasy Advice and pretends to be a Golf expert from time-to-time. Follow him on Twitter by clicking here or visit his blog Nick Knows Best. If social media is not your thing, shoot him an email at grays@uwalumni.com.
Images obtained from UWBadgers.com
