Wisconsin checks on in-state TE Caden Blum

In-state recruiter Chris Haering, who has busy floating around Wisconsin this winter during the evaluation period, was at Baraboo High School Thursday to check on 2019 tight end Caden Blum.

"Coach Haering from the Badgers came to talk to my coach this week," Blum told BadgerBlitz.com. "It was typical recruiting talk - they want to get me down to Madison for a junior day.

"The talk went well. They just told my coach to tell me to keep working hard and they want to get me on campus soon."

A 6-foot-5, 227-pound junior, Blum would like to add his name to the in-state prospects in the 2019 class who currently hold an offer from the Badgers. At this point, that list includes commit Leo Chenal and top target Da'Shaun Brown.

"It would be an honor and a tremendous experience, as it would to be with any team," Blum said. "There is a significance to the Badgers. I grew up paying attention to them and my family and I root for them, but to play for anyone would be a true blessing."

Blum, who is also a standout basketball player, picked up his first scholarship from North Dakota this past fall.

"I really owe it to my head coach, Steve Turkington," Blum said. "I went to North Dakota’s camp last year and had a really good experience along with the game-day visit in November. I was very impressed with North Dakota and the quality of the program they have. It was also cool catching up with a former teammate Noah Larson - dude can really play.

"North Dakota said they just like my size, my quickness and physicality. That first offer meant a lot and I appreciate all of my teammates and coaches for getting me to this spot."

Outside of Wisconsin and North Dakota, Blum is hearing from a handful of other schools.

"Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota and Purdue are the Power 5 schools I've been in contact with," Blum said. "I'm also hearing from Wyoming and the head coach of NIU (Rod Carey) came by today (Friday). Toledo has also been in the mix, as well as South Dakota State, North Dakota State, Northern Iowa and North Dakota, obviously.

"All schools above want me to come for a visit. I'm going to Purdue, Minnesota and Iowa at a set date, along with Northern Iowa and Illinois State."

The Hawkeyes, led by Tim Polasek, have recruited the state of Wisconsin awfully hard in the past few cycles.

"I have a great relationship with Iowa," Blum said. "I like what they are doing down there. I plan on going there March 4."