Some thoughts and observations from Wisconsin’s camps on Friday and Saturday in Madison...
Note: This is not an exclusive list and does not reflect every top prospect who was at camp.
OFFENSIVE LINE
If you attend a Wisconsin summer camp, this is the position group you want to watch and is often where I spend the most time. Friday evening, Joe Rudolph and Al Johnson worked with 2018 commit Michael Furtney, 2018 top target Jack Plumb and 2019 standout Bryce Benhart. Those guys were not in pads and worked mostly on agility stuff.
Jack Plumb - Very similar to David Edwards when I saw him camp a few years back, but Plumb is probably a bit further in his development/path towards being an offensive tackle. Athletic kid, good bend (according to Rudolph) - definitely someone who is going to redshirt but will probably around 285 pounds heading into his second season. He's legit 6-foot-7, 250-pound kid right now. Also caught some passes and looked very fluid. It's all about what Plumb is going to look like in three, and his got the body to be a good tackle.
Michael Furtney - Reminds me a bit of Michael Deiter when I saw him at Wisconsin's spring game a few years back. Furtney is a kid who could probably play all three line positions if needed. Rudolph was talking to him mostly about tackle but also had him work some guard at camp. These guys were not in pads, so it was all agility/drill work. There's not a lot of bad weight on Furtney right now; he looks very good. Remember, he's also young for his grade. He's got a chance to be a very good player. I actually see him as an interior guy, but that's just my opinion. He's a bit "stockier" in person.
Bryce Benhart - Just looks like part of a Wisconsin offensive lineman. Just as tall as Plumb but thicker. Another kid who is not carrying any bad weight right now. I'd be surprised if Rudolph didn't offer. Another good athlete.
The following day, guys were were in helmets and shoulder pads and the top group consisted of about 12 prospects.
The headliner was 2019 tackle Spencer Brown from Michigan. The 6-foot-6, 295-pound prospect already has well over 20 offers and certainly received a lot of attention from Rudolph. Brown, who could not wear shoulder pads (and did not compete in one-on-one contact against the defensive line) due to Michigan rules, looks very much like he'll be a right tackle in college. If I had to offer one at this point, though, I'd go with Benhart over Brown. But I only got a small sample size from both prospects.
Behind Brown, 2021 (yes, he'll be a freshman next year) tackle Hayden Conner was awfully impressive. This was actually the second time the Texas standout was on campus and he definitely was someone Rudolph kept a close eye on. Conner already has an offer from Miami.
Also making their way from Texas was 2019 lineman Carson Pharris from San Antonio. He's a big kid who was pretty light on his feet, but he'll need to continue to get stronger. Texas, among others, is also interested.
Tyler Endres, who already has offers from Iowa, Iowa State and Minnesota, caught my attention. He's a thick kid who could possibly be a bigger guard at the next level. He's was strong and drove kids back when he locked up in one-on-one stuff.
Finally, let's turn our attention to East Kentwood High school in Michigan. After stealing the show last year, 2019 OT Logan Brown was just a visitor this weekend. His two younger teammates, though, competed in Wisconsin's camp; here's a message I got from their coach:
"Two young freshmen...Dallas Fincher, 6-foot-3, 257 pounds. Doesn't turn 15 until August. Brother (Trenton Fincher) is 6-foot-8 and 345 pounds and plays at San Diego State. His dad played for MSU (George Perles and Nick Saban) and Bryce Mostella, 6-foot-6 and 237 pounds. His dad is the No. 8 leading tackler at Auburn. First cousin is Obi Ezeh, a linebacker for Michigan. Both will be as good or better than Logan and Mazi (Smith)."
Brown and Smith are studs, and this coach doesn't say stuff to get a reaction. That's quite a compliment.
A final note on Brown... Wisconsin absolutely has a chance to land the four-star tackle and the Badgers currently lead in his recruitment. Could be a reason why the staff didn't jump to offer Brown and Benhart. All the East Kentwood guys love UW, particularly Rudolph and the way he's handled Brown's recruitment.
