CBS 58's Hometown Athlete: Germantown's Cooper Catalano preps to lead Badgers defense
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- As freshman, roommates Cooper Catalano and Mason Posa burst on the scene for the Badgers.
"I think we do a great job of playing off each other," Catalano says. "And also having a great group of guys on the defensive side of the ball."
The freshman linebacker had a ridiculous 19 tackles in Wisconsin's upset of Washington.
"I really didn't (know)," Catalano says. "You never, like in the game, counting your tackles, you know, you're just focused on each play and making sure you get to the next one. So no, it was definitely a really cool experience for me. You know, storming the field with everybody. I was actually able to see my parents on the field."
Catalano played for Germantown High School and still holds on to his roots.
"Yeah, I love it," Catalano says. "A lot of pride in Germantown. And I was actually texting Coach Davis yesterday."
For the Warhawks, he played linebacker and fullback.
"Yeah, you know, it was fun to score a couple touchdowns back in the day," Catalano says. "But I'd much rather tackle somebody than be tackled."
CBS 58 Sports Director Lance Allan asks, "Or you could get a pick six or a strip six or something like that?"
"I'm gonna try, I'm gonna try!" Catalano says.
As for the Badgers this year, Allan asks, "There's a quiet confidence, a little chip on the shoulder, a little something something going on here, Cooper?"
"Absolutely," Catalano says. "I think all the confidence is stemming from everybody buying into Coach Fick throughout this offseason. I think he's done a great job leading us and leading this program. And I think the most exciting thing, and the thing I'm most excited for, is our first game at Lambeau Field, man."
