Wisconsin Football: Badgers Skill Position Recruiting Breakdown

Breaking Down the Defensive Recruiting Class for Wisconsin Football

National Signing Day has came and went once again this year with an array of action unfolding over the course of the entire day. For Wisconsin Football fans, the day went as expected with one extra get as the Badgers landed four star recruit Danny Davis in a late flip over to Wisconsin. It may not have been as glamorous as other schools, but the Badgers filled a multitude of needs for next year and future seasons. At the end of it all Wisconsin Football finished in the 33rd spot of overall class ranking with two Four Star Recruits and a multitude of 3 Stars. Lets take a look at the position by position grading of the class of 2017 finishing with the skill position breakdown.

Wide Receiver

Danny DavisEmmett PerryCade Green

In a position with so many question marks, Wisconsin got a much needed answer as it goes into next season. Of course Jazz Peavy will be the #1 reciever but after that is anyone’s pick. Quintez Cephus and AJ Taylor will certainly compete, but guys like Danny Davis and Emmett Perry will certainly battle for the spot. Danny Davis was the other four star recruit that the Badgers were able to sign, and he brings a lot to the table for Wisconsin. Davis is very elusive and shifty when he carries the football as he was the primary kick and punt returner in high school. He possesses speed and translates to the slot very well, a Desean Jackson type player with a bit more size. Pass blocking down the field will be Davis’ biggest area to improve. Emmett Perry is the primary outside reciever who brings size at 6’3″ and a big catch radius. Perry led the team in receptions on way to a perfect senior season which ended in a Texas State Championship. Perry looks a lot like Robert Wheelwright, who had a pretty solid career at UW. Cade Green was an overlooked player during the recruiting stage, partly because of the depth that comes in Texas. Green is a pesky player, who can play in both the running and passing game. He reminds me a lot of Jared Abbrederis based on size and shiftiness who could be a nightmare in the slot and end around game.

Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Running Back

Johnathan Taylor

If there’s one position that defines Wisconsin Football, its that of the running back. Its a special tradition to lace up cleats and take to the Backfield for the Badgers. Its what tradition is built on, and thats exactly what Johnathan Taylor signed up for when he committed to Wisconsin. He wanted to build on the tradition from Dayne to MG3 to Corey Clement. Taylor will look to keep that tradition next fall as he suits up for Wisconsin. At 5’11” Taylor already brings a lot of size as a freshman. Taylor is a patient runner, but finds the whole and burst through when he gets the chance. With a strong stiff arm and lower body Taylor is tough to bring down with just one guy. He doesn’t quite have breakaway speed, but will be able to get you large chunks of yards just by running you right over. The running back position is Shaw’s to start, but guys like Chris James and Taylor will be new faces that you will see in the backfield next fall. With a good mix of size and decent speed the three backs of Wisconsin could make quite an impact splitting the carries at UW.

Quarterback

Jack CoanDanny Vanden Boom

One position that Wisconsin has yet to get the absolute right prospect since Russell Wilson awed us years ago. Jack Coan has been hyped up to possibly be that prospect, but time will have to tell. Coan had a tremendous High School Career and will look to translate that to the next level. Much like the current starter in Alex Hornibrook, arm strength continues to be the issue, but touch is certainly strong. Coan hangs in the pocket well and throws a tight ball. He would really have to impress in spring ball to jump Hornibrook or Lyles, but time will tell. Danny Vanden Boom is the other quarterback prospect Wisconsin brought in. Vanden Boom will need quite a bit of work before entertaining the field. Footwork is somewhat an issue for the young QB as he played in a primary shotgun offense at Kimberly. As he transitions to Wisconsin Vanden Boom will have to get quicker and stronger with his feet and arm before competing for a quarterback position. With a name like that, he would certainly be fun to announce for, but it will certainly be a project for Wisconsin coaches, but thats what Coach Chryst does well.

To See Other Position Follow These Links Below

Defensive Breakdown

Offensive Interior Breakdown