Troy Fumagalli: 2013 Wisconsin Football Recruiting Class

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If you want to be reassured about the draw of the University of Wisconsin, read up on Troy Fumagalli's commitment. Even as an out-of-state player from the suburbs of Chicago, Fumagalli turned down full-ride scholarships from major universities to accept a gray shirt proposition from the UW coaching staff, wherein he will walk-on for a year or two with a promise of a scholarship down the line.

Average measurables kept this 3-star athlete from being a major prospect, but Fumagalli showed enough athleticism to impress onlookers in his first attempt at playing defensive end at a Illinois camp last summer, a position he continued to play throughout his senior year as well as tight end. Fumagalli's two older brothers also played college ball at Dayton, so he's got the knowledge and bloodlines that you like to see in an unheralded player.

Tight end is not an immediate need for Wisconsin, so the Badgers can afford to be patient with Fumagalli, who comes in with another Watt (T.J.) at the position in this class. His big frame should make him a great fit as a blocker in the running game as well. Waubonsie Valley rushed for nearly 4,000 yards last season.

Rankings

Rivals: (#34 player in IL)
Scout: (#66 TE)
ESPN: 72 (#32 TE - #39 player in IL)
24/7: 78 (NR)

Verbally committed September 12, 2012

Without a full scholarship offer on the table from Wisconsin, Fumagalli naturally kept his eyes peeled following a fall commitment to Bret Bielema and company. An official visit to Wisconsin came in October, and still mostly MAC schools such as North Illinois, Ball State, Eastern Michigan, and Bowling Green were the types of full rides being offered to Fumagalli.

However, late in the recruiting cycle, programs turned up the heat. The first big offer came from North Carolina State. With several former Badger coaches on staff with Dave Doeren at N.C. State, Fumagalli was intrigued. Following an official visit to Raleigh in January, though, Fumagalli finally met with new tight end coach Jay Boulware. Those conversations were all he needed to reaffirm that he was 100% committed to Wisconsin. Even when Minnesota and Syracuse came with full scholarship offers in the last week, Fumagalli has not been interested.

Excited for my official visit weekend! #OnWisconsin twitter.com/tfumagalli/sta…

— Troy Fumagalli (@tfumagalli) December 7, 2012

Video Highlights

Watch Fumagalli's highlight videos at HUDL.com

Watch Fumagalli highlights on ESPN

Statistics

Senior: 26 receptions, 441 receiving yards, 5 TDs; 48 tackles, 4 sacks, 6 pass breakups

Honors

2012 IHSFCA Class 8A All-State
2012 Second Team All-State (Chicago Tribune)

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