DEFENSIVE LINE
Unless I missed something, there wasn't a ton to report here. As stated above, Mazi Smith was a visitor this weekend spent his time with Brown touring the campus and facilities.
Inoke Breckterfield worked one-on-one with commit Boyd Dietzen on Friday. The next day, Micah Roane, a 6-foot-4, 240-pound end from Minnesota, received a good deal of attention, but the Badgers are full at his position in this class.
WIDE RECEIVERS
I found it really interesting that Ted Gilmore, who is looking for two receivers in this class, had no problem extending two offers this weekend to Taj Mustapha and A.J. Abbott. This would seem to indicate the staff doesn't feel any other their top receiver targets are close to committing. Also, it likely means both Michigan receivers really impressed during their live evaluation.
"Wisconsin loves me because I have good speed, size and quickness," Abbott told BadgerBlitz.com. "They said I can play outside and slot receiver. They love me and Taj together tearing it up.
"The offer from Wisconsin feels great. I still can't believe it."
Abbott could commit by the end of the month, depending on how his stops at Iowa and Michigan go.
Taj Mustapha - Speed. Ran good routes and caught the ball well. After like five routes, Gilmore looked at Chryst and shook his head. Chryst nodded back. Pretty sure that meant "offer him," which they did about 30 minutes later.
Three-star Alec Pierce, who recently ran a 4.45, decided not to come because he bruised his knee during Wednesday's camp. Still very interested in Wisconsin, though.
2019 Pennsylvania receiver Dante Cephas also camped this weekend.
"The visit was great and the coaches were respectful," Cephas told BadgerBlitz.com. "I got to see some of the players practice in the indoor facility. They're hard working and family-like; helping each other out when one was doing something wrong. I really like how the program is ran and also the campus overall is nice, nice people to be around. And I also went to their camp that evening and after the camp the coaches said they love me but they are waiting to see my first few games in pads then they'll offer me."
TIGHT ENDS
Interesting to see that Cormac Sampson, who is being recruited as an athlete, was working at tight end Friday. He was joined by top target Jaylan Franklin, who is now down to Wisconsin and Notre Dame.
Cormac Sampson - Didn't look super comfortable catching the ball yesterday but he's a good enough athlete. Tight end could be his future position, especially with Jake Hescock moving to defense. I could see him growing into a bigger, in-line option for the Badgers. He's thin right now but has room to fill out. Not a wow guy but is probably someone who looks better with pads on.
Jaylan Franklin - Definitely an H-back who is still learning the position. Showed good hands but, obviously, needs to work on his routes. He was quick off the line of scrimmage and got better as the evening progressed. He's long and it will be exciting to see how he looks when he fills out. Maybe a touch of Travis Beckum in him - another linebacker turned tight end.
Also, 2019 tight end Logan Lee visited Saturday. He already has an offer from the Badgers.
QUARTERBACKS
2018 commit Chase Wolf was in attendance and he, as expected, received a lot of attention from Paul Chryst on Friday.
Chase Wolf - Accurate with a good enough arm. Really didn't get to see him air it out a ton because he was inside for the stuff I was able to see. Good athlete who can really move around the pocket. Chryst was watching him for most of the stuff I saw. Good footwork but he's got to get stronger.
From the 2019 class, Connor Bazalak, Jacob Conover, Beau Lombardi and Mariano Valenti all showed flashes. Bazalak, in particular, has intriguing size at 6-foot-4 and 200 pounds with a live arm.
RUNNING BACKS
Only news here was Nakia Watson's commitment. I did not see him work with John Settle on Friday evening at camp.
