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WISCONSIN WHISPERS Edition No. 22

Jon McNamara

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Nov 14, 2006
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Wisconsin
No coaching drama at Wisconsin. Just recruiting

College football is officially in a “contact period” from Nov. 29 through Jan 30. Here’s the actual language, if you’re curious:

“Six (6) in-person, off-campus contacts per prospective student-athlete shall be permitted during this time period with not more than one permitted in any one calendar week (Sunday through Saturday) or partial calendar week.”

This time of year is always a hectic, but it’s expected to hit an all-time high with the amount of coaching changes/vacancies at the FBS level this fall. Prospects currently committed to South Carolina, Georgia, Rutgers, Virginia, Miami and USC, among others, will all be hearing from numerous coaches from across the country trying to get a spot in their respective living rooms over the next few weeks.

While Wisconsin will be active, we’re told the primary emphasis will be on the 21 commits the staff currently has -- head coach Paul Chryst stopped Sunday evening offensive tackle Cole Van Lanen and defensive end Luke Benzschawel -- and making sure they are locked in for Signing Day on Feb. 4. “Bunch of commits and some targets,” a source said when asked where they staff would travel in December.

There could be some surprises down the road, but right now we’re told the current targets remain largely in tact. Running backs coach John Settle is already in talks with three-star running back C.J. Freeman about setting up a time to meet, as of Sunday evening. We expect the same for four-star running back Kyle Porter, who has yet to take any official visits yet. It’s not known whether Settle will visit George Hill, who is coming off a visit to Michigan State. At the same time, the source said he’s not sure about any other immediate offers being extended at the position.

Defensive backs coach Daronte Jones is also working on setting up a meeting with four-star Patrice Rene, who is now weighing his options after Kyle Flood was dismissed at Rutgers. This news, according to a source, will play a huge role in Rene’s recruitment and could very well vault the Badgers into the top spot. Remember, Rene went on record saying he almost flipped to the Badgers during his official visit.

"Well this truly puts things into perspective, and now I just have to talk to my close ones and decide what's best for me at this point,” Rene told Rivals.com Sunday.

Offensive coordinator Joe Rudolph is expected to be in Ohio and we’re told things with two-star athlete Deshaunte Jones could heat up in a hurry. His high school team, Colerain, lost in the state semifinals this weekend and Jones will now turn his attention to recruiting. The Badgers view Jones as a cornerback, but he could project to either side of the ball. Rudolph is also working on setting something up with Malik Harrison, another target from that state who remains a priority for UW.

The commits from Florida – Ke’Shann Penamon and Dallas Jeanty – expect the staff to be in town Wednesday. But before they met them, three-star cornerback K.J. Sails, according to a source, will host the Badgers as early as Monday. Sails, a long-time Wisconsin target, recently decommitted from Iowa. Finally, we’re also told Gators’ commit Aaron Robinson could receive a visit, but that has yet to be confirmed.

On the defensive line, Isaiahh Loudermilk and Thomas Schaffer will both have members of the staff over. Both have taken official visits to Wisconsin this fall.


Developmental practices

One of the perks of qualifying for a bowl game is the added month of practice coaches are allotted in the month of December. The veterans will be given some time off to heal, meaning a good chunk of the work will be with the younger players in “developmental” sessions.

While it’s a great opportunity for players to gain some momentum heading into the off-season, there’s a handful of youngsters would have already positioned themselves well for spring camp.

The first isn’t a youngster, but it’s the name we hear most often. Transfer Ryan Ramczyk, who has been working with the scout team all year, has caught the attention of coordinator Joe Rudolph. And while no one is handing him any guaranteed time next fall, there’s a strong belief from those who have seen practices that Ramczyk, if healthy, will be the favorite to take over at left tackle for senior Tyler Marz.

Staying on the offensive line, a source also indicated true freshman Jon Dietzen is turning heads. The in-state prospect from Seymour could have contributed this season, if needed, had it not been for an injury he suffered late in fall camp. With so much talk of the linemen needing to get stronger this off-season, we’re told Dietzen is already doing extremely well in the weight room.

Defensively, there’s a lot of buzz right now around Zack Baun, a converted high school quarterback. Baun has been working at outside linebacker and has done very well on the scout team. The Badgers will lose Joe Schobert to graduation and Vince Biegel is expected to at least inquire about the NFL Draft. Additionally, Jack Cichy is expected to stay on the inside moving forward, providing a chance for Baun to make a big move in 2016.


State champions

Wisconsin commits Kare' and Kayden Lyles helped Saguaro High School (AZ) to its eighth state title in the last 10 years.

http://usatodayhss.com/2015/scottsdale-saguaro-wins-its-eighth-arizona-state-title-in-10-years

 
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