Wisconsin Football: Class of 2019 Wish List

Wisconsin Football has been doing great in recruiting so far, but there is still a few things to add to the class.

As we get closer to football season the focus is shifting from recruiting to play on the field. Fortunately for Badger fans, Wisconsin has given reason to be optimistic in both areas. The Badgers look primed to piece together one of the best recruiting classes since major websites began tracking that kind of data, and the current roster is set to compete for a College Football Playoff spot and be one of the best teams in the country.

Wisconsin currently has 12 commits in the class of 2019 headlined by five-star offensive tackle Logan Brown and four-star quarterback Graham Mertz. The rest of the class fills out with three cornerbacks, two defensive tackles, two athletes, one running back, another tackle, and a tight end. The class is strong, but it could get stronger.

Still on the table

Wisconsin is still in the hunt for several uncommitted players that can bolster the recruiting class even more. Offensive tackle Bryce Benhart has been expected to commit to Wisconsin for quite some time, he just hasn’t made anything official. Wisconsin is also in the lead, according to 247’s predictions, for defensive tackles Rodas Johnson and Isaiah Gibson, out of Ohio. One, or both, of the defensive linemen, will solidify the class in the trenches and give the Badgers an incredibly strong base to build from for the future.

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The Badgers are currently the favorites for outside linebacker Spencer Lytle and athlete DaShaun Brown, according to 247, but their recruitment is a bit tougher to dissect. Lytle is from California, where Wisconsin doesn’t typically pull recruits from. His final decision is expected to be made between Wisconsin and Clemson. The Badgers usually don’t compete with schools like Clemson for recruits, but it has to start sometime. Winning the services of Lylte would be a huge get for the Badgers.

Brown is an interesting case too. He’s one of the top players in Wisconsin, and has held an offer from the Badgers for a while, but hasn’t committed. The Badgers have said they would like to use the long athlete as a wide receiver, which may be a reason he’s considering other offers. The Badgers currently have a deep group of receivers that include several from the class of 2018. The position group is deep and playing time will not be easy to come by.

What to add

My biggest concern for the class of 2019 is how thin the group is at linebacker. Lytle will be announcing his decision on Augst 4th. If he chooses Wisconsin, this concern will be mostly eliminated. The current class has only one linebacker, Leo Chenal, who was recruited as an athlete. Ths Badgers coaching staff was also aware of this concern with the move of a few offensive recruits in the class of 2018 to the defensive side of the ball. Most notably was tight end Jaylan Franklin being listed as a linebacker on the fall roster. The Badgers have a ton of senior leadership that will not be easy to replace next fall.

The safety position could also be a concern, but there is good depth at secondary in the class with the three cornerbacks and two freshmen on the fall roster, Scott Nelson, and Reggie Pearson. Defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard has my trust.

The other big item I hope to see before the class is finalized is more perimeter athletes on offense. The group is deep with young talent, but you can never have too much. When Nolan Groulx decommitted earlier in the summer it created an opening for the Badgers to fill. It’s not necessarily a need, but it never hurts to have talent at receiver. You never know who can change positions, transfer, or get injured. If DaShaun Brown commits it will be a welcomed addition.

Be sure to follow Badger of Honor as news will continue to break about recruiting into the fall.