Wisconsin coaches talking up freshman linebacker

The Wisconsin Badgers coaches are excited about their freshman linebacker, Jake Ratzlaff. While it was a long, winding road for the linebacker to end up with the program, the Badgers’ patience is paying off handsomely.

A multi-sport athlete, Ratzlaff was committed to play hockey for the Minnesota Golden Gophers originally. However, on November 30th of last year, the potential NHL draft selection committed to Wisconsin to play football.

“He had to weave through a lot during the recruiting process,” Wisconsin inside linebackers coach Bob Bostad said, per Jeff Potrykus of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. “He really had to be smart and calculating. It took some time and when everything shook out we were lucky to get him.”

While the former hockey star may not make an immediate impact, Ratzlaff’s future potential has Bostad buzzing. 

“What I like about him is, No. 1, obviously he is a fantastic athlete,” Bostad said. “It is early but I see instinctive football. He gets his hand on a ball in pass coverage and I’m still waiting for some other guys to do that.

“And the other thing about him is that he is fearless. He will throw his body in there. He’s just got to learn the scheme and he’s got to pack some muscle on him. But I like everything else. I like the mindset.”

Instead of mixing it up on the ice and attempting to get to the Frozen Four, Ratzlaff is attempting to help the Badgers dethrone Ohio State on the football field in the Big Ten. 

Paul Chryst on Jake Ratzlaff

In addition to turning the head of the inside linebackers coach, Ratzlaff’s name is getting Wisconsin head coach Paul Chryst giddy. While it may be too early to determine just how good the linebacker can be, Chryst voiced his excitement when it comes to the player’s potential.

“I think he just loves to compete,” he said. “And anytime you can get a guy who can compete at a high level in multiple sports, I think that says a lot about him.”

The will to compete, combined with Ratzlaff’s unreal athleticism, make him a player that all Badgers fans should be excited to watch.

Jake Ratzlaff’s love for football

While Ratzlaff may have been a multi-sport athlete, it’s obvious football reigns supreme. In an interview with Jim Paulsen of the Star Tribune following his commitment, the linebacker detailed his love for the sport.

“I love football so much,” said Ratzlaff. “I would do anything to play football.”

“I’m not an angry person. But when I step on the football field, I can take out all my aggressions,” said Ratzlaff. “If I’ve got anything bottled up, I just let it out on the field.”

Finally, the linebacker stated the line that made Wisconsin fall in love with him as a prospect. 

“I want people to say I’m relentless,” Ratzlaff said. “I want a coach to look at me and see that my motor never stops.”

Ratzlaff’s love for football, ridiculous athleticism and no-quit attitude make the Wisconsin Badgers linebacker their most interesting project.

Image courtesy of Mike Ehrmann / Getty Images