Schobert named first-team All-America
December 14, 2015 | Football
Former walk-on becomes third linebacker in school history to be first-team All-American
MADISON, Wis. — A tremendous senior season has earned Wisconsin's Joe Schobert a place on the short list of America's best college football players. Historically speaking, he has added his name to an even shorter list, as well.
Schobert, the Badgers' playmaking senior outside linebacker, was named Monday a first-team All-American by the Football Writers Association of America. He is one of three linebackers to earn first-team All-America accolades from the FWAA, joining Temple's Tyler Matakevich and Alabama's Reggie Raglund.
A former walk-on, Schobert has developed a reputation as one of the nation's top pass rushers as a senior. The Waukesha native has racked up 18.5 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks while also forcing five fumbles.
Schobert is just the third linebacker in Wisconsin history to earn first-team All-America distinction, joining Hal Faverty of UW's famed "Hard Rocks" defense in 1951 and Chris Borland in 2013.Â
Like Faverty, a linebacker and defensive end who helped UW allow a nation-leading 6.6 points in 1951, Schobert is an anchor of a defensive unit that ranks No. 1 nationally in scoring defense. This year's Badgers have allowed just 13.1 points per game.
Like Borland, who was named the Big Ten's top linebacker in 2013, Schobert earned the title of Butkus-Fitzgerald Big Ten Linebacker of the Year this season to go along with first-team All-Big Ten honors.
With the addition of Schobert, Wisconsin has produced 14 first-team All-America awards since 2010. The Badgers have had at least one first-team All-American in 19 of the last 20 seasons, with 2009 being the lone exception.
Schobert also was named a first-team All-American by ESPN.com on Monday. The first-team accolades follow several second-team selections for Schobert, including as a member of the 126th Walter Camp All-America team.
Schobert's 18.5 tackles for loss rank in a tie for No. 7 nationally and third among Big Ten players. His 9.5 sacks rank him in a tie for 11th nationally and third in the conference. He also has tied UW's single-season record for forced fumbles with five, a total that ranks him No. 2 nationally this season. He grabbed the first interception of his career this season and has recorded 14 quarterback hurries.
