Recruit Rundown: 2025 Wisconsin Badgers Commit Rukeem Stroud

The Wisconsin Badgers added their 13th commitment to the 2025 recruiting class on Sunday, as four-star cornerback Rukeem Stroud announced his commitment to UW.

The Florida native took to social media to make it official.

I’m home badger nation 😎!! #blessed@CoachFick @PatLambert13 @WisFBRecruiting @Andrew_Ivins @tyler_calvaruso @JohnGarcia_Jr @On3sports @tech813coach @TBTFootball @KevinHobbs_DC @MohrRecruiting pic.twitter.com/Gx8Tfo28jE

— Rukeem Stroud 4⭐️ (@rstroud06) June 2, 2024

Here’s a look at the newest addition to the 2025 class and what stands out.

Wisconsin Badgers Commit Rukeem Stroud: On the Recruiting Trail

According to the composite rankings, Stroud is the No. 434 player in the country, the No. 36 CB, and the No. 58 player in Florida.

The Tampa Bay Tech standout earned 28 offers before his commitment to Wisconsin, with notable programs including Penn State, Nebraska, Minnesota, Ole Miss, South Florida, Texas A&M, Louisville, Kansas State, and many others extending scholarships.

It came down to Wisconsin and South Florida, but UW was able to shut down Stroud’s recruitment on his official visit before he made his way to USF later in June.

Cornerbacks coach Paul Haynes did the heavy lifting in the four-star prospect’s recruitment, and with his commitment, Haynes has now landed three defensive backs in the 2025 cycle.

Wisconsin Badgers Commit Rukeem Stroud: Scouting Report

Wisconsin currently holds commitments from two other cornerbacks, Jai’mier Scott and Remington Moss. Those two have the versatility to be used as safeties or cornerbacks, but Stroud could be a great fit as a corner on the boundary.

In his junior season at Tampa Bay Tech High School, the 5-foot-11, 160-pound cornerback recorded 18 tackles, 17 pass breakups, six interceptions, 2.0 TFLs, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery, per MaxPreps.

One of the biggest things that stands out in Stroud’s game is his ball skills. He shows great anticipation with his ability to jump routes and secure interceptions, and when he gets the ball, he’s dangerous in the open field.

Stroud is a speedy cornerback, as evidenced by his highlights and the breakaway speed on his multiple pick-sixes. Stroud logged times of 10.75, 10.84, and 10.95 during the 100-meter dash event this spring, and that speed translates very well onto the field with his lightning-quick closing speed and acceleration.

Though he could add some more weight to his frame, Stroud’s lengthiness and athleticism could make him a great fit in Mike Tressel’s defense. The Badgers have been searching for longer, more athletic cornerbacks since changing the defensive scheme, and the 5-foot-11 cornerback fits that mold.

Combine Stroud’s ball skills, speed, and athleticism, and he is a standout in pass coverage. When in press, he can get physical and disruptive at the line of scrimmage to get receivers off their routes early. He also showcases good tracking skills and has the twitchiness and range to keep up with wide receivers on an island.

Overall, Wisconsin is getting an athletic speedster in the secondary with the foundation to flourish. Luke Fickell and company have a track record of success in developing defensive backs, and Stroud could be one of the next in line with his skillset.

The Wisconsin Badgers now hold 13 commitments in the 2025 recruiting cycle, which currently ranks at No. 15 in the country per the composite rankings.

Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to read our work at BadgerNotes.com. For more Wisconsin Badgers Athletics and Big Ten content, follow us on Twitter & Facebook. You can also subscribe to our YouTube Channel. Also, follow Jake Maier on Twitter @JakeJMaierfor more Wisconsin football, basketball, and recruiting coverage.