ADVERTISEMENT

FOOTBALL RECRUITING ***INSIDER NOTES FROM SATURDAY'S CAMP***

Jon McNamara

Administrator
Moderator
Nov 14, 2006
47,533
53,661
113
41
Wisconsin
THE HEADLINERS

Rising junior quarterback Jake Rubley was back in Madison on Saturday and took part in the Badgers’ camp. Early on, the standout from Colorado worked individually with position coach Jon Budmayr inside the McClain Center. There was a strong emphasis on footwork, drops and short passes. Rubley, who was also on campus this spring, then joined the rest of the campers for the duration of the camp outside.

The 6-foot-3, 195-pound prospect has a big arm and showed it off at Camp Randall Stadium. He’s arguably UW’s top target at quarterback in the 2021 class after JJ McCarthy’s commitment to Michigan. At this point, Rubley also lists offers from Tennessee, Iowa, Northwestern, LSU and Michigan, among others. A second visit in such a short amount of time is certainly a good sign for the Badgers.

Offensive tackle Riley Mahlman was another prospect on campus who already had an offer from the Badgers. The 6-foot-8, 270-pound projected offensive tackle worked closely with position coach Joe Rudolph throughout the camp. When Rudolph was with a different prospect or drill, fellow assistant Chris Haering was in Mahlman’s ear to provide tips on technique, and Paul Chryst even came over to work with him at times.

It’s easy to see why Mahlman is so heavily recruited at this point. He’s an athletic tackle with a huge wingspan. The Minnesota native is starting to fill out and looks much different than when he was on campus this time a year ago. Adding strength will be key heading into his junior season, but Mahlman was one of the top performers Saturday. He also lists offers from Minnesota, Ohio State, Nebraska, Iowa and Michigan State, among others.

Wisconsin’s first commit in the 2020 class, offensive lineman Jack Nelson also participated in camp. He was often the first participant in drills and definitely carried himself well Saturday. To me, Nelson looked about the same, weight-wise, as he did when he was him this past fall. That certainly isn’t a bad thing, though, as I think it’s the proper size for him right now. Overall, Nelson may have been the most consistent performer from the offensive line group.

FIGHTING FOR AN OFFER

Franklin defensive end Gavin Meyer had his moments Saturday. The 6-foot-4, 226-pound prospect showed great burst off the ball and commanded a lot of attention from position coach Inoke Breckterfield, as well as other members of the coaching staff.

The biggest question moving forward is if Meyer is big enough to play with his hand in the ground at defensive end. He looked just a touch undersized Saturday, much like Logan Wilson (Kimberly) appeared at last year’s camp. I didn’t see Meyer take any reps at outside linebacker, so the staff will have to make a decision on his ability to play on the edge in its 3-4 defense. A handful of FCS schools have already offered Meyer, who has a great motor and good technique.

Marquette offensive lineman Sean Timmis showed up at camp with an offer on his mind. The 6-foot-5, 270-pound junior was up and down Saturday, but performed well overall. I think Timmis was going to have to blow the staff away to earn a scholarship, especially after Tanor Bortolini’s recent commitment. At this point, I think Wisconsin is set on the five commitment it already has on the line, though that could change at any point.

Sophomore defensive end Hayden Nelson is one of the top in-state prospects in the 2021 class. The Brookfield Central standout already lists offers from Central Michigan, Kent State and Western Michigan and has taken trips to Oklahoma, Wisconsin, Miami, Iowa and Michigan State, among others. I don’t see an offer coming this summer, but Nelson is certainly someone who could earn a scholarship this fall. He looked an inch or two taller than Meyer and has a better frame to add more weight.

NEW ON THE RADAR

Each year at camp there is an unknown prospect who catches your attention. Saturday, Cade McDonald fit the category. At a legit 6-foot-6 and 240 pounds, McDonald, from Hudson High School, was arguably the top end at camp. Illinois State, North Dakota and South Dakota have already offered, and more scholarships are likely on the way after his performance Saturday. The Badgers don’t have a commitment from a defensive end in the 2020 class and McDonald likely gave them a lot to think about after his performance.

IN-STATE RUNNING BACKS

There was some good talent at running back, with Brookfield Central’s Rashad Lampkin, Eau Claire Memorial’s Loyal Crawford and Madison Memorial’s Kabaris Vasser all taking part in camp. Lampkin, a member of the 2020 class, looked good throughout the day, but Crawford may have a better chance at an offer down the road. I thought the rising junior did some good things Saturday and certainly looks like a player who will pick up FBS offers at some point.

Vasser, who visited this spring, is every bit of 225 pounds, but he still spent a lot of time with the running backs. His future position, though, will likely be on the defensive side of the ball. He’s raw but there’s a lot to like if he dedicates himself to the weight room.

YOUNG LINEMEN SHOW OFF

Rudolph has to have a pretty big smile on his face as he thinks about the upcoming offensive line talent from inside the state. Saturday, Carson Hinzman (St. Croix Central), Joe Brunner (Whitefish Bay), Joey Okla (Arrowhead) and Barrett Nelson (Stoughton/Jack’s younger brother) all performed well. From the four, though, I really thought Brunner opened some eyes Saturday. His freshman tape is awfully impressive and he certainly looks like a future Big Ten lineman if he continues to progress. Nelson is more of a project at this point, but Okla and Hinzman already look the part.

ODDS AND ENDS

*Rising senior Tanner Wigand had a pretty solid camp and garnered good praise from Rudolph. A lot of schools were eager to talk with him after things wrapped up.

*Ross Gengler was one of the better linebackers I saw Saturday. He has pretty good size and moves well for an inside linebacker.

*Amaun Williams was talking with Jim Leonhard after camp. The Riverside standout ran very well but is probably under 5-foot-8.

*Wisconsin players working the camp included Chris Orr, Micah Kapoi, David Pfaff, Olive Sagapolu, Josh Seltzner, Kayden Lyles and Garret Groshek, among others.

*Other college staff members in attendance included North Dakota, South Dakota, South Dakota State, Northern Illinois, Fordham, Central Michigan and Buffalo, among many others.

*Men’s hockey head coach Tony Granato was at Camp Randall talking with Chryst during camp.
 
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Go Big.
Get Premium.

Join Rivals to access this premium section.

  • Say your piece in exclusive fan communities.
  • Unlock Premium news from the largest network of experts.
  • Dominate with stats, athlete data, Rivals250 rankings, and more.
Log in or subscribe today Go Back