Chris Borland

A two-star linebacker out of Kettering, Ohio, he saw immediate action at A two-star LB recruit, Christopher "Chris" Borland played mostly offense in high school and went overlooked by most Big Ten programs, but he grew up a Wisconsin fan and impressed the coaching staff enough at a workout to earn a scholarship. Borland saw the field early as a true freshman in 2009 and quickly became a starter, earning Big Ten Freshman POY honors. After missing most of the 2010 season due to a shoulder injury and redshirting, he recorded three consecutive seasons of 100+ tackles, earning First Team All-Big Ten honors each year - finishes his Wisconsin career sixth in tackles (420), fourth in tackles for loss (50.0) and first in forced fumbles (15). Borland is the type of player who makes his presence known and never has a quiet game with his nonstop motor, playing with a ton of fight and heart - tough to measure. It's no coincidence that he's always around the action with his smarts, instincts and intangibles, which will draw comparisons to retired LB Zach Thomas - both very detailed and understands how to be effective despite the lack of size. Borland plays physical with good short-area quicks, but his lack of elite speed, overall range and length to shed blocks could limit him at the next level - an outstanding college player who projects as a borderline NFL starter with some physical limitations and questionable durability that will be tough to overcome.

strengths

Athletic with natural pad level to stay low and bend with coordinated feet - mirrors well at the LOS...very good core strength and delivers a jolt to blockers at the POA...terrific reaction quickness and smarts, wasting little time attacking his read...excellent spatial awareness and works well in tight areas, squeezing through holes at the LOS to disrupt the pocket with timing and burst - underrated blitzer...disciplined in space and rarely fooled...very opportunistic and always seems in the right place at the right time...meets the ballcarrier in the holed with very good take on strength and body control to strike through his target...heady player in coverage, gaining correct body positioning and making smooth adjustments...nice job avoiding blocks to show up vs. the run...effort isn't a question and his body and mind are always at full-go...mature individual and level-headed leader...above average resume as a four-year starter (44 career starts) with three straight seasons of 100+ tackles and the Big Ten career record for forced fumbles (15) - four-year All-Conference and Big Ten Defensive POY in 2013.

weaknesses

Short stature and a maxed out frame...lack of arm length shows up too much at the LOS and in space, struggling to sift through the trash or shed blocks...lacks first step suddenness or elite range to consistently play sideline-to-sideline - average-at-best straight-line speed...needs to eliminate the offsides penalties, often getting overeager when trying to jump the snap count...not the most durable player, missing all of 2010 with a shoulder injury and parts of the past two seasons due to nagging hamstring and groin injuries - shoulder issues are a red flag.

2010: Granted a medical redshirt after suffering a shoulder injury in the fifth game of the season.

First-team all-state and conference player of the year as a senior

first-team all-conference, team captain and MVP

defensive player of the year (Ohiovarsity.com)

72 tackles, one interception, one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries

1,230 yards rushing and 19 TDs

honorable mention all-region and first-team all-conference as a junior

nine touchdowns and 633 yards rushing and eight tackles

241 rushing yards and 17 tackles as a sophomore

three-time letterwinner in football

also lettered in basketball, tennis and track and field

placed fifth at state track meet in the shot put as a junior

head coach was Ed Domsitz

Parents are Jeff and Zebbie Borland

brother Mark played basketball at Wittenberg

brother John played soccer at Army

brother Matt played soccer at Wittenberg

enjoys listening to music, reading and watching movies

majoring in history