Published Jul 26, 2020
Key Wisconsin Badgers 2020: No. 5 - Outside linebacker Noah Burks
Raul Vazquez
BadgerBlitz.com Staff Writer

Wisconsin's 2020 football season is (hopefully) right around the corner, so BadgerBlitz.com ranked the Top 25 players who we think will be the keys to success for Paul Chryst's squad this year.

Playing time, past performance and positional depth all factored into our staff rankings.

STRENGTHS

Noah Burks, a four-star linebacker from Indiana, will be looking to break out in 2020 as the leader of Wisconsin's outside linebackers. In 2019, as the starter opposite Zack Baun, Burks found consistent playing time and emerged as a key member of the defense. Burks tallied 36 tackles - seven for a loss - two sacks, three pass break-ups and one interception this past season.

One of the biggest departures Wisconsin has to replace in 2020 is Baun, who racked up 12.5 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss in 2019. Burks, 6-foot-2 and 239 pounds, has played in 35 games over his career at Wisconsin but has big shoes to fill as the No. 1 edge rusher. Outside of Jack Sanborn, Burks is the leading returner in tackles for loss.

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WEAKNESSES 

Burks was praised as a consistent and reliable piece for the Badgers' defense throughout the 2019 season but only managed to record 36 tackles (a 47.5 grade in tackling, according to PFF), two sacks and no quarterback hits. Outside of his pick-six against Northwestern, Burks failed to provide many splash plays, a stark contrast from Baun last fall. Surely, though, this could change as Burks steps into a leadership role at outside linebacker.

Noah Burks 2019 Numbers
GamesSoloAssistedTotalSacksPFF Grade

14

18

18

36

2

65.3

WHY HE'S No. 5

One of the biggest catalysts for the success of the defense (and team) in 2019 was the consistency Baun and Chris Orr had from their linebacker spots. With the uptick in playing time, Wisconsin is hoping Burks can be the Badgers' next top edge rusher in Jim Leonhard's 3-4 scheme. His ability to get to the quarterback will be key for the Badgers's success.

OVERALL

One of Wisconsin’s biggest strengths is their ability to develop linebackers. We’ve seen it going back to Joe Schobert, Vince Biegel, T.J. Watt, Andrew Van Ginkel and Baun, among others. Now, Burks has an opportunity to join that group is his final season at UW.

Key Wisconsin Badgers 2020 Countdown
RANKPLAYERSTORY 

No. 25

Redshirt senior CB Caesar Williams

No. 24

Redshirt junior K Collin Larsh

No. 23

Redshirt senior FB Mason Stokke

No. 22

Redshirt senior WR Jack Dunn

No. 21

Sophomore ILB Leo Chenal

No. 20

Junior CB Rachad Wildgoose

No. 19

Redshirt senior DE Garrett Rand

No. 18

Redshirt junior OG Josh Seltzner

No. 17

Redshirt sophomore S Reggie Pearson

No. 16

Redshirt junior OL Tyler Beach

No. 15

Redshirt junior OL Kayden Lyles

No. 14

Redshirt junior OLB Izayah Green-May

No. 13

Redshirt junior OL Logan Bruss

No. 12

Redshirt senior RB Garrett Groshek

No. 11

Redshirt senior DE Isaiahh Loudermilk

No. 10

Redshirt junior CB Faion Hicks

No. 9

Sophomore DT Keeanu Benton

No. 8

Redshirt senior OL Cole Van Lanen

No. 7

Junior MLB Jack Sanborn

No. 6

Redshirt sophomore RB Nakia Watson