During last year's disappointing 5-7 campaign, it would have been difficult for even the most optimistic Badger fan to believe something special was developing under the surface of the team's defense. Admittedly, finding anything \special"" in a unit that surrendered 63 points to Indiana is somewhat of a task, but sometimes, given the current state of a team, spotting a future star is not easy.
If, however, you paid close attention to detail last year, you might have heard of a true freshman named Jim Leonhard. Leonhard saw action in all 12 games last year, content to labor on special teams, where pain is high and recognition low.
His highlights included a three-tackle performance against Minnesota and special teams player of the week for Wisconsin against Michigan State, but when the season ended, Leonhard didn't stop to pat himself on the back. On the contrary, he immediately began to work toward this year.
""I needed to know the game better mentally,"" Leonhard said. ""It's a huge difference coming from high school, where you don't have a whole lot of responsibilities.""
However, a lot of Leonhard's off-season preparation came physically rather than mentally.
""A lot of it was also strength and conditioning with UW strength and conditioning coach John Dettmann,"" Leonhard said.
As this year's Big Ten season begins, Badger fans are now fully aware of a stronger and smarter Leonhard, who has proved a godsend for No. 19-ranked Wisconsin. The sophomore strong safety leads the Big Ten in both interceptions, with four, and passes defended, with seven, but means much more to the defense than numbers can convey.
""Jim Leonhard usually makes the play that sets the tone for the rest of the game,"" sophomore defensive back Scott Starks said. ""We call him the 'detonator.' He usually makes the breakup, the interception or anything he has to do to get the game going.""
Leonhard also gets the game going through his punt returns, as he is averaging an impressive 12.1 yards per return, fourth in the Big Ten. His most impressive feat, however, might be his place in the starting lineup.
Entering the spring, the incumbent strong safety Michael Broussard, had the position locked down, thanks to his three interceptions, 51 tackles and 12 starts from a year ago. The coaches seemed to concur, as the Wisconsin Spring Prospectus gave special notice to Broussard's return while failing to mention Leonhard. This might have bothered some, but not Leonhard.
""I knew I needed a really good spring just to show where I was and where I could be,"" Leonhard said. ""When I got moved to strong safety, I knew Mike Broussard was back as a starter, but all you can do is do your job every day and not worry about what someone else is doing.""
According to defensive coordinator Kevin Cosgrove, Leonhard's climb up the depth charts was a product of hard work and natural talent.
""We definitely knew he had all the athletic ability in the world,"" Cosgrove said. ""It was just a matter of learning with reps, but it was obvious to us early in the spring that he would make the move and be the guy. It's obvious to everyone that he's a good football player.""
After needing only part of the spring to make Cosgrove a believer, Leonhard has made even shorter work with Badger fans, thanks to his first start against Fresno State. On the Bulldogs' first offensive series, Leonhard jumped on quarterback Jeff Grady's pass attempt, intercepting the ball and returning it to the Fresno State 32 yard-line. Leonhard built on his performance with another interception and seven pass break-ups, including a potential game-saver with a minute remaining. When the dust finally settled, fans gushed over the best performance by a Wisconsin defensive back since the days of Jamar Fletcher and Jason Doering. They weren't alone in their enjoyment.
""That game, just how it went from us being behind a lot of the game and then coming back at the end, it was unbelievable,"" Leonhard said. ""Playing a night game in front of the fans, as jacked up as they were. I don't know how to describe it. Unbelievable.""
After Leonhard's first five games, many Badger fans and teammates alike feel the same way about this young star.
""Jim Leonhard has been a great help for us on the defensive side of the ball,"" teammate Jeff Mack said. ""He has played his butt off. We knew coming into the spring that he was a great player. I am just happy that he is on the field playing for us.\