LINEBACKERS
Biggest news here is four-star Cameron McGrone's visit to Wisconsin, his second since the spring.
https://twitter.com/McGrone_Strong/status/873346388591091712
I'm also a fan of in-state OLB Reed Ryan. If he can prove he's fast enough to stand up on the edge, he's definitely on an offer-type guy.
https://twitter.com/ReedMRyanWI/status/873732852084551680
DEFENSIVE BACKS
Reggie Pearson - Only knock is his height. Kid moves really well - could probably cover in nickel. No pads so we didn't get to see him hit, which is probably one of his biggest strengths. His whole family was there - very nice people. They just love Wisconsin.
Travian Blaylock - His dad, who played in the NFL, was right by Leonhard the whole time. He's bouncy/springy - really got out of breaks well and is a plus athlete. Some guys look stiff - this kid definitely didn't.
2019 DB Art Herdon made his second visit to Madison and Florida CB Shmaur McDowell arrived for a visit Saturday.
https://twitter.com/Shamaur5/status/873728047735857152
Note: This is not an exclusive list and does not reflect every top prospect who was at camp.
OFFENSIVE LINE
If you attend a Wisconsin summer camp, this is the position group you want to watch and is often where I spend the most time. Friday evening, Joe Rudolph and Al Johnson worked with 2018 commit Michael Furtney, 2018 top target Jack Plumb and 2019 standout Bryce Benhart. Those guys were not in pads and worked mostly on agility stuff.
Jack Plumb - Very similar to David Edwards when I saw him camp a few years back, but Plumb is probably a bit further in his development/path towards being an offensive tackle. Athletic kid, good bend (according to Rudolph) - definitely someone who is going to redshirt but will probably around 285 pounds heading into his second season. He's legit 6-foot-7, 250-pound kid right now. Also caught some passes and looked very fluid. It's all about what Plumb is going to look like in three, and his got the body to be a good tackle.
Michael Furtney - Reminds me a bit of Michael Deiter when I saw him at Wisconsin's spring game a few years back. Furtney is a kid who could probably play all three line positions if needed. Rudolph was talking to him mostly about tackle but also had him work some guard at camp. These guys were not in pads, so it was all agility/drill work. There's not a lot of bad weight on Furtney right now; he looks very good. Remember, he's also young for his grade. He's got a chance to be a very good player. I actually see him as an interior guy, but that's just my opinion. He's a bit "stockier" in person.
Bryce Benhart - Just looks like part of a Wisconsin offensive lineman. Just as tall as Plumb but thicker. Another kid who is not carrying any bad weight right now. I'd be surprised if Rudolph didn't offer. Another good athlete.
The following day, guys were were in helmets and shoulder pads and the top group consisted of about 12 prospects.
The headliner was 2019 tackle Spencer Brown from Michigan. The 6-foot-6, 295-pound prospect already has well over 20 offers and certainly received a lot of attention from Rudolph. Brown, who could not wear shoulder pads (and did not compete in one-on-one contact against the defensive line) due to Michigan rules, looks very much like he'll be a right tackle in college. If I had to offer one at this point, though, I'd go with Benhart over Brown. But I only got a small sample size from both prospects.
Behind Brown, 2021 (yes, he'll be a freshman next year) tackle Hayden Conner was awfully impressive. This was actually the second time the Texas standout was on campus and he definitely was someone Rudolph kept a close eye on. Conner already has an offer from Miami.
Also making their way from Texas was 2019 lineman Carson Pharris from San Antonio. He's a big kid who was pretty light on his feet, but he'll need to continue to get stronger. Texas, among others, is also interested.
Tyler Endres, who already has offers from Iowa, Iowa State and Minnesota, caught my attention. He's a thick kid who could possibly be a bigger guard at the next level. He's was strong and drove kids back when he locked up in one-on-one stuff.
Finally, let's turn our attention to East Kentwood High school in Michigan. After stealing the show last year, 2019 OT Logan Brown was just a visitor this weekend. His two younger teammates, though, competed in Wisconsin's camp; here's a message I got from their coach:
"Two young freshmen...Dallas Fincher, 6-foot-3, 257 pounds. Doesn't turn 15 until August. Brother (Trenton Fincher) is 6-foot-8 and 345 pounds and plays at San Diego State. His dad played for MSU (George Perles and Nick Saban) and Bryce Mostella, 6-foot-6 and 237 pounds. His dad is the No. 8 leading tackler at Auburn. First cousin is Obi Ezeh, a linebacker for Michigan. Both will be as good or better than Logan and Mazi (Smith)."
