Lake Zurich, Ill., linebacker Jack Sanborn picked up an offer from Wisconsin midway through his junior season, and sees the Badgers as a strong contender in his recruitment.

“Wisconsin, I know they are going to be there throughout the whole thing,” Sanborn said. “They have everything and check all the boxes. They have the academics and are one of the best teams in the country every single year. I visited for the Ohio State game, and just the atmosphere driving down State Street is incredible.”

Sanborn holds nine early offers and, despite his affinity for Wisconsin, says there are no leaders in his recruitment at this stage.

“Hopefully by the end of February I will start narrowing down my list and focus on a couple schools,” he said.

While Sanborn has already visited Wisconsin, he has not seen other schools that have offered. That would include Duke, but he is remedying that on Feb. 9.

“I have heard that it is beautiful and my mom wants to get down there really badly,” Sanborn said. “The academic side of Duke is second to none, so I want to learn more about that side of Duke. I sort of feel that they play more like the Midwest. It’s more of a Big Ten sort of feel.”

The Chicagoland prospect continues to receive interest from schools that have yet to offer, including his childhood favorite.

“Ohio State has been showing a little interest,” Sanborn said. “They have been sending me videos and messages when another player declares for the NFL. They were my favorite school when I was younger and it is Ohio State, one of the best programs in the country.”

The other schools that have offered Sanborn are Indiana, Iowa, Iowa State, Northwestern, Syracuse, Bowling Green and Northern Illinois.