Scouting Report: 2025 Wisconsin Football Commit Grant Dean

The Wisconsin football program added its eighth commitment in the 2025 recruiting class on Wednesday, as in-state standout Grant Dean announced his commitment to the Badgers. 

The Neenah standout took to social media to make it official.

@CoachFick @CoachGrinch @PatLambert13 @_maximus347 @CoachJCooper @TheRealNickOsen @AllenTrieu #HomegrownBadger #OnWisconsin 🦡👐🏻 pic.twitter.com/33nPQY4zE9

— Grant Dean (@_TheGrantDean) April 17, 2024

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

Wisconsin Football Commit Grant Dean: On the Recruiting Trail

According to the composite rankings, Dean is rated as the No. 721 player in the nation, the No. 53 ATH, and the No. 7 player in Wisconsin. 

UW extended an offer to Dean during a recent spring practice visit, which marked his fifth overall. The three-star ATH also held Division 1 offers from Wyoming, Northern Illinois, and Army, plus a Division 2 offer from North Dakota State. Dean also received interest from Minnesota and Iowa State.

New Badgers co-defensive coordinator Alex Grinch served as the primary recruiter for Dean throughout his recruitment. He was able to close this recruitment out in short order and land his first commitment as a Wisconsin staff member. 

Wisconsin football needed to add another safety into the mix after a de-commitment from three-star safety Cody Haddad a few weeks ago, and the Badgers got their guy. Dean is now the second safety to give their verbal pledge to Wisconsin, joining Remington Moss.

Wisconsin Badgers Commit Grant Dean: Scouting Report

Dean is a multi-sport athlete, participating in football, basketball, and track at Neenah High School. 

In his junior year, the 6-foot, 180-pound athlete spent time playing running back and safety, plus a little bit of returning on special teams. Dean logged 2,000 all-purpose yards and 28 touchdowns as a running back, as well as 59 tackles and two interceptions as a safety.

He projects more as a safety at the next level, but his experience as a running back gives him versatility. 

One of the biggest things that stands out in Dean’s game is his speed. He recently ran a 10.82 in the 100-meter dash event, but on the football field, he shines with his fast closing speed while playing the run or the pass on defense. 

Though he’s quick, he doesn’t play out of control. Dean is decisive and patient while plays develop, but once he locks on to his target, he’s getting there quick and blowing the play up. 

Dean is a technically sound tackler who understands that the low man wins, and his highlight reel showcases his ability to dip his shoulders and consistently meet defenders at their legs. He’s also a clean open-field tackler and shows excellent anticipation. 

His junior tape doesn’t show much of his coverage abilities, but that will be something worth monitoring as he goes through his senior season. 

Wisconsin football is getting an athletic, speedy, and technically sound player in the Neenah High School standout. Dean could be a nice chess piece for the Badgers, as he could play in the slot or in the deep secondary. Plus, if defense doesn’t work out at the next level, he could always lean on his experience as a tailback. 

The three-star prospect should see a bump in his senior year after a standout junior season that saw him earn unanimous first-team honors as a running back and second-team honors at safety. 

With Dean’s verbal pledge, the Wisconsin football program now holds eight commitments, good for the No. 19 recruiting class in the country per the composite rankings.

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