Top 10 Wisconsin football defensive players of all time

4. Jim Leonhard, S, 2001-04

While many Wisconsin defensive greats have needed all four years to establish themselves, Leonhard was one of the best safeties in the country by his sophomore season. A three-time first-team All-American selection, Leonhard caught 11 interceptions in 2002, a number that led the nation and tied the Big Ten’s single-season record. 

He finished his career with 21 interceptions, tied for the school’s record with legendary cornerback Jamar Israel (Fletcher) and fourth-most in Big Ten history. 

Leonhard went undrafted in the 2005 NFL Draft but still managed to play 10 seasons with five teams. He also served as the Badgers’ defensive coordinator from 2016 to 2022 with a brief stint as the interim head coach in 2022.