Badger State best bets
The Wisconsin Class of 2002 was not a particularly strong one overall. However, such is not the case this year. There are at least five players in the state of Wisconsin that already have offers from Big Ten or Big Ten caliber schools, and that number could grow in the not too distant future.
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In fact, there may be as many as a dozen legitimate Big Ten type prospects this year in the state of Wisconsin, a high number for that state in any year.
The No. 1 prospect in the state is defensive lineman Justin Ostrowski from Portage.
The 6-foot-5, 255-pound Ostrowski was offered very early by both Wisconsin and Notre Dame before committing to the Badgers. Ostrowski will be a four-year starter for Portage.
The Badgers have also already wrapped up a commitment from the state’s No. 2 prospect, quarterback Tyler Donovan from Hartland Arrowhead.
The 6-foot-1, 185-pound Donovan had early offers from Wisconsin, Nebraska, and Iowa before casting his lot with Barry Alvarez.
For the No. 3 in the state, we go back to the line.
Brookfield Central’s Joe Thomas, a 6-foot-7, 250-pounder, that plays tight end, defensive end and does his teams punting and kicking.
He could play on either side of the line in college or event at tight end. Thomas already has offers from Wisconsin, Iowa, USC, Purdue, Northwestern, and Colorado.
Danny Kaye, a 6-foot-8 and 260-pounder at New Berlin Eisenhower starts on both the defensive line and at tight end.
There was much speculation that Kaye committed to the Badgers. That is not the case, though the Badgers are in the picture as are Iowa, Illinois, and Notre Dame.
Wide receiver Greg Bracey has a great combination of size at 6-foot-3 and 190 pounds, and speed at 4.4 seconds in the 40 yard dash.
Bracey, who is one of the fastest players in the state of Wisconsin, averaged over 28 yards a catch during his junior season.
Wisconsin and Northwestern are two early offers for this talented athlete.
Offensive lineman Luke Knauf is a 6-foot-4 and 270 pounder who is going into his fourth year as a varsity starter at tackle on both sides of the ball. He is also an outstanding student.
Schools on Knauf’s list include Stanford, Wisconsin, Iowa, Northwestern, and Minnesota.
While these five prospects head the list of the best in the state of Wisconsin at this point, there are half a dozen or so others that could move up.
It will interesting to see how many players ultimately decide to stay in state in this good year for talent in Wisconsin.