Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images
The Badgers have their captains for 2016.
Running back Dare Ogunbowale and outside linebacker Vince Biegel have earned the title of captain by their Wisconsin Badgers teammates for the 2016 season. UW officially announced their distinction on Saturday afternoon.
Biegel returned to Wisconsin for his fifth year, rebuking overtures to play in the NFL. Last season, he paired with current Cleveland Browns linebacker Joe Schobert to form one of the most potent linebacking duos in the country. The Wisconsin Rapids native recorded eight sacks and 14 tackles for loss — good for second on the team in both categories — on his way to being named a third-team All-Big Ten selection. He was third on the team in tackles (66).
Ogunbowale, a former walk-on and a converted cornerback, stepped up in Corey Clement’s absence and led the team in rushing last season with 819 yards and seven touchdowns. The Milwaukee native also was a threat in the passing game out of the backfield, catching 36 passes, second-most on the team.
Ogunbowale is the 15th walk-on since 1990 to be named a Wisconsin football captain.
Both were featured in Wisconsin’s ‘‘Homegrown’’ YouTube series, and the two are expected to be significant contributors to the 2016 team.