Sebastian Cheeks made it clear with his play during preseason practices that he was ready to take a significant leap and become Wisconsin’s most consistent pass rusher. There was a greater comfort level off the edge in his second season at the position, better technique and even more confidence.

Cheeks has put all those traits on display through Wisconsin’s first five games to not only showcase himself as the best pass rusher on the team but one of the best in the country. According to Pro Football Focus, Cheeks has amassed an FBS-leading 27 pressures, nine of which came during Wisconsin’s 31-3 victory against Michigan State two Saturdays ago. As a point of reference, Cheeks tallied 27 pressures all of last season.

Wisconsin (4-1, 2-0 Big Ten) faces a major test against No. 12 UCLA (5-0, 3-0) on Saturday at the Rose Bowl. Cheeks’ ability to impact the quarterback will go a long way toward helping the Badgers build on their four-game winning streak.

In the latest Badger Connect Podcast, Cheeks discusses his improvement as a player, how his father shaped him as a person, the joy of Wisconsin’s early-season success and more. You can check out the full episode here: