Varsity - The Official Digital Magazine of Wisconsin Athletics

Varsity - September 19, 2013

Varsity is the free Official Digital Magazine of Wisconsin Athletics, covering Badgers football, basketball, hockey and more each week.

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BADGERING JOE SCHOBERT After graduating from Waukesha West High School, Joe Schobert was set to walk on to the North Dakota football team. That was before a breakout performance in a Wisconsin state all-star game that drew the attention of UW coaches. Now, the sophomore linebacker is coming off the first start of his career after making a rapid rise up the depth chart at Wisconsin. What's it been like to go from walk-on at North Dakota to starter at UW? "It means a lot to me to be playing for my home-state team. Playing for the Badgers is what every Wisconsin kid dreams about growing up watching games every Saturday. It's crazy to think about where I could be if the opportunity to play for UW didn't present itself, and to have the chance to start last Saturday was a great feeling." How did it feel to get the call from the Badgers saying they were interested? "It was a little hectic at the time, as I was set to head to North Dakota, but it all worked out once everything settled down. It was a great feeling and was a big relief that I would be closer to my family and they'd be able to come watch games, even if I wasn't playing." You were a four-sport athlete in high school. Why did you settle on football? "After my junior season of football, we did really well and won a state championship and I had a good year, so coaches started calling and sending letters. That was the first time I realized I could play Division I football and could achieve that if I worked hard and put time into it." "Unfortunately we had a number of guys get hurt during camp, and while that was unfortunate for them, it provided me with an opportunity to step up and make plays. All you have to do is make a couple of plays and the coaches will take notice and stick you in more situations. You have to keep coming in every day and working like you don't have another day and try to take advantage of every opportunity they give you." What led to your rise up the depth chart beginning in the spring? "The best thing for me is the new defense since everyone is on the same level playing field in terms of learning. Last season, I came in as a receiver, then a safety and eventually moved to linebacker at the start of the season, so I was always in catch-up mode. I didn't know exactly what I was doing all the time and was always trying to catch up in the playbook. This year, everyone started out on the same page and everyone was learning at the same pace. I think that really helped me." What's it like playing in a 3-4 defense? 24 // VARSITY September 19, 2013 QUICK Q'S WITH JOE Twitter Facebook or Twitter? Victory meal of lobster, crab or filet mignon Favorite meal? Clay Matthews Favorite athlete? "I've failed over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed." - Michael Jordan Favorite quote?

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