Wisconsin's most versatile cornerback is betting on himself this upcoming offseason.

Rachad Wildgoose, a junior defensive back for the Badgers, announced his intentions to declare for the 2021 NFL Draft on Friday morning. The Florida native played in 25 career games with 17 starts for UW over the last three seasons.

Wildgoose, 5-foot-11 and 197 pounds, had a great start to the 2020 season. Against Illinois, he locked up wide receiver Josh Imatorbhebhe, limiting him to three receptions for 26 yards.

"It's been really fun to coach, really fun to watch, just day in and day out," coordinator Leonhard said in October. "He's (Wildgoose) taken a big jump forward, and he's playing with that edge. He's playing with that confidence, and it's going to help us all throughout the year. I think he's a guy with what he's been able to do in the slot that we can move him around -- almost series-to-series at times -- to put us in the best position.

"So he's the most versatile of that corner group, and I think that's what's kind of separating him right now.”

During Wisconsin's loss to Northwestern last Saturday, Wildgoose suffered a right shoulder injury late in the first half. He did not return to the field and was wearing a sling on the sidelines.

With Wildgoose gone, redshirt freshman Semar Melvin and redshirt sophomore Donte Burton will likely play a larger role in the secondary moving forward. Those two could be next in line behind veterans Caesar Williams and Faion Hicks.

During his recruitment, Wildgoose, a former three-star prospect, also took official visits to Georgia, UCF, Pittsburgh and North Carolina State.

Nick Nelson was the most recent cornerback taken from Wisconsin in the 2018 NFL Draft.