The Wisconsin Badgers have had many memorable players throughout the years. While they definitely specialize in some positions more than others, the Badgers have overall put good talent all over the field. Today we look at the top 5 cornerbacks of all time for the Wisconsin Badgers.
#5 Jason Doering (1997-2000)
Doering’s stats at Wisconsin do not jump off the page but he goes down as one of the top cornerbacks for one reason, his tackling. He is a top-15 tackler all time at Wisconsin and totaled 338 stops in his four years. What is more impressive is that 250 of those tackles were solo tackles. Doering led the team in tackles for three seasons straight from 1998-2000 which is unheard of for a cornerback. He also grabbed six interceptions as a Badger. His surehanded tackling is why he is a top 5 cornerback of all time for the Wisconsin Badgers.
#4 Scott Starks (2001-2004)
When a Wisconsin Badgers fan hears Scott Starks, there is one play that most likely comes to mind. His game winning fumble recovery in 2004 against Purdue was one of the great moments of the decade. Starks was not just a one play wonder. He had four solid years in Madison. He had 45 pass breakups and 52 passes defended while in a Badgers uniform. He had in 7 interceptions. A solid corner with a memorable moment is why Scott Stark is a top 5 cornerback of all time for the Wisconsin Badgers.
#3 Jack Ikegwuonu (2005-2007)
Ikegwuonu knew how to separate a receiver from the ball. His 29 career pass breakups and 35 passes defending are both top 10 all time for Wisconsin. He was a first team all Big Ten selection in both 2006 and 2007. He totaled 6 interceptions returning one of them for a touchdown and also found the endzone after a fumble as well. His tackling ability was also above average as he totaled 77 tackles in his time in Madison. His pass breakup ability and nose for the endzone is why Jack Ikegwuonu is a top 5 cornerback of all time at Wisconsin.
#2 Troy Vincent (1988-1991)
Vincent has the advantage of playing not only corner but on special teams as a returner. From 1989-1991 he scored one special teams touchdown every season. He averaged 10+ punt return yards for three seasons straight with one season topping out at 13.8. He was elite on kick returns as well averaging 25.4 yards per return in his senior season. He was no scrub at corner either. He had 24 passes defended and 21 pass breakups in his career. Vincent’s electric production on the field is why he is a top 5 cornerback of all time for the Wisconsin Badgers.
#1 Jamar Fletcher (1998-2000)
Any Wisconsin Badgers fan probably saw Jamar Flecther at number one on this list from a mile away. Fletcher has 21 career interceptions. In each season he had 7. He also returned 5 of those interceptions for touchdowns. He is the all time leader in those categories. He seemed to always be around the ball with 57 career passes defended and 36 career pass breakups. Fletcher also won the Jim Thorpe Award as well as Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year in 2000. It is hard to see someone touching Fletcher’s stats which is why he is a top 5 cornerback of all time for Wisconsin.
That’s my list of the top 5 cornerbacks of all time for the Wisconsin Badgers. Did I miss one? Tweet at me and let me know who I missed.
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