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| Class | Position | Height | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | RB |
5'10 |
212 lbs. |
| School | Composite Ranking | ||
| Glenbard West (Ill.) |
 No. 53 RB |
||
The Badgers struggled to get their guy at the running back position during this recruting cycle. It seems as if they got a hidden jewel with the addition of Sam Brodner. Shattering Illinois rushing records, Brodner rushed for 1,949 yards and scored 40 times on the ground during his senior season, showing an insane amount of production as a ball carrier. He also has displayed his ability as a pass catcher, hauling in seven touchdowns. Although small, with more advanced development Brodner can develop into a real thumper and stake his claim in the Badger's esteemed running back tradition.
Welcome Sam Brodner (Glen Ellyn, Illinois) to the #Badgers football family! #NSD2016 https://t.co/vGcDuMrhy0 pic.twitter.com/61gZ2NLd2Y
— Wisconsin Football (@BadgerFootball) February 3, 2016
Highlights: New #Badgers RB Sam Brodner #NSD2016 https://t.co/sgBn3LYxAe
— Wisconsin Football (@BadgerFootball) February 3, 2016
Rankings
ESPN: Grade-73; No. 95 RB; No. 30 Illinois
Scout: No. 28 RB, No. 1 RB in Illinois, No. 5 RB in Midwest
Rivals: No. 38 Illinois
247: No. 360 National, No. 15 RB, No. 9 Illinois
Committed January 24th, 2016
Brodner committed late in the process after he de-committed from Vanderbilt. He had offers from Syracuse, Illinois, Iowa, Vanderbilt and Wyoming. He visited Syracuse and was very intrigued with Iowa before ultimately choosing the Badgers. After losing out on premier recruit RB Antonio Williams, the Badgers also swung and miss on other top running back options. Brodner is way more than a consolation prize, and is going to do some great things in Madison.
Video Highlights
Honors
Gatorade Illinois Football Player of the Year
First-team all-state selection by the Chicago Tribune