The tentative plan was for Trent Ingalls to commit to Wisconsin this weekend during an unofficial visit.

But the 2018 safety from Menasha High School (WI) pulled the trigger earlier than expected and pledged to the Badgers last Sunday, he told BadgerBlitz.com.

"I've been sick all week and been off my phone, but I committed Sunday," Ingalls told BadgerBlitz.com. "Definitely being an in-state recruit was a huge factor and growing up following UW has always been a big deal to my family and I.

"The way coach (Justin) Wilcox manages the defense every week amazes me and also working with Jim Leonard every day is a dream."

A 6-foot-1, 180-pound junior, Ingalls earned an offer from position coach Jim Leonhard after a strong camp performance this summer. He is commit No. 2 for UW in the 2018 class along with fellow safety Reggie Pearson. Leonhard and in-state recruiter Chris Haering served as Ingalls' primary contacts.

"I talked to coach Haering last Thursday and he was extremely excited when I told him the news, but he wanted me to keep it on the down low until I talked to coach (Paul) Chryst on Sunday, and he was excited as well," Ingalls said. "On Monday, coach Leonard sent me a message saying how excited he is to work with me.

"It feels great to have this decision out of the way. Now I have 100 percent focus on my current team."

Ingalls, who reported a 4.55-second 40-yard dash at the Badgers' camp, also received interest from Iowa, Central Michigan, Minnesota, Michigan State, Northwestern and Purdue, among others. This fall, Ingalls recorded 69 tackles, three interceptions (one returned for a touchdown) and one sack.