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Well, my streak of three weeks and counting for a new commit has finally come to end this week. No new commits for the Badgers, but certainly the Badgers are gunning hard to fill spots at certain positions of need.
Before we get into recruiting, the Badgers have a big road test in Lincoln, NE this Saturday if you haven't already heard. Apparently, the Cornhuskers are using this primetime matchup to host about 15 recruits to show what it's like to play under the lights at Memorial Stadium. Hopefully the Badgers will treat those recruits to a home-team loss in Nebraska. Oh, and it will be Team W vs. Team N as the two teams will be sporting new uniforms...thankfully for only one game.
Back to recruiting!
S Jalen Banks (Class of 2013): 5'11", 190 lbs - Harvey, IL
Listed as a 3-star Safety, Jalen Banks has received offers from over a dozen big time programs. However, he recently cut that list down to his top 6, and luckily for Badgers fans, Wisconsin made that cut, joining Illinois, Iowa, Oregon, Vanderbilt, and Wake Forest. He's very physical and has great footwork, and already has recorded a fumble recovery, forced fumble, an interception, a blocked punt, and a blocked field goal through only 5 games this season.
Banks was in Madison (3rd trip to UW) last weekend for the UTEP game and really enjoyed his time meeting with coaches and players. With a commitment already from CB Keelon Brookins, the Badgers are certainly in need of another standout DB for the 2013 class. It will be interesting to see what the Badgers do with Banks, Sojourn Shelton and Marcus Ball in this recruiting period. (Ed. note: Shelton has cancelled his visit to Nebraska this weekend.) If the Badgers can get a commitment from any or all of these players, this 2013 class could be something very special defensively.
QB John Franklin (2013): 6'1", 168 lbs - Plantation, FL
Wisconsin really loves those kids down in Plantation, FL. Badger insiders Benjamin Worgull (@TheBadgerNation) and Evan Flood (@Evan_Flood) have reported that dual-treat QB John Franklin has been receiving interest from the Badgers. The bad news is that Franklin would like it to be a package deal (subscription required) with RB Alex Collins and CB Sojourn Shelton. The good news is Collins and Shelton have both already received offers from Wisconsin.
Listed as a 2-star QB, it seems as though he's known more for his speed than his arm. Though he's pretty accurate, he doesn't have the strongest arm. I get the sense that he's a run-first QB and a better fit for a spread attack than a pro-style offense. You might be thinking, "Hey, Russell Wilson flourished in Wisconsin's system." Yes, he did, but he was a throw-first QB and ran if he needed to. It's possible that Wisconsin brings him at a position other than QB -- maybe as a return man. The bigger question here is if Wisconsin should go after a package deal? It would fill the positions they need to address in the 2013 class and also further cement Wisconsin's brand in Florida. I say go for it, Wisconsin. You still get Shelton and Collins out of the deal.
Other than these scenarios, Wisconsin will likely host recruits each home game this season.
Check back here next Friday for more on Wisconsin football recruiting!