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Another week, another commit!
Before we get into that, it has been a tumultuous few weeks for the Badgers – hardly any life on offense, booted an offensive line coach, and shoddy play by QB Danny O’Brien causing a quarterback controversy in Madison. "Sunshine" (Joel Stave) will be starting this week for the Badgers against UTEP as head coach Bret Bielema officially announced Thursday. Aside from solid overall defense, it seems the only other bright spot for the Badgers right now are highly touted recruits committing to Wisconsin.
Let’s get into it … starting with the biggest recruiting news of the week:
DT Craig Evans (Class of 2014): 6’3", 325 lbs – Sun Prairie, WI
I guess those tweets from Chance Stewart, George Panos, Jaden Gault, and Conor Sheehy really worked as DT Craig Evans gave his verbal commitment to Wisconsin earlier this week. Is it too early to start calling them the Fab 5?? In what is a small 2014 class so far, it sure makes up for it in quality. Evans is a beast in the middle of the defensive line, and is one of the top players in the state. His size is deceiving as he can display speed to chase down running backs when he’s not wreaking havoc in the backfield. This is a big commitment for the Badgers as Evans himself said this 2014 is on its way to being very special.
DT Monty Nelson (Class of 2013): 6’2", 320 lbs – Plantation, FL
Listed as a 3-star Defensive Tackle, Nelson has made a huge leap into his senior season. He joined his high school wrestling team for the first time in his life, which has vastly improved his football game. His conditioning, strength and speed have all improved as he’s already registered 5.5 sacks in three games this season. He can beat the double teams and get into the backfield very quickly. With the slew of offers he already has (surprisingly none from any of the powerhouse Florida schools), it will be a hard get for the Badgers seeing as he’s still waiting for offers from North Carolina and Georgia. The silver lining here is that Wisconsin is still one of his favorites and wants to make an official visit this fall. Hopefully Chikwe Obasih is trying to convince Nelson to join the Badger family next season. If he doesn’t choose Wisconsin, I just hope he doesn’t choose Michigan State…
Running Backs (Class of 2013): Anywhere, USA
I’m putting out an APB for an RB to commit to Wisconsin for the 2013 class. The Badgers are in play for the following backs: Alex Collins (5’11", 195 lbs), Corey Clement (5’11", 200 lbs) and David Williams (6’1", 185 lbs). I haven’t heard anything about Collins or Williams lately, but Clement is planning to reschedule an official visit to Wisconsin. Personally, I hope Wisconsin wins out with 4-star RB Williams out of Philadelphia as he has great size and speed. Though, I’d be happy with either of the three.
CB Troy Vincent Jr. (Class of 2014): 5’10", 190 lbs – Baltimore, MD
The son of former Badger standout and NFL all-pro CB Troy Vincent Sr. has been hearing from schools across the country. He’s bigger than his father and runs a 4.4 40. It sounds like the younger Vincent will take his time, though having a strong connection to the Badgers should help Wisconsin a lot throughout the recruiting process.
Badger fans, be sure to check back here next Friday for more on Wisconsin football recruiting!