T.J. Watt: 2013 Wisconsin Football Recruiting Class

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Class of 2013: The #Badgers welcome TE T.J. Watt (Pewaukee, Wis.) twitter.com/BadgerFootball…

— Badger Football (@BadgerFootball) February 6, 2013

T.J. Watt, as you may have guessed, is the younger brother of NFL Defensive Player of the Year J.J. Watt, and current Badger fullback Derek Watt. T.J. will be the third Watt brother to come through Wisconsin, and will be playing a third different position from his brothers. Although he largely played under center during his senior season at Pewaukee, T.J. Watt is expected to play tight end when he gets on campus.

Watt looks more like J.J. than Derek coming out of high school. His oldest brother was just a hair bigger (6'5, 220 pounds) when he stepped on campus, and filled out from there. If T.J. is anything like J.J., he will have no problem putting weight onto his 6'4, 215-pound frame.

All three brothers are very tight. They all have, or plan on getting, matching tattoos with each other's initials. T.J. admitted to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel in October last year that it has been difficult at times dealing with the attention of having two successful older brothers, however.

"Growing up underneath Derek and J.J., I've been around the shadow of them," Watt said. "I'm not too big of a fan of it. When it comes to interviews and stuff like that, I'd rather shy away. It's a team thing. Their success is my success, and I couldn't do anything without them."

It is tough to get a sense of what Watt will bring to the position from a talent standpoint. He played quarterback for the Pirates this past season out of necessity, and spent zero time passing catches. Watt did average a hefty 9.2 yards per carry, however. He certainly has the frame for tight end, and his lineage will make him one to watch down the road. Don't be surprised if he is given a redshirt.

Rankings

Rivals: (#9 in WI)
Scout: (#46 TE)
ESPN: 71 (#29 TE - #12 in WI)
24/7: 85 (#43 ATH - #6 in WI)

Verbally committed April 2, 2012

T.J. Watt committed to the Badgers in the beginning of April, 2012. He might not have been a part of the 2013 recruiting class if not for the decommitment of Pittsburgh tight end Scott Orndoff. Orndoff originally committed to the Badgers in August, 2011, but when Joe Rudolph went to Pitt, Orndoff followed. Watt had offers from Northern Illinois and Minnesota before making the wise decision to commit to Wisconsin.

"I'm very excited to commit because it's been a dream of mine," Watt told Badger Nation. "That's why I committed right away. Every time I go up there, it feels like home to me."

Video Highlights

Statistics

Senior: Passing - 33-for-76, 527 yards, 7 TDs, 0 INTs, Rushing - 60 carries, 554 yards, 9 TDs
Junior: 27 receptions, 505 yards, 3 TDs

Honors

2011 WFCA All-Region selection at tight end.

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