2021 WR Skyler Bell signs with Wisconsin

Wisconsin’s first commitment at wide receiver for the 2021 class was Taft (Watertown, Conn.) School standout Skyler Bell (Bronx, N.Y.), who signed on August 16.

Bell will be joined in the class at receiver by fellow three-star wideout Markus Allen in the 2021 class, and considering the lack of depth at receiver heading into the next season, both he and Allen might look to be early contributors in the passing game.

In an interview with The Athletic’s Jesse Temple ($), Bell made it seem like the opportunity to play early for receiver was a big deal and a reason he ended up signing for Wisconsin.

“Wisconsin was the right fit for me because I’m the first receiver commit in the class,” Bell said. “I’ve heard that they’re trying to open up the playbook more, get some more dynamic plays in and get some more passing concepts. Coach Whitted has been telling me he’s trying to help with that. So I’m looking forward to that. Coach (Joe) Rudolph says the same thing. He says he’s going to try to get me the ball and let me be explosive and dynamic, so I’m excited.”

As a junior, the Bronx, NY native had 36 receptions for 549 yards and eight touchdowns for The Taft School, and also scored two touchdowns as a kick returner, hinting he could give the Badgers’ special teams more options for returners. His senior season was cancelled because of COVID concerns.

Many crootin’ experts have emphasized Bell’s ability to turn on the jets, which you can see a couple times in his highlights. He has good ability in the yards after catch and looks like he will be a good option going forward for UW’s passing game. I’m sure Graham Mertz and fellow 2021 commit Deacon Hill will be salivating at the prospect for Bell to line up alongside them.

Rankings

247 composite: 3 stars; grade: .8540; No. 969 player in the nation; No. 141 WR; No. 5 CT

247 Sports: 3 stars; grade: 86; No. 126; No. 5 CT

Rivals: 3 stars; No. 5 CT

ESPN: 3 stars; Grade: 77; No. 122 WR; No. 92 Regional; No. 5 CT

Verbally committed on Aug. 16, 2020

The three-star recruit was long considered a lean to Iowa in the recruiting process, but after Wisconsin hired new wide receivers head coach Alvis Whitted in March made Bell a priority, and five months later he pledged his commitment to the Badgers.

Video Highlights

Player bio (courtesy of UW Athletic Department)

• Three-star recruit by 247 Sports, ESPN and Rivals
• Senior season was canceled
• Caught 36 passes for 549 yards and eight TDs as a junior