Wisconsin head coach Paul Chryst wrapped up his first recruiting class Wednesday. Though some momentum was lost on the recruiting trail in the last couple of weeks due to some attrition, Chryst told reporters he was excited for this group of players to join the Wisconsin program. Highlights from Wednesday's press conference are below; you can watch the full video above and read the transcript here:
-- Chryst noted in recruiting that you're looking for guys that add value to your team, on the field and in the locker room.
-- Chryst said he knew it would be a mad dash at the end of the recruiting cycle the way the recruiting calendar fell this year.
-- Said the two quarterbacks who enrolled early, Austin Kafentzis and Alex Hornibrook, were a microcosm of this year's recruiting class. Chryst is excited both are here and said it gives them an advantage to start during spring semester.
-- When asked about being stacked with depth at quarterback, he'd prefer it to be at that position.
NSD 2015
-- Chryst noted he was excited about the running backs in the class and was impressed with what running backs coach Thomas Brown did to recruit.
-- When asked about putting the walls back up around the state -- especially with the large amount of preferred walk-ons -- Chryst noted it was great to be back in the state and being back in the schools. He said their goal is to put the best team they can be at Wisconsin, and that they need the best players in the state coming here.
-- Chryst said he loves Jon Dietzen's size and the way he moves, and that he has a mean streak when he plays.He also mentioned how he likes the way David Moorman and Kevin Estes play.
-- Alec Ingold and Zack Baun are really good players, and though they have different stories, have a chance to really be special.
-- Chryst thinks there's a place for an early signing period for college football.
-- Chryst liked what he saw on the tape of Kyle Penniston, and as a position group with David Edwards also committing, likes both players and the different dimensions they add.
-- There was no status update on Jaden Gault.
-- Chryst said he didn't know of any transfers from the quarterback position or position changes as of Tuesday.
-- The head coach joked about when he signed with Wisconsin in the 80s, there wasn't a big celebration. Thought there's a lot more attention about National Signing Day, in essence, it's a big day for the kids and everyone involved.
-- Regarding the inheriting of commits and which ones they decided to continue to recruit, Chryst noted it's all about being open and honest, and having the first conversations with the recruits to lay everything out. Thinks this year's class is a good fit.
-- Chryst jokingly dodged a question about which former commits reopened their commitment due to academic issues.
-- Chryst is really comfortable with the current coaching staff. Said they were able to get to know each other more on the road on the recruiting trail.