*Editor's note: This interview was previously recorded before current social distancing guidelines.*
To understand how far Zack Baun's come, you have to go back to where he started.
TMJ4 Sports Anchor Lance Allan spoke with Baun about his past.
Q: How did West Bend and Brown Deer shape you?
"Growing up in West Bend, I was just that kid playing outside all the time. And Brown Deer gave me the opportunity to showcase my athleticism as a quarterback in addition to basketball and track as well," Baun says.
At Brown Deer, Baun rushed for 39 touchdowns his senior year. And threw for 20 as a quarterback.
Q: Do you ever tell people you ran for 30 plus touchdowns?
"I didn't even know that," Baun says.
Q: Would you ever try to play quarterback again?
"I can't throw, I tried," Baun says with a laugh.
Baun broke his left foot, twice with the Badgers.
Q: What is it like to overcome adversity?
"It makes me feel good and the work is paying off. But I'm just starting. Everyone's path is different," Baun says.
He played outside linebacker at Wisconsin. His ideal position could be inside.
Q: Do you need to hear your name on Thursday, April 23 (in the first round)?
"I mean I would like to. That's everyone's dream. I mean I've been working my tail off, to get to that point and hopefully it is," Baun says.
Wherever he goes and wherever he plays, he'll carry on a Badgers linebacker and Milwaukee area tradition.
Q: How proud are you to be the next Wisconsin linebacker to go to the NFL?
"Right down the road from Brown Deer is Milwaukee Vincent and DeAndre Levy. I have a great deal of respect for guys that come out of the Milwaukee area. Dare Ogunbowale too," Baun says.
