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Wisconsin Football: Transfers to Watch in Spring Practice

Published

3 months ago

March 23, 2023

Wisconsin football wide receiver CJ Williams transferred to UW from USC

Wisconsin football transfer additions to watch in spring ball

The Wisconsin football program will begin its spring practice this weekend. After an offseason full of changes, the Badgers faithful will get their first look at the new roster.

With 13 transfer portal additions, there will be plenty of newcomers who can contribute right away. From dynamic receivers to staunch offensive linemen, Wisconsin has plenty of playmakers looking to make a strong first impression.

Here’s a look at some transfer additions who could break out in spring ball.

CJ Williams

The wide receiver position is one that underwent the most change. With the additions of CJ Williams, Bryson Green, Will Pauling, and Quincy Burroughs, the receiver room has been completely revamped.

Williams, who comes to Madison as the highest-rated wide receiver in program history, could be among the most likely candidates to break out. The 6-foot-2, 190-pound pass catcher was a top 10 receiver in the class of 2020 and was a top-five player in California. Although he didn’t get a chance to contribute at USC, he’s in a prime position to be a difference-maker in the air raid offense.

Nick Evers

With the addition of Tanner Mordecai, Wisconsin will have its QB1 for the 2023 season. However, one of UW’s other QB additions will be a player to watch in the spring.

Evers, who transferred from Oklahoma, is one of Wisconsin’s best options for the future at quarterback. Evers was a four-star recruit and a top-10 signal caller in the 2022 class. The dual-threat quarterback threw for 2,366 yards and 19 touchdowns while rushing for 697 yards and ten touchdowns, according to MaxPreps. Evers’ expansive skillset makes him an intriguing piece to UW’s future, and he’ll be a player to watch at spring practice.

Jake Renfro

Renfro, who followed Luke Fickell to Madison from Cincinnati, is a transfer who will likely make an immediate difference. With former center Joe Tippmann in the NFL Draft, Wisconsin has found its center for 2023.

Renfro made 19 starts in two seasons at Cincy and was integral to one of the nation’s best offensive lines. With the junior at center, Cincinnati ranked ninth in the country in yards per play. They also finished second in rushing yards per play in AAC, earning Renfro a first-team All-AAC nomination. The 6-foot-3, 308-pound center will be an essential piece to Wisconsin’s offensive line, and he should be a player to watch as we get the first look at UW’s new offense.

Darian Varner

Varner, who transferred from Temple, comes to the Wisconsin football program looking to make an impact on UW’s defensive line. With Keeanu Benton in the NFL Draft, Varner has landed in a perfect position.

The 6-foot-2, 260-pound defensive lineman was a standout player at Temple. In two seasons, Varner registered 57 total tackles, 10.5 sacks, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. In 2022, Varner earned All-AAC recognition after coming in second in tackles for loss and sacks per game for the Owls.

Varner can break out in spring ball and earn a potential starting spot. With Badgers’ stalwarts like Gio Paez and Rodas Johnson returning, the defensive line will be a group to watch.

Will Pauling

Pauling has been slightly overlooked due to the high-profile signings of CJ Williams and Bryson Green. However, the 5-foot-10, 180-pound receiver could cement his spot in the rotation in spring.

The former Bearcats receiver hauled in 12 catches for 122 yards in 2022 before suffering an MCL sprain. However, he seems to be back in full health. Pauling brings a unique level of explosiveness off the line and speed at the slot receiver position. As one of the fastest players on the roster, he’ll surely be a deep threat in the revamped air raid offense.

Pauling will be a player to watch in spring as he vies for a spot in the rotation. Due to the saturation of wide receivers, he may not earn a starting nod. However, Pauling looks to be a severe threat in UW’s pass game.

Contact/Follow us @Badger_Notes on Twitter, Subscribe to the BadgerNotes Newsletter here, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin football news, notes, opinion, and analysis. You can also follow Jake Maier on Twitter. @JakeJMaier.

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Breaking Down the Wisconsin Badgers Newest 2024 Defensive Line Commit

Published

1 hour ago

June 6, 2023

Dillon Graff

Wisconsin Football defensive line commit Hank Weber

Wisconsin Football Lands Commitment From 2024 DL Hank Weber

Madison, Wis. — In need of a serious revamping of the defensive line, the Wisconsin football coaching staff knew these next couple of weekends would be huge for the future of the defense.

