Top 10 Wisconsin football defensive players of all time

2. Jamar Israel (Fletcher), CB, 1998-2000

Israel, a two-time Rose Bowl champion, became a star in his first year on the field. In 1998, Israel led the NCAA with seven interceptions and was named an All-American, his first of three selections. 

His final season in Madison solidified his legacy, winning the 2000 Jim Thorpe Award which is given to the nation’s top defensive back. Israel added a consensus first-team All-American selection and the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year.

Israel finished his career with a school record-tying 21 interceptions and was named a member of the 1990-2000 Big Ten All-Decade Team. He was drafted 26th overall by the Miami Dolphins in the 2001 draft.