Big Ten’s 10 most frightening players to play against

Sep 19, 2015; Madison, WI, USA; Troy Trojans wide receiver John Johnson (2) is tackled by Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Joe Schobert (58) after catching a pass during the first quarter at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Joe Schobert leads the fearsome Wisconsin Badgers defense. The Badgers have the eighth overall defense in the nation, yielding just 279.9 yards per game and 4.65 yards per play, and that’s thanks in large part to Schobert’s efforts.

The 6-foot-2, 239 lbs junior linebacker is second in the Big Ten with 10 sacks, and third in the conference with 53 tackles thus far this season. He has 15 tackles for loss this, has forced three fumbles and recovered a fumble.

Schobert has been named a quarterfinalist for the Lott IMPACT Trophy, which is given to the defensive player who most “represent the qualities embodied by Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott – Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity,” according to the Lott IMPACT Trophy website.

Schobert began his collegiate career with Wisconsin as an unheralded walk-on, desired by nobody. Now, he is a force of nature who relentlessly pursues quarterbacks and punishes offenses and may be in line for an All-American season.

Next: Carl Lassib