Badgers find their kicker
Looking to secure the future of its kicking position, Wisconsin offered and received a commitment from Rafael Gaglianone on Sunday during his official visit.
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"Great coach and staff, awesome facilities, academics and a big time-program," Gaglianone told BadgerBlitz.com in regards to his decision. "They want me to come in and compete for the starting job right away."
A 6-foot-1, 225-pound senior from Chattanooga (TN) Baylor School, Gaglianone picked the Badgers over an offer from N.C. State and interest from LSU, among others.
"They really liked what they saw on videos and they like my technique on ball striking," said Gaglianone, who is originally from Brazil. "That gave them the confidence that I will make a good transition from high school to Wisconsin.
"I was hosted by Connor Udelhoven. Just an awesome dude, great long snapper and I'm really looking forward to working with him."
Sophomore Jack Russell won Wisconsin's starting job at kicker after junior Kyle French was benched earlier in the year. True freshman Andrew Endicott has handled kickoffs this fall.
Gaglianone was recruited by assistant coach Jeff Genyk, who handles special teams for the Badgers.
"Our relationship is pretty good," Gaglianone said. "He (Genyk) really understands the game from a kicker's standpoint and he is a great guy."
UW now has 20 commitments in the 2014 recruiting class.