With Wisconsin's 2018 recruiting class at capacity, BadgerBlitz.com decided to release the second edition of this popular feature for the current junior cycle.
The Sweet 16 ranking is based on a combination of three factors: position need, interest in Wisconsin and talent level.
Note: All quotes used in this report are from the Rivals.com network.
JUNE |
No. 1: Offensive tackle Logan Brown
Offers: Alabama, Michigan, Kentucky, Louisville, Michigan, North Carolina, Pittsburgh, Virginia Tech and Wisconsin, among others
Previous Rank: 1
The Word: Logan Brown, a four-star offensive tackle from Michigan, has been on campus no less than five times since last June. It's early and Wisconsin will have to fight off some of the top schools in the country, but Brown, who picked up an offer at camp last summer, is high on UW early in the process.
"Michigan, Ohio State, Wisconsin, Iowa, Penn State and Alabama, those are the ones just off the top my head that I'm hearing from the most," Brown told BadgerBlitz.com. "But, yeah, I'd say Wisconsin is my favorite school right now. I feel pretty comfortable there."
If the Badgers only sign one scholarship offensive lineman (Michael Furtney) in 2018, the position will be important in the current junior cycle.
No. 2: Wide receiver Nolan Groulx
Offers: Elon, James Madison, North Carolina State, South Carolina, Wake Forest, West Virginia and Wisconsin
Previous Rank: 2
The Word: A visit to Madison in June put Wisconsin in a good position with Nolan Groulx, a slot receiver from North Carolina. With three wide outs committed in the 2018 class, the Badgers' focus at receiver in 2019 will likely be more concentrated.
"Wisconsin, with the family atmosphere and the fans, they will definitely be near the top of my list until the end of my recruitment," Groulx told BadgerBlitz.com. "The visit went great and it was everything I could ask for. Wisconsin stacks up with all the offers I have right now."
No. 3: Running back Patrick Garwo
Offers: Army, Maryland, North Carolina, Rutgers, Temple, Virginia and Wisconsin, among others
Previous Rank: 3
The Word: Patrick Garwo's scholarship list hasn't blown up just yet, but he's arguably Wisconsin's top (and most realistic) option at the position in this class.
"When Wisconsin came to my school they told my coach about their very good running back history and said that I could be the next great one," Garwo told BadgerBlitz.com. "I would love to visit their campus to learn about their school more. I don't know specifically when, though."
From Rivals.com's Adam Friedman: "Garwo didn’t put up outstanding numbers last season, but his film is really eye-catching. Camp season was very good for Garwo because it gave him a forum to show that he is a thicker back that can definitely make defenders miss while running with power. Many teams have picked up on Garwo’s talent, including Virginia, Wisconsin, Maryland, and a few others."
