2021 ILB Bryan Sanborn signs with Wisconsin

ILB prospect Bryan Sanborn’s name should sound familiar as his older brother, Jack, is currently leading the Wisconsin Badgers football team in tackles. Provided the elder Sanborn does not declare for the draft, the two Sanborns have a good chance at seeing time on the field together in 2021.

However, playing with his brother did not play a factor early on in his recruiting process.

“But then when I started narrowing down my schools and everything and where I want to go, not too many people get to say, ‘Oh yeah, I had a chance to play with my brother at the college level,’ Sanborn said. “Not too many people get to say that, and it is special for my family just to see both of us at the same school and everything. To learn from him would be very special for me as well.

“So yeah, I say it had a little impact on it, but not like, huge.”

Given the success Wisconsin has had at the ILB position, Bryan Sanborn is undoubtedly going to continue that success and be a force in the middle of Wisconsin’s defense for years to come.

Sanborn was named to the Butkus Award’s 2020 high school watch list in July 2020, while his older brother Jack was named to the same list at the collegiate level.

Rankings

247 Composite: 3 stars; grade: .8789; No. 467 player in the nation; No. 22 ILB; No. 10 IL

247 Sports: 4 stars; grade: 90; No. 16 ILB; No. 7 IL

Rivals: 3 stars; 5.6 rating; No. 30 ILB; No. 20 IL

ESPN: 3 stars; Grade: 79; No. 15 ILB; No. 49 Regional; No. 8 IL

Verbally Committed on December, 13, 2019

Sanborn was recruited by several other Midwest schools: Western Michigan, Cincinnati, Eastern Illinois, Iowa State and fellow B1G schools, Nebraska, Minnesota and Iowa. Wisconsin first offered Sanborn in December of 2018. Shortly after the offer from Wisconsin, Sanborn received offers from Iowa and MInnesota in January of 2019.

Sanborn made unofficial visits to Wisconsin and Iowa in September and October of 2019, respectfully, before confirming to play for the Badgers.

Sanborn, much like his brother has a solid frame and has great play speed. He has a good nose for the ball and shoots gaps well and is an excellent run defender. He should have a productive collegiate career and has the potential to play early and often and even at the next level.

Video highlights

Player bio (courtesy of UW Athletic Department)

• Three-star recruit by 247 Sports, ESPN and Rivals
• High school team will compete in the spring
• Selected for 2020 Butkus Award high school watch list
• Two-time All-North Suburban Conference selection
• Registered 108 tackles and 6.0 sacks as a junior and 80 tackles as a sophomore
• Brother, Jack, is starting inside linebacker for the Badgers