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Wisconsin Football Recruiting: Top five targets in class of 2020

By Sam Land

MADISON, WI - OCTOBER 31: Head Coach Paul Chryst of the Wisconsin Badgers celebrates on the sidelines during the second half against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Camp Randall Stadium on October 31, 2015 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Mike McGinnis/Getty Images)
MADISON, WI - OCTOBER 31: Head Coach Paul Chryst of the Wisconsin Badgers celebrates on the sidelines during the second half against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Camp Randall Stadium on October 31, 2015 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Mike McGinnis/Getty Images) /
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#2 – Nash Hutmacher

Position: Defensive Tackle

Hometown: Chamberlain, SD

Rankings: 3-star (No. 481 overall, No. 14 OG)

Other offers: Nebraska, Oregon, Iowa State, and Missouri

Though the Oregon Ducks remain a factor as well, it’ll likely come down to a battle between a pair of Big Ten West rivals for the services of 3-star defensive tackle Nash Hutmacher, with Nebraska appearing to have a slight edge at the moment over Wisconsin.

Though he is listed as an offensive guard by the recruiting services, the Badgers are recruiting the 6’5, 285-pounder as a defensive lineman. A freakishly strong prospect that also possesses the agility and athleticism necessary to be a high school wrestling champion, Hutmacher would be a massive get for Wisconsin to add to its young defensive line group.

In Jim Leonhard’s 3-4 defense, though they may not get much glory, effective nose tackles are of critical importance. Olive Sagapolu was the prime example of this throughout his career in Madison: he didn’t exactly put up gaudy numbers, but without his formidable presence in the middle to eat up blockers, the likes of Vince Biegel, T.J. Edwards, and company wouldn’t have been as free to make plays on the ball.

light. Also. Former Badger TE Penniston finds new home

Hutmacher has the potential to have a similar kind of impact at Wisconsin.

The Badgers will be looking to hit a home run and upend the Cornhuskers when Hutmacher takes his official visit on June 7. As the Nebraska and Oregon staffs have done on his officials to those programs, I would expect the Wisconsin coaches to treat the South Dakota native to some fishing on Lake Mendota or Lake Monona. If the opportunity to get plenty of fishing in throughout his college career is as important to Hutmacher as it appears to be, then I have to imagine he will be impressed with what Wisconsin has to offer. As to how much of an impact that will have on his final decision, that remains to be seen.

If I had to wager a guess, I’d say that Hutmacher ultimately ends up a Husker. Scott Frost has got that program absolutely rolling on the recruiting trail right now, and I think it will take a home run on his official visit to upend Nebraska. That being said, this recruitment is far from over, and Wisconsin has come from far further behind than they currently are with Hutmacher to ultimately win recruiting battles.