2019 commit Hayden Rucci sets Wisconsin official visit

With the reported addition of in-state defensive lineman Keeanu Benton, the Wisconsin Badgers’ class of 2019 verbal commits reached eight players once again.

Some have already confirmed their official visits. On Saturday, tight end Hayden Rucci announcing that he will be in Madison for his from June 8-9.

Though there have been two recent decommitments in safety Bryson Shaw and wide receiver Nolan Groulx, the prep standout led off his tweet confirming the official visit with “I’m not going anywhere UDub...”

Rucci announced his verbal commitment to Wisconsin back on Feb. 5. A four-star recruit by Rivals and three-star by 247Sports (both composite and standalone) and ESPN, he is currently the lone tight end for UW’s current recruiting cycle at the moment.

Rivals also ranks him as the No. 228 player overall and the No. 6 tight end in the nation for the 2019 class.

Based on B5Q’s official visit tracker as seen below, this falls into the same weekend that quarterback commit Graham Mertz and high three-star outside linebacker Spencer Lytle. Running back Julius Davis told SB Nation’s Bud Elliott that he planned to be in Madison that same weekend, apparently in an unofficial capacity, as he is taking his official visit the weekend after.

More 2019 offers

Many 2020 recruits have tweeted recently that they have received offers from Wisconsin. B5Q will attempt to break down those at some point in the near future, but let’s focus on the current recruiting cycle.

DT Gio Paez

A three-star recruit by 247Sports and Rivals, Paez tweeted the offer on Friday.

Hailing from Cornelius, N.C., his high school (William Amos Hough) might sound familiar. That’s because he is a current teammate of Groulx.

According to his junior year highlights from Hudl, Paez recorded 51 tackles, 16 for loss, with nine sacks and three forced fumbles—with the film showing a prep player who can get into the backfield.

Both 247Sports and Rivals note Paez has received 16 offers—among them Kentucky, Louisville, Texas A&M and UCF.

Read more on Paez from BadgerBlitz.com’s Jon McNamara, with Wisconsin apparently wanting him to take an official visit to Madison next month ($).

WR Drake London

A four-star prospect by 247Sports and ESPN, a three-star recruit by Rivals, London is listed at 6’4-6’5 depending upon which recruiting service you prefer.

The Moorpark, Calif., standout’s offer list pops out, with 247Sports noting 19 scholarship opportunities. Among them include Arizona State, Nebraska, Oregon, Notre Dame, UCLA and USC. Wisconsin is the third Big Ten offer, joining the Huskers along with Illinois.

Check out his Hudl highlights from his junior season where it notes he caught 37 passes for 797 yards with 11 touchdowns. He shows the ability to make some impressive receptions, take bubble screens and break them for big gains, along with other yard-after-catch (YAC) opportunities.

DT Isaiah Gibson

A three-star recruit by 247Sports and Rivals, the Springfield, Ohio native has received 22 offers, most recently from Wisconsin (No. 21, according to Gibson) and Michigan State.

247Sports lists fellow Big Ten programs Minnesota and Purdue in the “warm” category in terms of interest, along with Iowa State, Kentucky, West Virginia and UW. It also lists Ohio State as “warm,” though the Buckeyes have not officially offered.

Gibson hails from the same high school as current Wisconsin wide receiver Danny Davis and 2019 Kentucky commit, safety Moses Douglass. The Badgers also have an offer to Douglass.

Check out his Hudl film below where the defensive lineman showcases the ability to shed blocks and make an impact.