Wisconsin's Mason Posa named Big Ten Co-Freshman of the Week

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Not only did Wisconsin's Cooper Catalano receive Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week honors on Monday, but freshman Mason Posa also received his flowers, becoming the Big Ten Co-Freshman of the Week. Posa was second on the team in tackles, just behind Catalano. He also led the defense in sacks with 2 1/2. Those disruptive plays included a key strip sack to set the Badgers up on the five-yard line, plus a game-sealing fourth-down tackle of Washington quarterback Demond Williams during the game's final drive.

Just like Catalano, Posa saw limited action early this season, but was given a significant increase in snaps after linebacker Christian Alliegro went down with a broken hand against the Ohio State Buckeyes. Both Posa and Catalano delivered strong performances against Oregon in Week 11, leading to more playing time in Saturday's game against the Washington Huskies. Both exceeded all expectations in that contest, nearly single-handedly leading the Badgers to a defensive-first victory.

Roster retention is crucial in the new NIL landscape of college football. With the vote of confidence from athletic director Chris McIntosh, head coach Luke Fickell could be due for a turnaround next season if he can lock down the program's young stars, like Mason Posa.

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This article originally appeared on Badgers Wire: Wisconsin Mason Posa named Big Ten Co-Freshman of the Week Washington

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