Cooper Catalano arrived as a freshman early enrollee last year with much to prove in an experienced linebacker room. He had set the Wisconsin state high school career tackling record at Germantown High with 583 tackles. But he also recognized those marks meant little as he took a step up in competition during practices and, if all went well in Year 1, games.

It didn’t take long to see the skills that made Catalano a standout prep player would translate at the college level. He led the team in tackles against Ohio State, earned his first career start the following week against Oregon alongside fellow freshman linebacker Mason Posa and never looked back.

Catalano finished the season with 56 tackles, which included a 19-tackle effort in an upset victory against Washington that represented the most for any Badgers player in 14 years and earned Catalano the Big Ten defensive player of the week award. He and Posa now enter their sophomore seasons not only as leaders on defense but on the entire team.

In the latest Badger Connect Podcast, Catalano and his dad, Jim, join Mike Heller to discuss Wisconsin’s season opener against No. 4 Notre Dame at Lambeau Field, Catalano’s recruiting process, how he has approached playing football as a Type-1 diabetic, his development as a freshman last season, his relationship with Posa and more. You can view the full episode here: