Early Signing Day: 2022 ATH Cade Yacamelli signs on with Wisconsin

The wildcard in Wisconsin’s 2022 class, athlete Cade Yacamelli could play any number of positions for the Badgers when he steps foot on campus. A talented running back and defensive back at the prep level, he also spent time as a wide receiver, punt returner, and kick returner at various points of his high school career.

Hailing from Harrison City, Pa., Yacamelli had over 1,200 all-purpose yards with 12 touchdowns as a junior and followed that up with over 1,600 yards and 20 rushing touchdowns as a senior while leading his high school team to a state championship.

At 6-foot and a little over 200 pounds, Yacamelli is a tremendous athlete that reportedly runs a sub-4.5 40-yard dash. His playmaking ability and versatility make him the type of all-everything high school player that the Badgers have done well with in the past, and it would not be surprising to see him on either side of the ball depending on how things shake out this spring in terms of depth at the running back, wide receiver, and safety positions.

Right now slot receiver or safety is probably most likely, but regardless, Yacamelli is a smart and all-around athlete that should fit in nicely with the Badgers.

Rankings

247 Composite: 3 stars; grade: .8519; No. 1078 player in the nation; No. 79 ATH; No. 23 PA

247 Sports: 3 stars; grade: 86; No. 69 ATH; No. 22 PA

Rivals: 3 stars; 5.5 rating; No. 25 PA

ESPN: 3 stars; Grade: 76; No. 94 ATH; No. 114 Regional; No. 21 PA

Verbally committed June 21, 2021

Yacamelli is probably the prospect that flew under the radar the most in the 2022 class. With offers from Air Force, Army, Navy, and a bevy of Ivy and Patriot League teams, he earned a scholarship from the Badgers after camping in Madison. Yacamelli participated in drills at multiple positions for Wisconsin, and quickly committed later in June after coming back for an official visit.

Player bio (courtesy of UW Athletic Department)

• Three–star recruit by Rivals, 247Sports and ESPN
• Led Penn–Trafford to first state title in school history as a senior
• Named Player of the Game in Class 5A state championship game
• Scored 28 total touchdowns and rushed for 1,766 yards as a senior
• Rushed for 2,788 yards and scored 46 total touchdowns in career
• Named first–team all–conference at running back as a junior and senior
• High honor roll student