The first domino of that DL revamp fell on Monday when the Badgers received a verbal commitment from 2024 three-star defensive lineman Hank Weber out of Brentwood, Tennesee, following an official visit to Madison this past weekend.

Pumped to Jump Around for the next 4 years!! 🦡 #committed #OnWisconsin @BadgerFootball @CoachFick @G_Scruggs @CoachMikeTress @_maximus347 @PatLambert13 @theBAFootball pic.twitter.com/XAtFwLUKSA

— hank weber (@hankweber8) June 5, 2023

According to 247Sports, Weber is the No. 99 DL in the country and the No. 37 player in Tennessee. The three-star recruit chose Wisconsin over offers from North Carolina, Michigan State, Vanderbilt, Ole Miss, Purdue, Virginia Tech, and several others.

“Wisconsin had everything that I was looking for in a college and program,” Weber said. “The defense that coach Mike Tressel runs was appealing because of how aggressive it is. And I’ve been told that coach Fickell sometimes likes to lead the defensive line meetings. That was a huge deal for me.”

The 6-foot-4, 250-pound defensive prospect is Greg Scruggs’ first commit in the 2024 recruiting cycle.

Scouting Report

Hank Weber is, by my evaluation, a solid but unspectacular prospect. That’s not to say I’m writing him off, though.

Although his pad level and ability to get off the ball were underwhelming, his pursuit and technique after the snap stood out. There is an undeniable blend of length and power as a pass-rusher that you love to see, and he strikes me as the type of assignment-sound player that could develop into a reliable starter with some time to fill out his frame.

One thing I love about Weber is that he also plays offensive line, so he’s got a tenacity and motor about him that is a must-have in a defensive line prospect.

Overall, I think Weber was a solid get, and for a re-tooling defensive line, he’s a solid start to what should be a large class of recruits at the position. I’ll like this commit even better if he’s paired with someone that has more pass-rushing upside.

The Impact of Hank Weber Joining the Wisconsin Football Program

Vernon Woodward is commitment No. 10 for the Wisconsin football program in the 2024 recruiting cycle, joining Mabrey Mettauer, Grant Stec, Robert Booker, Derek Jensen, Thomas Heiberger, Landon Gauthier, Kyan Berry-Johnson, Kahmir Prescott, and Vernon Woodward.

With his addition, UW now has the No. 21 recruiting class in the country, per 247Sports.

Contact/Follow us @Badger_Notes on Twitter, Subscribe to the BadgerNotes Newsletter here, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes, opinion, and analysis. You can also follow Dillon Graff on Twitter @DillonGraff.

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FB Recruiting

Wisconsin Football Adds Australian Punter, New 2024 Commit, More

Published

4 hours ago

June 6, 2023

Dillon Graff

Sep 3, 2022; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; General view of Camp Randall Stadium prior to the game between the Illinois State Redbirds and Wisconsin Badgers. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

It’s been a busy couple of days for the Wisconsin football program, ladies and gents, but fear not because BadgerNotes can help get you back up to speed with a roundup of some important Badgers news you may have missed.

Wisconsin Badgers Address Their Special Teams Need

Exiting spring practice, Wisconsin football head coach Luke Fickell voiced his concern about the Badgers’ punting situation.

“I’m a little bit concerned we’ve got to figure some things out probably in the punting situation,” Fickell said after the final spring practice. “I know it’s a tougher time, but we don’t get outside nearly as much to see those guys have an opportunity to punt the ball and for us to return it as well.”

Thankfully, that issue was addressed with Wisconsin landing a commitment from Atticus Bertrams, a native of Melbourne, Australia, who will be on scholarship in 2023.

I am proud to announce that I have committed to a full scholarship to study and play football at The University of Wisconsin

Thank you to @ProkickAus @JohnnyPKA @tglees @ConquestAthlete as well as @CoachFick and the staff at @BadgerFootball for this opportunity pic.twitter.com/g8wQQg4KzF

— Atticus Bertrams (@BertramsAtticus) May 27, 2023

Bertrams had previously committed to USC in 2021 but didn’t enroll. Instead, he spent his time training at Prokick, an academy in Australia that has produced six Ray Guy Award-winning punters.

Victoria 6.0 feat @BertramsAtticus

1. Hang time: 5.1, Dist: 48 yards
2. Hang time: 5.1, Dist: 52 yards
3. Hang time: 4.9, Dist: 52 yards pic.twitter.com/QNX4ZHrbyc

— Oliver Straw (@Ollie_Straw) August 8, 2021

He immediately slots in as Wisconsin’s top punter ahead of Jack Van Dyke and Gavin Meyers, who left something to be desired during spring practice. Bertrams has some big shoes to fill following the departure of Andy Vujnovich.

