Wisconsin's revamped cornerback room added another piece just before the start of fall camp.
Michael Mack II, a transfer from Air Force, was listed on the Badgers' fall camp roster on Wednesday. He is the third corner UW has landed this offseason, along with Jason Maitre (took part in spring camp) and Nyzier Fourqurean (committed in May).
A two-year starter for Air Force, Mack II entered the portal in late June and picked an offer from the Badgers just days later.
"When I was thinking about entering the portal, I was talking to my coach at the Air Force Academy and he mentioned me to the coaches at Wisconsin," Mack II told BadgerBlitz.com. "So my position coach told me that could be an option and that they could be reaching out soon. I ended up getting a call from Coach (Paul) Haynes and it was just history from that call.
"I would say the competition and the ability to be part of a program that has traditionally been dominant made Wisconsin the right fit for me. Coach (Luke) Fickell did a great job at Cincinnati and he's a proven winner and someone who develops his players. It's just a great fit for me and my family. I haven't visited yet, so I made the decision based on the conversations I've had with the coaches and previous players who went there."
Mack II, 6-foot-1 and 190 pounds, ultimately chose UW over N.C. State and Oregon State. He will have two years of eligibility, in addition to a redshirt option, at Wisconsin.
"I'm trying to get a waiver so I don't have to redshirt this season," Mack II said. "I entered the portal once it was closed, so I have to see what happens with that. If it gets approved, they want me to come in and compete for time right away.
"If not, I'll take on more of a role of teaching the younger guys and getting my body right, especially for the Big Ten. I should hear about that in the next two or three weeks."
Wisconsin is expected to have Alexander Smith, Ricardo Hallman and Maitre atop the depth chart when camp opens on Aug. 2. Mack II, Fourqurean and Max Lofy are the next tier above a group of four true freshmen, two of whom - Jace Arnold and Jonas Duclona - took part in spring camp.
"They are looking to add some experience to the room because they have a lot of freshmen right now," Mack II said. "Coach Haynes thinks I can add a lot to the room because of my experience at the college level.
"Coach Haynes really showed me that he understands the game on the technical side. But what I really liked was that he wants to develop me as a man just as much as a football player."
Last fall, Mack II had 42 tackles, one interception and one fumble recovery. His overall score from Pro Football Focus was 64.3. Phil Steele’s preseason All-Mountain West picks this offseason included Mack as a third-team selection.
"I was really just looking for a bigger opportunity on a bigger stage," Mack II said. "I'm so excited and it's been my dream since I was kid to play at this level."
_________________________________________________
*Chat about this article in The Badgers' Den
*Check out our videos, interviews, and Q&As on our YouTube channel
*Subscribe and listen to the BadgerBlitz.com podcast (as seen on Apple, Google, Spotify and wherever you listen to podcasts)
*Follow us on Twitter: @McNamaraRivals, @MHoganReports @TheBadgerNation, @RaulV45, @seamus_rohrer
*Like us on Facebook
