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Know Your Wisconsin Badgers Recruiting Class of 2016: Cornerback Deron Harrell

By Taylor Johnson

Oct 17, 2015; Madison, WI, USA; The Purdue Boilermakers run a play during the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Wisconsin won 24-7. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 17, 2015; Madison, WI, USA; The Purdue Boilermakers run a play during the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Wisconsin won 24-7. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /
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A closer look at the Wisconsin Badgers 2016 recruiting class, starting with cornerback Deron Harrell.

Before the Wisconsin Badgers kickoff the 2016 season against the LSU Tigers at Lambeau Field, we will dive in and take a closer look at the 2016 recruiting class in the coming weeks. Getting it started is Deron Harrell, a cornerback from Denver, CO.

Consider a “sleeper” by many, Harrell flew under the radar with Wisconsin being the only school that offered the Colorado athlete. Harrell not only played quarterback but spent his senior season as a standout quarterback garnering Denver Prep League Offensive MVP and first-team all-conference honors. He threw for 1,347 yards and 17 touchdowns while rushing for 330 yards and three scores.

On defense Harrell excelled as well. Also a first-team all-conference selection at cornerback, Harrell nabbed four interceptions and recorded 18 total tackles. At 6’3” and running just below a 4.5 40-yard dash, he’s the type of player the Badgers are looking for to add depth at cornerback for the future.

Harrell was rated as a three-star recruit by 247Sports and had some interest from few teams out West. Colorado, Colorado State, Hawaii, San Diego State and Utah State all showed interest in the cornerback, but Wisconsin was the only one to offer albeit a grayshirt offer. There is a very slight chance that Harrell joins the team this fall but the most-likely outcome is he enrolls in January of 2017. 

Wisconsin Badgers
Wisconsin Badgers /

Wisconsin Badgers

One thing Wisconsin does well is develop players over time and Harrell is a great recruit that defensive backs coach Jim Leonhard will be able to mold into a special player. He has the athletic talent, the size and speed to be a talented cornerback. Tight end coach Mickey Turner, who recruited Harrell, knew right away that the Badgers would be getting a special player.

"“Everyone from the football coach, to the pastor, to the basketball coach told us he’s a great kid and we’re getting a steal. Right off the bat, we knew there was something special about him. He does well in school and he surprised us with how big, long and athletic he is.”"

I think matching Harrell up with a coach like Leonhard will really do wonders. I don’t see Harrell making a huge impact in his first couple of years on campus, but I think we could see him really break out his junior and senior years. There will be opportunities to learn and grow as after this season the Badgers will be losing their top cornerback Sojourn Shelton. Give Harrell a year or two to develop and I think he could have a big impact on this program.

Next: Badgers Most Likely To Be Drafted in 2017

Harrell’s father Damien played wide receiver at Florida State and is a Hall of Fame member in the Arena Football League as the league’s career record-holder in receptions (1,164), receiving yards (15,134), and touchdown receptions (357).