2018 Early Signing Period: OL Michael Furtney signs with Wisconsin

Michael Furtney verbally committed to the Badgers back in March after an unofficial visit to Madison for the team’s first spring practice. An official visit on December 9 sealed the deal, and the agile lineman with the power to make big blocks will suit up for the Badgers next season.

Initially noted on the recruiting sites as a tackle, Wisconsin lists Furtney as an offensive guard.

Rankings

247Sports (composite): 3 stars; Grade: 0.8614; No. 753 player. No. 59 OT; No. 18 MI

247Sports: 3 stars; Grade 86; No. 669 player; No. 52 OT; No. 15 in MI

ESPN: 3 stars; Grade: 77; No. 75 OT; No. 72 Regional; No. 19 MI

Rivals: 3 stars; No. 56 OT; No. 20 MI

Verbally committed on March 14, 2017

Furtney became Wisconsin’s second commit from Michigan, and seventh 2018 commit overall, back in March. Offensive coordinator Joe Rudolph secured the lineman’s during his fifth unofficial visit to Camp Randall during the height of his recruitment to other Midwest programs.

According to 247Sports, Furtney held offers from the likes of Nebraska, Michigan State, Minnesota and Purdue among 21 other schools.

Video highlights

Bio (courtesy of UWBadgers.com)

High School: Three-star recruit by 247 Sports, ESPN and Rivals … named first-team all-state and all-region as a junior and senior … three-time first-team All-Huron League selection … recorded total of 282 tackles and 13.0 sacks for his career … racked up 100 tackles, 6.0 sacks and 75 receiving yards as a senior … finished with 92 tackles and 4.0 sacks as a junior … had 90 tackles and 3.0 sacks as a sophomore … also lettered in basketball and track … honor roll student with a 4.0 cumulative GPA … National Honor Society … coach was Jesse Hoskins

Personal: Parents are Matt and Ellen Furtney