Sheehy looks forward to sit down with Andersen

Wisconsin had built the Big Ten's top 2014 class before last month's coaching transition that brought Gary Andersen to Madison. One of the key early pieces in that class was Milwaukee (Wis.) Marquette University defensive lineman Conor Sheehy, who is looking forward to his first chat with the Badgers' new head coach.

"I haven't called him yet," Sheehy said. "I thought I would try to give him and the coaching staff some space to finish off the 2013 class because that is the priority right now."

Sheehy was initially recruited to Wisconsin by assistant coach Ben Strickland, who was retained by Andersen to coach the defensive backs. The junior defensive lineman maintained contact with Strickland through the transition and since Andersen's hiring.

"I talked to Coach Strickland a couple weeks ago. He wanted to reassure me that I still have an offer to the University of Wisconsin and that they are going to do the best job to get the best guys that they can and continue the tradition that is Wisconsin football."

In the immediate aftermath of Bret Bielema's departure last month, Sheehy said he was surprised, but his dream of playing for Wisconsin had not changed. Now that Andersen is in place, Sheehy is solid with his commitment to the Badgers.

"I'm still comfortable with my commitment," Sheehy said. "I obviously want to have an opportunity to sit down with Coach Andersen, just to get to know him a little better. I have heard nothing but good things about him, and he brought in a great coaching staff. I have heard nothing but good things about the defensive line coach he brought in."

Sheehy is looking at making a visit to Madison later this month to sit down and get to know Andersen and the rest of the Wisconsin staff better.

The 6-foot-4 Sheehy said he is up to 270 pounds. He played offensive guard and defensive end as a junior, but he could project to defensive tackle in college.

Sheehy was 6-1 as a heavyweight for his high school wrestling team this winter before breaking his hand. He continues to lift weights while rehabbing his hand injury.