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It remains to be seen if the Wisconsin Badgers will land a running back in the class of 2017 with the transfer of Chris James from Pitt, but the coaching staff has started early for the more distant future as they offered Indianapolis, Ind. (Cathedral) prospect Markese Stepp on Friday. Stepp announced the offer via Twitter.
Rated a four-star recruit by Scout.com and 247Sports, the 6'0, 205-pound running back has been offered by some impressive programs, including Michigan State, Michigan, Notre Dame, and Tennessee. Last season as a sophomore, Stepp ran for 1,300 yards and 17 touchdowns while averaging 8.4 yards per carry.
It appears he has a friendship with class of 2016 Wisconsin commit Noah Burks, as immediately after announcing UW's offer, Burks took to social media with a slight nudge in a particular direction.
Blessed to receive an offer from the University of Wisconsin!!!! #Badgers #RBU ⚪️ ⚪️ pic.twitter.com/Uhvemzg2b0
— Markese Stepp (@markese_stepp) May 20, 2016
@markese_stepp On Wisconsin! ⚪️ you know what to do
— Noah Burks (@noahburks2) May 20, 2016
Read more about Stepp's reaction to the offer, his friendship with Burks and his summer plans in Friday's article from BadgerBlitz.com. ($)
[Update, 12:56 p.m. CT: Corrected stats from Stepp's sophomore season, as MaxPreps' statistics were incorrect]