Wisconsin football 2020 returnee profile: Rachad Wildgoose

During the summer doldrums of sports news, many college football fans are starved for news and information regarding their favorite teams.

With that in mind, we at B5Q have decided to take a more detailed look at each walk-on contributor and scholarship player on the Wisconsin Badgers football roster for 2020 in a running feature, our 2020 returnee profiles.

Each weekday we will breakdown one player on the football roster to look back at their recruiting process, their career as a Badger to this juncture and lastly preview their potential contribution to the team in 2020 and beyond.

Up today, we focus in on cornerback Rachad Wildgoose.

Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images

Name: Rachad Wildgoose

Position: cornerback

2020 eligibility: junior

Recruiting info out of HS: 247 Composite 3-star, No. 64 Safety, Miami, Fla.

2018 recruitment: A late addition to the 2018 class for Wisconsin, Rachad Wildgoose had a busy recruitment that spanned multiple years. Originally committing to Rutgers early in the recruiting process, Wildgoose opted to decommit after earning offers from some higher profile schools across the country. The talented defensive back from Miami would, a month later, end up committing to the Georgia Bulldogs in June of 2017. Flash forward over a year later, and he would make another decommitment, backing out of his pledge to the Bulldogs shortly after his official visit to Athens.

Despite a late offer from Alabama following his decommitment, Wildgoose narrowed his options to Pittsburgh, UCF, NC State and Wisconsin. Right before signing day he officially visited each school, ultimately signing with the Badgers over other offers from Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, Florida, Nebraska, Ole Miss and many others.

Career statistics: 51 total tackles, three tackles for loss, one interception, 13 passes defended, and three fumble recoveries.

2019 statistics: 22 total tackles, three tackles for loss, one interception, six passes defended, and one fumble recovery.

Player overview: Thrust into playing time as a true freshman, Rachad Wildgoose has been one of the most consistent corners for the Badgers the past two seasons. With the speed and strength to play either boundary or nickel, Wildgoose brings flexibility to Jim Leonhard’s unit.

A confident and talented cornerback, he spent most of 2019 as the primary nickel corner, and demonstrated an ability to make plays while defending the run and the pass. Beloved by his teammates, Wildgoose brings an energy about him to the field that is exuded in his playing style.

Now entering his third year on campus, the 5-foot-11 cornerback has started a lot of games already, and he should continue to be one of the key contributors in the secondary.

Best case scenario for 2020: Rachad Wildgoose goes on to start every game in 2020 at the nickel position alongside Caesar Williams and Faion Hicks. The junior from Miami goes on to have his best season yet, with three interceptions and three fumble recoveries, while also supporting the run well from the slot position.

A great season in 2020 would sets him up nicely to step into a starting role as an every down corner in 2021, after Williams exhausts his eligibility, given his versatility and skill level.

Likely role on team in 2020: After starting seven games as a true freshman, and the vast majority of games in 2019, I doubt much changes in terms of his role for 2020. An athletic and confident cornerback, Wildgoose should continue to see the lions share of reps when the Badgers deploy three cornerbacks, and I anticipate he will have a strong season. An important special team player as well, he will be a vital contributor next season.