2021 WR Markus Allen officially becomes a Badger

Taking part in the annual early signing period, 2021 wide receiver commit Markus Allen put pen to paper on Wednesday to officially become a Wisconsin Badger.

Allen possesses good size for the position, and uses his frame well to win one-on-one matchups and reel in contested catches. Despite his size (6-foot-2 or 6-foot-3 depending on site preference), he reportedly runs a 4.5 40-yard dash, and shows an ability on his senior film to create good separation. Body control and ball skills are definitely high value traits in the Big Ten, and Allen checks off both of those boxes.

With Wisconsin set to lose some wide receivers after the season, and some inconsistency at the position in 2020, Allen is a player that could easily blossom into a playmaker early for the Badgers.

While Allen was one of the last commitments procured by the Wisconsin coaching staff before signing day, he represents one of the most important prospects in the class due to his high upside and the need for improved play at the wide receiver position.

Rankings

247 Composite: 3 stars; grade: .8894; No. 362 player in the nation; No. 60 WR; No. 10 OH

247 Sports: 3 stars; grade: 89; No. 54 WR; No. 15 OH

Rivals: 4 stars; 5.8 rating; No. 242 player in the nation; No. 43 WR; No. 10 OH

ESPN: 3 stars; Grade: 78; No. 95 WR; No. 70 Regional; No. 18 OH

Verbally committed on November 6, 2020

Allen visited Wisconsin for a junior day back on March 1, just before the pandemic shut recruiting down. Shortly thereafter, however, the talented pass catcher committed to Michigan alongside teammate Rod Moore.

Following the summer, though, Allen began second guessing his choice, and opted to reopen his recruitment back in September. UW wide receivers coach Alvis Whitted did a tremendous job of continuing to recruit Allen, and the senior at Northmont High School somewhat surprisingly committed to the Badgers in early November.

Allen chose Wisconsin over other Power Five offers from Boston College, Cincinnati, Georgia Tech, Indiana, Iowa State, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Michigan State, Pittsburgh, Purdue, Syracuse, Virginia, Wake Forest, West Virginia, and increasing interest from Ohio State.

Allen represented commitment No. 20 for the Badgers at the time, and is a key piece in what has proven to be a really good class. He is joined by fellow wide receiver Skyler “Juice” Bell as future weapons for Graham Mertz and Deacon Hill to throw the ball to.

Video highlights

Player bio (courtesy of UW Athletic Department)

• Four-star recruit by Rivals, three-star by 247 Sports and ESPN
• First-team All-Ohio selection as a senior
• First-team Ohio Southwest District selection
• Caught 60 passes for 844 yards and 14 TDs in eight games as a senior
• As a junior, recorded 51 catches for 1,099 yards and 15 TDs