9/18/2017 football Edit

John Chenal accepts preferred walk-on offer from Wisconsin

Jon McNamara • BadgerBlitz

Editor

Jon McNamara is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He has covered UW athletics since 2002 and has worked at Rivals.com since 2006.

Wisconsin added another member of the Chenal family to its recruiting class Monday.

After UW secured a commitment from 2019 linebacker Leo Chenal earlier this month, John Chenal announced his pledge to the Badgers as a preferred walk-on. The senior from Grantsburg High School was previously committed to North Dakota as a scholarship member in the 2018 recruiting class.

"It has always been my dream to play for Wisconsin since I was little, and since my 'little' brother is going there, it was a no-brainer," John Chenal told BadgerBlitz.com. "I want to be a part of one of the most successful football programs in the country.

"It feels great to make this decision, especially this far into my high school season it's good to be able to focus on my individual and team goals for the season - state being the biggest."

A 6-foot-2, 225-pound prospect, Chenal could play either linebacker or fullback for Wisconsin. He is the second preferred walk-on in this class along with Sun Prairie's Marty Strey.

"I talked with Coach (Bob) Bostad and he said I would have success playing inside linebacker there," Chenal, who ran a 4.58-second 40-yard dash at the WFCA Combine, said. "But it was also brought up about me trying out fullback, so it could go either way, I think.

"Coach Chryst came down here along with Coach (Chris) Haering and told my brother and I that they are very excited to bring us into the Badger family and he believes I can be a force on the team.

"It was a big decision, but I feel as though it will pay off for me. I'm the type of guy that will bet on myself and being a walk-on will motivate me to play to the best of my ability because a scholarship is on the line."

John and Leo have a younger brother, Gabe Chenal, who is also on this year's varsity team. He also has Division 1 talent, according to John Chenal.

"Gabe has tons of potential and I believe he has all the tools to make that happen," John Chenal said. "That would be crazy having all three of us on the team."