Linebacker Mason Posa is one of six Wisconsin players on all-Big Ten team

MADISON – Mason Posa wasn’t a regular contributor to the Wisconsin defense until the fourth Big Ten game.

Nonetheless, the Badgers freshman linebacker made a strong impression.

The third-team distinction Posa received on the Big Ten coaches all-conference team was the highest designation of any Wisconsin player. He received honorable mention on the media team.

Despite ranking 10th on the team in total snaps, according to Pro Football Focus, Posa led the Badgers in tackles (61) and tied for fourth on the team with four sacks. Those 61 tackles are the most for a Badgers freshman since T.J. Edwards made 84 in 2015.

Posa was one of six Badgers mentioned on the all-conference team.

Christian Alliegro, junior linebacker

Received honorable mention from the coaches and media. He missed two games due to broken arm but finished third on the team with 53 tackles that included 34 solo stops, eight tackles for a loss and four sacks.

Vinny Anthony, senior receiver/returner

Received honorable mention from the coaches and media as a return man. He ranked second in the Big Ten and seventh nationally with a 27.9-yard kickoff return average. He also led UW with 31 catches for 391 yards and one touchdown.

Ricardo Hallman, graduate cornerback

Received honorable mention from the coaches and media. He intercepted two passes and finished with 34 tackles, while serving as one of the team’s most durable player. He led the defense with 713 snaps.

Darryl Peterson, graduate outside linebacker

Received honorable mention from the media. He had a memorable two-game run against Indiana and Illinois when he made 5 ½ sacks. PFF rated him as one of the Badgers’ most productive players throughout the season. He finished with 6½ sacks and 11½ tackles for a loss.

Mason Reiger, graduate outside linebacker

Received honorable mention from the media. Reiger ranked fourth by PFF among edge rushers in the Big Ten. He finished with 33 tackles. He had six tackles for a loss that included five sacks.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Linebacker Mason Posa one of 6 Wisconsin players on all-Big Ten team