Wisconsin Football: Where Did In-State 2016 Prospects Sign?
By Jim Oxley
A look at in-state recruits the Wisconsin football team didn’t bring to Madison
The Wisconsin football team put together a very strong recruiting class of 2016, but many of the top recruits out of the state of Wisconsin ended up at other Division I schools around the country. Here’s a look at where some of the talented recruits from Wisconsin will begin their collegiate careers.
Related Story: Recruiting Class of 2016 Analysis
The Badgers did sign three of the top 10 prospects in the state, according to 247 Sports rankings, including offensive tackle Cole Van Lanen (No. 2 in the state), defensive end Tyler Biadasz (No. 7 in the state) and linebacker Mason Stokke (No. 9 in the state). Other Wisconsin prospects staying in state include defensive end Luke Benszchawel (No. 15 in state), as well as walk-ons wide receiver Jack Popp (No. 20 in state), defensive lineman Hegeman Tiedt (No. 22 in state), fullback Aaron Maternowski (No 24 in state) and athlete Jack Dunn (No. 25 in state).
The Badgers, however, saw several highly-ranked prospects head elsewhere, including to some Big Ten schools. it shouldn’t be surprising that five of the top 10 prospects in Wisconsin are offensive linemen, and it should be even less surprising that all five aren’t going to Wisconsin. The Badgers landed Van Lanen (No. 2 in Wisconsin) as well as Patrick Kasl, the No. 2 prospect out of Minnesota, to their offensive line.
Wisconsin Badgers
The rest of the guys will head elsewhere, starting with the top prospect in the state, Arrowhead offensive lineman Ben Bredeson, who committed to Michigan last June. Bredeson is considered one of the top offensive linemen in the country, and is ranked as highly as the No. 1 guard prospect in the nation.
The No. 4 prospect in the state, offensive lineman Sam Heckel of Waukesha West, and the No. 10 prospect in Wisconsin, Ashwaubenon offensive tackle Airon Servais, will both be heading to Syracuse. Spencer Kanz, a Luxemburg-Casco offensive lineman (No. 5 prospect in the state) is heading to Western Michigan to begin his collegiate career.
He’ll be joined on the Broncos roster by the No. 6 prospect out of Wisconsin, Greendale inside linebacker Tristian Pipp. Defensive tackle prospect Cameron Hackl, the No. 8 prospect in Wisconsin, signed his letter of intent to play for North Dakota State.
Rounding out the top 10 prospects in the state of Wisconsin is the No. 3 player, pro-style quarterback Nate Stanley out of Menomonie. Stanley is considered the 21st-best pro-style quarterback in the country.
Iowa will also be the home for Nos. 11 and 12 in Wisconsin’s rankings of high school prospects, with Iola-Scandinavia athlete Kristian Welch and Monona Grove running back Toren Young signing with the Hawkeyes.
Next: 5 Wisconsin Recruits Who Could Contribute in 2016
Stay tuned to Badger of Honor for more coverage of the Wisconsin football off season.