Wisconsin Lands 17th Commitment

Northwestern and Wisconsin didn’t meet on the football field last season, but the two programs have battled in recruiting and the Badgers have notched yet another victory in that arena. Earlier this week star linebacker Reggie Cribbs picked UW over Northwestern. And now running back Dwayne Smith has cast his lot with Wisconsin.

In the end it was the Wisconsin undergraduate school that helped the 5-10, 215-pound back pick the Badgers over the Wildcats. Smith found out about the Wisconsin business school during his official visit.

"I didn’t know how good (Wisconsin’s) business school was, and that’s what I want to major in," Smith said.

Smith was also very impressed with the Badger strength program and coach John Dettmann.

Another factor was an opening to play as a true freshman behind starter Anthony Davis. The Wisconsin coaches have told Smith he will get a shot to play right away.

"(UW’s coaches) said they are looking for me to be the No. 2 back right now, because they are looking for a bigger back," Smith said. "They said as long as I come and show up to play and perform the way they know I can, and the way I know I can, then everything should work out and I should play my freshman year."

Smith is ranked as a 3-star player by Rivals.com and is listed as the 49th best running back in the nation. He is also listed as a 3-star recruit by Prep Football Report.

Here’s what scout Tom Lemming had to say about Smith: "He’s a physical runner who can get the tough inside yards and yet possesses the quickness and flat out speed to burn even the most explosive DBs."

Smith finished with 1,450 yards and 15 touchdowns rushing for Hales Franciscan High School last season.