Wisconsin Football: What You Need to Know about Badgers LB Chris Borland

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Chris Borland is a standout linebacker for the Wisconsin Badgers.  He has been named to multiple All-Big Ten teams, and is coming off an All-American caliber season in 2011.  A tremendous player, Borland is poised to dominate again in 2012 and lead the Badgers to another Big Ten title.

Here's a look at what you need to know about the Badgers' star linebacker.

He's a Defensive Stalwart

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Chris Borland dominates for the Badgers defense, and has been a standout since he arrived on campus.  

An instinctive player and an underrated athlete, Borland is coming off of his best year in a Badgers uniform, racking up 143 tackles with 19 for a loss.  The star linebacker also chipped in two-and-a-half sacks and two interceptions.  

The Big Ten Freshman of the Year in 2009, Borland has earned numerous accolades since he set foot on campus.  He's earned multiple All-Big Ten honors, and was a Third Team All-American in 2011.  

The heart and soul of the Badgers defense, Borland is going to dominate again in 2012.  

Standout on Special Teams

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Chris Borland has done it all for the Badgers on special teams.  

He's returned punts, received kickoffs and even kicked extra points. Simply put, the guy can do it all.

Unfortunately, Borland has become too valuable to continue playing on the Badgers' special teams, even if he is 3-for-3 in converting extra points.   

Personal Life

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Even though he grew up in Ohio, Borland has been a Badger fan since birth as his grandfather went to Wisconsin and his dad grew up in Madison.  Borland was actually the one who initiated contact with the Badgers' coaching staff, as he always wanted to play for Wisconsin.

While he is a star athlete for the Badgers, Borland might not even be the best athlete in his family.  He has a brother that played basketball for Wittenberg, one that played soccer for Wittenburg and another who played soccer for Army.  Talk about an athletic bloodline.  

Off the field, Borland is a typical college student.  He enjoys listening to music, watching movies, reading and the occasional game of tennis.  

Conclusion

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Chris Borland is a beast on the field.  He does it all for the Badgers defense and is the heart and soul of the unit.  He's such a valuable player for the Badgers that the coaching staff had to cut short his burgeoning career as a special teams stalwart.  

Expect Borland to have a superlative season in 2012.