Why Inside Linebacker Jake Chaney Could Be Wisconsin's X-Factor on Defense

Wisconsin inside linebacker Jake Chaney is entering his junior season with the Badgers and is my pick to breakout for their defense.

Fall camp is underway for the Wisconsin football program, and there is one specific Badgers player I've got my eye on who is on the cusp of breaking out: inside linebacker Jake Chaney. 

The junior linebacker is coming off an impressive season as the No. 3 inside linebacker, registering 38 tackles, 10 pressures [only 50 pass-rushing snaps], 4.0 TFLs, one sack, and one interception in 269 total snaps.

According to Pro Football Focus, Chaney finished with the sixth-best defensive grade on the team last season (74.4) and the best coverage grade among UW's inside backers.

Now, under the direction of defensive coordinator Mike Tressel, the 5-foot-11, 230-pound linebacker could be one of the X-factors of the Wisconsin football defense.

Jake Chaney Could Be an X-Factor for the Badgers D

Jake Chaney is a talented young linebacker with a knack for getting after the QB and some impressive closing speed. When you pair that with the work ethic we've seen from the Flordia native -- the results always seem to follow.