New wrinkle for Horne
WAUWATOSA - Running back is arguably the deepest and most talented position in Wisconsin's 2012 in-state class with the likes of Vonte Jackson, Marcus Horne, Toneo Gulley, Leo Musso and Joe Schobert set to begin their senior seasons in a few weeks.
From that group, the Badger coaching staff identified Jackson as their top target and the Kenosha Bradford four-star prospect gave a verbal commitment to UW this spring.
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Unfortunately for the rest of the pack, Wisconsin will likely take just one tailback in 2012. That, however, hasn't stopped UW's recruitment of Horne, a 5-foot-10, 195-pound prospect from Milwaukee Bradley Tech.
"Wisconsin is still after me," Horne told BadgerBlitz.com Saturday morning at Hart Park in Wauwatosa. "They already have Vonte but they want me as a safety. That's the latest with them (UW). Coach (Thomas) Hammock and Coach (Bob) Bostad like me at safety now."
Would that be something Horne, who rushed for 1,162 yards and 12 touchdowns as a junior, consider?
"I'm a football player," he said. "I just want to play football and compete. I'm still interested in Wisconsin."
Five schools have already extended Horne a scholarship offer - Akron, Ball State, Central Michigan, Illinois State and North Dakota State. Two more Big Ten schools could add their name by the end of the month.
"I'm going to visit Minnesota on the 26th (June) and Northwestern on the 27th," said Horne, who carries a 3.9 grade point average. "I think Northwestern is real close to offering, they just want to see me in person.
"I think Minnesota still likes me quite a bit. They were really interested when I visited before. We'll see what happens."
Horne was still nursing a minor leg injury Saturday, though he expects to be full-go for his season opener against defending Division I state champion Waukesha West on Aug. 19.
"Man, I just can't wait for this season to start," Horne said. "I've been training so hard and I just can't wait to get on that field and have a huge season with my teammates."