Schobert named Big Ten's top linebacker as defensive awards announced

By foxsports
Published

Three key elements of Wisconsin's strong defense were honored by the Big Ten on Monday.

Senior outside linebacker Joe Schobert was named the Big Ten's winner of the Butkus-Fitzgerald Linebacker of the Year award and was a consensus first-team All-Big Ten pick. Meanwhile, senior outside linebacker Vince Biegel was named to the All-Big Ten third team by both the league's coaches and media.

Another five Badgers earned honorable mention All-Big Ten accolades: freshman linebacker T.J. Edwards (coaches), senior cornerback Darius Hillary (coaches), senior safety Tanner McAvoy (consensus), sophomore defensive end Chikwe Obasih (media) and junior cornerback Sojourn Shelton (media).

Schobert has registered 18.5 tackles for loss this season, to go along with 9.5 sacks. Schobert has also tied Wisconsin's single-season record for forced fumbles, with five. He is the Badgers' second recipient of the Butkus-Fitzgerald award, joining 2013 honoree Chris Borland.

Wisconsin's team captain, safety Michael Caputo, was a concensus second-team All-Big Ten selection. He owns a pair of interceptions and two fumbles on the season, to go along with 58 total tackles.

Biegel has 8.0 sacks this season, combining with Schobert to record 17.5 -- the most of any linebacker duo in the FBS. Biegel also has 14.0 tackles for loss, to go along with 64 total tackles this season.

Also on Monday, senior fullback Derek Watt was named Wisconsin's recipient of the Big Ten Sportsmanship Award.

The Big Ten is set to announce its offensive honorees on Tuesday.