Wisconsin’s newest Badgers answer who they’re excited to watch in class of 2017

National Signing Day always provides hype for those fans who consistently follow college football recruiting. Analysts and experts dissect high-school film and provide the star rankings, but we wanted to ask the future Wisconsin Badgers themselves which of their classmates they’re excited for.

The Badgers’ class of 2017 is an intriguing set of players. Eighteen scholarship players plus 10 walk-ons will have to replace a senior class that became the winningest in school history. This is a small set of recruits by comparison to other classes and programs, but there is significant potential with this class.

We tracked some down on the phone, in interviews and through social media for their answers.

Running back Jonathan Taylor: “I’m definitely looking forward to watch Madison Cone. Madison Cone, definitely. The guy had 23 interceptions, I watched his tape. The guy is a ball hawk. He can jump out of the jump. I was so excited watching his highlight tape. But also on my visit, he’s a great guy, great character. He comes from a Christian background just like me, so we kind of clicked instantly.”

Wide receiver Cade Green: “Jack Coan. He and I have built a good relationship so far, and I think as long as we continue to do that we can push each other and do something special together.”

Offensive lineman Tyler Beach: “The player I'm most excited to see compete and to perform surprisingly well is Aaron Vopal. He is just a freak of nature and is so big but moves so well. Aaron is gonna be a dark house and I can't wait to see him compete, because he's a worker and just a massive frame that can be built into almost anything. His highlights were incredible and I think he will be Someone to watch for. I'm honestly excited to watch everyone in our class because we all bring different traits and personalities to the table but were already a close group that's looking for a lot of success in the next 4-5 years.”

Safety Scott Nelson: “I'd say I'm probably closest with Tyler [Beach] and Jack [Coan] because I have talked to them most, so I'm definitely looking forward to playing with them. I'd say the more I get to know the rest of the commits the more excited I will be. I know that they are all great players and I'm excited to be apart of something special with them for the next four years!”

Long snapper Adam Bay: “I'm excited for [kicker] Collin Larsh, I have been in a lot of contact with him lately and after seeing him perform at the special teams camp over summer, I think he can make an impact in the following years. I see a lot of potential after watching him.”

Walk-on kicker Collin Larsh: "I’m really looking forward to playing with all the guys in this class. We’re all good guys that want to make this already amazing program even better. I’ve been able to talk to some of the guys at the UW games, All-State banquet, and just chatting over social media. I even used to play basketball against Jake Ferguson in elementry school. I played for St. Dennis and he played for St. Maria Goretti. Being a kicker/punter, I’ve been talking to Adam Bay a lot and we're looking forward to working together. But I am really looking forward to getting to know all the guys. UW is very team focused, and it is a great culture there."

Cornerback Madison Cone: “Probably my roommate. I room with Izayah Green-May, and he came in. He has a lot of potential but he always talks about getting bigger. When he actually puts some size on, I feel like he could be an impact player for us.”

Wide receiver Deron Harrell: “I would probably have to say Jack Coan. I’ve thrown with him a few times. He’s a great quarterback. He puts a lot of zip on the ball. He’s very accurate.”