Torchio has gone from UW walk-on to leader
MADISON – John Torchio’s arrival at Wisconsin in 2018 didn’t generate many, if any, headlines.
Torchio was a walk-on – from California.
Yes, he had football in his blood. His father played college ball, but that was at California, where he played quarterback from 1980-83.
Yes, Torchio had some ties to UW. His sister, Katharine, played soccer at UW. Torchio’s impending departure
generate headlines.
The former walk-on over time developed into a dependable contributor first as a reserve safety and in 2022 has enjoyed his best season at UW.
Torchio enters the Guaranteed Rate Bowl on Tuesday having started all 12 games this season. Able to play near the line of scrimmage like a linebacker or deep in the secondary as a centerfielder, Torchio is fifth on the team in tackles (52) and has one-third of UW’s interceptions (5 of 15).
Tumultuous season shows 'change inevitable' in college football
Perhaps most noteworthy, Torchio has become a mature voice of reason both before and after games, among several players who have eloquently addressed the team’s tumultuous season.
The tumult included the death of former running backs coach Gary Brown last spring, the firing of Paul Chryst just five games into the season, the promotion to interim head coach of Jim Leonhard, the shooting death of former UW wide receiver Devin Chandler and the hiring of Luke Fickell from Cincinnati. What did Torchio learn in 2022? “A lot of things,” he said. “It’s a business. Change is inevitable. And grow through the moments. You’ve got to adapt.
“It has been a crazy year for sure.”
Focus set on Guaranteed Rate Bowl, and then the NFL draft
Torchio had the option of returning to UW in 2023 for a sixth season but is ready to move on. He plans to give the