Three-star DT Curtis Neal adds his name to Wisconsin's commit list

Wisconsin set the bar high for three-star defensive tackle Curtis Neal during his official visit earlier this month

Roughly three weeks later, the rising senior from Hough High School in North Carolina became commit No. 7 for the Badgers in the 2022 class, an announcement he made on Friday.

Neal, 6-foot-2 and 310 pounds, ultimately chose Wisconsin over Ohio State - he visited Columbus officially the weekend of June 11. Oregon, USC, Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, Penn State and Texas A&M, among others, also offered during the course of his recruitment.

First-year assistant coach Ross Kolodziej served as the lead contact in Wisconsin's pursuit.

"One of the highlights was talking to Coach (Paul) Chryst and Coack K - really the whole coaching staff," Neal told BadgerBlitz.com after his official visit to UW. "I got to hang with the players and every part of the visit was a blast. Definitely a 10 out of 10 visit. I didn't want to leave today.

"I was with Coach K literally the whole time. He was always by my side and we did a lot of one-on-ones together. That's my guy and I was so happy to see him. We broke some film down and went over some plays and their scheme. It was really cool and I'd love to play for him."

Wisconsin projects Neal to play the zero technique, and the Badgers feel he has the ability to make a huge impact on their defense.

"We had a one-on-one and Coach Chryst said I'm a need for their program," Neal said. "He said that I can change their defense and they can do a lot with me as a true, powerful nose guard. He thinks I'm what they need and everyone is on board. The ball is in my court and when it's time, he's ready for me. It's on me now.

"It definitely felt like home. I could see myself at Wisconsin."

Neal is from the same high school that produced UW defensive lineman Gio Paez and wide receiver Devin Chandler.