Wisconsin's in-state countdown: No. 6-10
Wisconsin's 2018 in-state class doesn't feature a four-star prospect, but the group is extremely deep with over 19 Division 1 commitments as of July 10.
As we count down the days before the start of the 2017 high school football season, BadgerBlitz.com ranks the top seniors in the state, continuing with prospects 6 through 10.
No. 46-50 | No. 41-45 | No. 36-40 | No. 31-35 | No. 26-30 | No. 21-25 | No. 16-20 | No. 11-15 |
No. 10 - Running back Henry Geil
Committed to: Iowa
The word: Henry Geil, who chose Iowa in April over offers from Michigan State, Iowa State, Indiana, Syracuse, Bowling Green, Western Michigan, and South Dakota State, rushed for 784 yards and 14 touchdowns as a junior. He received late interest from the Badgers but never picked up an offer from the in-state school.
"The fact that Coach (Kirk) Ferentz and the entire staff are so stable," Geil told Rivals.com when asked why he chose Iowa. "There's a unique opportunity to put my head down and just work due to the fact that nobody is going to be leaving at random from the coaching staff."
No. 9 - Tight end/Offensive tackle Jack Plumb
Committed to: Iowa
The word: Jack Plumb was one of the hottest prospects in the state this spring as he picked up offers from Wisconsin, Michigan State, Iowa, Arizona State and Minnesota, among others. In a bit of a surprise, the multi-sport athlete chose the Hawkeyes over the Badgers in late June.
"It just felt right when I was on campus," Plumb told HawkeyeReport.com shortly after his announcement. "The history of the tight end to offensive lineman at Iowa really interested me and the way they were involved from the beginning."
No. 8 - Athlete Will McDonald
Committed to: Iowa State
The word: Will McDonald, who quietly committed to Iowa State in February, is one the most intriguing athletes in the state. He racked up 69 tackles and 11.5 sacks as a junior - his first year playing football - but could also project to receiver or H-back at the next level.
"The surface is just getting scratched with Will," Waukesha North head coach Matt Harris told Rivals.com. "Day one of practice when he came out there with us, he was the most incredible athlete I'd seen in a long time. His wingspan has got to be close to 6-10. The Iowa State coaches were surprised he's only 6-5 because of long he is and plays. His length is incredible."
No. 7 - Athlete Cormac Sampson
Committed to: Wisconsin
The word: Cormac Sampson, who picked Wisconsin over offers from Illinois State, North Dakota State, Northern Illinois and Western Illinois, among others, was commit No. 9 for UW in the 2018 class. The Badgers have not decided where Sampson will start when he arrives on campus. He could work at either tight end or defensive end.
"They really don't know yet," Sampson told BadgerBlitz.com. "They just think I'm a big athlete who can move really well. I don't care where I play. I'm a bit more comfortable at defensive end but I'll do whatever they need me to do."
No. 6 - Outside linebacker Mason Platter
Committed to: Wisconsin
The word: A 6-foot-5, 215-pound prospect from Menomonie, Mason 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 (Paul) Chryst likes my length and he likes my grit," Platter told BadgerBlitz.com. "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 chose UW over an offer from Northern Illinois and interest from Iowa, Iowa State, Michigan and Minnesota, among others.