Wisconsin Football Lands Commitment From 3-Star Florida CB

Following an official visit to Madison, the Wisconsin football coaching staff added their first cornerback prospect of the 2024 cycle in three-star cornerback Vernon Woodward, out of Winter Park, Florida.

Wisconsin we home 🦡🔴🔥!!! @CoachFick @Haynes_Badgers @PatLambert13 #committed #OnWisconsin pic.twitter.com/mW0p2l97pI

— Vernon Woodward iii ⭐️ (@_vern1) June 4, 2023

According to the industry-generated composite rankings, he is the No. 74 cornerback in the 2024 recruiting class and the No. 128 player in Florida.

Woodward chose UW over scholarship offers from Ole Miss, Illinois, Cincinnati, Missouri, Purdue, UCF, Virginia, West Virginia, Louisville, Georgia Tech, and several others.

As a junior, the 6-foot-2 cornerback registered 57 tackles, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. But perhaps the most telling stat from Woodward’s junior season is that he was targeted only twice all year, which speaks volumes about his ability to blanket WRs at that level.

You can watch his HUDL film here.

Vernon Woodward is commitment No. 9 for the Wisconsin football program in the 2024 recruiting cycle, joining Mabrey Mettauer, Grant Stec, Robert Booker, Derek Jensen, Thomas Heiberger, Landon Gauthier, Kyan Berry-Johnson, and Kahmir Prescott.

Other Wisconsin Football News

According to a report from Bruce Feldman of The Athletic, the Wisconsin football team is adding a senior defensive analyst to the coaching staff.

UW is adding Rhode Island defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach Jack Cooper as a senior defensive analyst next season after serving in his previous role since 2020. He also served as a quality control coach for Nebraska for two seasons.

Coach Cooper helped lead Rhode Island to a top-50 defensive unit in 2021 and a 7-4 record overall, their highest win total in two decades.

This addition is precisely the kind of coaching hire top-tier programs are making nowadays because they don’t count against the allowed amount of paid assistants. The beauty in adding an experienced coach like Jack Cooper is that you have an internal candidate you’re comfortable with should someone on your staff move on.

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FB Recruiting

Wisconsin Football Kicks off Official Visit Weekend With a Bang

Published

1 day ago

June 5, 2023

Dillon Graff

Oct 25, 2014; Madison, WI, USA; The Wisconsin logo at midfield of Camp Randall Stadium following the game between the Maryland Terrapins and Wisconsin Badgers. Wisconsin won 52-7. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Madison, Wis. — The Wisconsin football program kicked off its massive June 2 recruiting weekend with a bang. Following an official visit, the Badgers coaching staff added their first cornerback prospect of the 2024 cycle in three-star cornerback Vernon Woodward, out of Winter Park, Florida.

Wisconsin we home 🦡🔴🔥!!! @CoachFick @Haynes_Badgers @PatLambert13 #committed #OnWisconsin pic.twitter.com/mW0p2l97pI

— Vernon Woodward iii ⭐️ (@_vern1) June 4, 2023

According to the industry-generated composite rankings, he is the No. 74 cornerback in the 2024 recruiting class and the No. 128 player in Florida.

For Woodward, this was his first trip to Madison, and he chose UW over scholarship offers from Ole Miss, Illinois, Cincinnati, Missouri, Purdue, UCF, Virginia, West Virginia, Louisville, Georgia Tech, and several others.

The 6-foot-2, 180-pound cornerback is Paul Haynes first commit at the position and got the recruiting assist on Woodward from fellow Florida natives Ricardo Hallman and Jonas Duclona, who hosted him on his visit.

The Skinny

In Vernon Woodward, the Wisconsin football program is getting a big corner with measurables this coaching staff covets above all else. His frame and skillset align well with the type of athlete that Luke Fickell and his staff have successfully developed.

As a junior, he registered 57 tackles, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. But perhaps the most telling stat from Woodward’s junior season is that he was targeted only twice all year, which speaks volumes about his ability to blanket WRs at that level.

Woodward’s length is impressive; he has quick feet, dissects plays well, and isn’t afraid to come downhill and tackle. That’s an area that excites me about his game. Getting off blocks and being an asset in the run game should allow him to be a playmaker on UW’s defense.