UW hits on third in-state junior with commitment from Mason Platter

When the dust settled Monday afternoon, Wisconsin ended up going three-for-three on its Sunday offers to in-state juniors.

Just hours after receiving pledges from linebacker CJ Goetz and defensive end Boyd Dietzen, Paul Chryst and his staff received Mason Platter's commitment. All three were on campus and picked up scholarships Sunday while in Madison.

"Yesterday (Sunday) was incredible and you just can't beat the Wisconsin atmosphere," Platter told BadgerBlitz.com. "With coach Chryst, he was very open with us and he told me that he really likes my film. He thinks I'm a good player but more importantly, he really likes who I am as a person. That's what they're trying to get at Wisconsin, good young men, and it's exciting that he saw that in me.

"Playing for Wisconsin has always been a dream of mine. The atmosphere there is incredible but, most importantly, the coaches there are second to none. You can't beat them and you can't find better people. It was a no-brainer for me."

A 6-foot-5, 215-pound prospect from Menomonie, Platter is expected to play outside linebacker for Wisconsin. That high school has produced Badgers in the previous two recruiting classes - Mason Stokke in 2016 and Alex Fenton in 2017.

"Coach Chryst likes my length and he likes my grit," Platter said. "He likes my motor and likes the fact that he can count on me working hard based on where I'm from. He likes what the people of Menomonie have brought to Wisconsin. It definitely helps to have guys from my school end up there."

Platter, who chose UW over an offer from Northern Illinois and interest from Iowa, Iowa State, Michigan and Minnesota, joins a 2018 class for UW that previously included Reggie Pearson, Trent Ingalls and Ben Bryant, as well as Goetz and Dietzen.

"We went to the junior day together and CJ was texting me last night saying that he was going to commit today and he wanted me to join him," Platter said. "It's a big decision and it takes a lot of thought, but when you know, you know. It was great to share this day with those CJ and Boyd.

"It's indescribable and a weight off my shoulder. It's a huge blessing to be committed to Wisconsin."