Chris Orr, ILB (Captain)
The Desoto, Texas native is undoubtedly the emotional leader of this year’s Badger defense, which has been one of the best in the nation. Orr persevered through a torn ACL his sophomore year; he has started in 29 total games since then. In ten games so far this year alone, Orr has tallied 55 tackles (11 for loss), 10 sacks and two forced fumbles. His performance against Northwestern earned him Big Ten defensive player of the week honors.
A.J. Taylor, WR
Taylor has seen a decrease in receptions with the return of junior receiver Quintez Cephus this year, but nonetheless has remained a vital part of Wisconsin’s hydra of receivers. He has accrued 87 receptions in his four years at Madison for 1,306 yards and ten touchdowns. Taylor will be remembered for having a knack for the biggest moments. He tallied eight receptions for 105 yards and a touchdown in the 2017 Orange Bowl against Miami and caught a game-winning diving touchdown pass against Iowa in 2018.
Zach Hintze, K
Hintze has turned into a fan favorite this year thanks to his strength in kicking the ball out of the endzone on kickoffs. He earned national attention for rocketing a kickoff over 80 yards for a touchback against Northwestern. Over 74% of the Fond du Lac, Wis. native’s kicks in his career have been touchbacks. Hintze has also earned Academic All-Big Ten honors the last two years.
Zack Baun, OLB
Baun burst onto the scene of this defense a year ago, and has emerged as yet another tough linebacker in Wisconsin’s corps this year. The Mequon, Wis. native has accrued nine of his 11 career sacks this year alone along with 50 total tackles and two forced fumbles. Like Orr, Baun fought back from an injury in 2017 only to return stronger than ever; he has started every game since the beginning of the 2018 season.