Brown and Smith are studs, and this coach doesn't say stuff to get a reaction. That's quite a compliment.
A final note on Brown... Wisconsin absolutely has a chance to land the four-star tackle and the Badgers currently lead in his recruitment. Could be a reason why the staff didn't jump to offer Brown and Benhart. All the East Kentwood guys love UW, particularly Rudolph and the way he's handled Brown's recruitment.
DEFENSIVE LINE
Unless I missed something, there wasn't a ton to report here. As stated above, Mazi Smith was a visitor this weekend spent his time with Brown touring the campus and facilities.
Inoke Breckterfield worked one-on-one with commit Boyd Dietzen on Friday. The next day, Micah Roane, a 6-foot-4, 240-pound end from Minnesota, received a good deal of attention, but the Badgers are full at his position in this class.
WIDE RECEIVERS
I found it really interesting that Ted Gilmore, who is looking for two receivers in this class, had no problem extending two offers this weekend to Taj Mustapha and A.J. Abbott. This would seem to indicate the staff doesn't feel any other their top receiver targets are close to committing. Also, it likely means both Michigan receivers really impressed during their live evaluation.
"Wisconsin loves me because I have good speed, size and quickness," Abbott told BadgerBlitz.com. "They said I can play outside and slot receiver. They love me and Taj together tearing it up.
"The offer from Wisconsin feels great. I still can't believe it."
Abbott could commit by the end of the month, depending on how his stops at Iowa and Michigan go.
Taj Mustapha - Speed. Ran good routes and caught the ball well. After like five routes, Gilmore looked at Chryst and shook his head. Chryst nodded back. Pretty sure that meant "offer him," which they did about 30 minutes later.
Three-star Alec Pierce, who recently ran a 4.45, decided not to come because he bruised his knee during Wednesday's camp. Still very interested in Wisconsin, though.
2019 Pennsylvania receiver Dante Cephas also camped this weekend.
"The visit was great and the coaches were respectful," Cephas told BadgerBlitz.com. "I got to see some of the players practice in the indoor facility. They're hard working and family-like; helping each other out when one was doing something wrong. I really like how the program is ran and also the campus overall is nice, nice people to be around. And I also went to their camp that evening and after the camp the coaches said they love me but they are waiting to see my first few games in pads then they'll offer me."
TIGHT ENDS
Interesting to see that Cormac Sampson, who is being recruited as an athlete, was working at tight end Friday. He was joined by top target Jaylan Franklin, who is now down to Wisconsin and Notre Dame.
Cormac Sampson - Didn't look super comfortable catching the ball yesterday but he's a good enough athlete. Tight end could be his future position, especially with Jake Hescock moving to defense. I could see him growing into a bigger, in-line option for the Badgers. He's thin right now but has room to fill out. Not a wow guy but is probably someone who looks better with pads on.
Jaylan Franklin - Definitely an H-back who is still learning the position. Showed good hands but, obviously, needs to work on his routes. He was quick off the line of scrimmage and got better as the evening progressed. He's long and it will be exciting to see how he looks when he fills out. Maybe a touch of Travis Beckum in him - another linebacker turned tight end.
Also, 2019 tight end Logan Lee visited Saturday. He already has an offer from the Badgers.
QUARTERBACKS
2018 commit Chase Wolf was in attendance and he, as expected, received a lot of attention from Paul Chryst on Friday.
Chase Wolf - Accurate with a good enough arm. Really didn't get to see him air it out a ton because he was inside for the stuff I was able to see. Good athlete who can really move around the pocket. Chryst was watching him for most of the stuff I saw. Good footwork but he's got to get stronger.
From the 2019 class, Connor Bazalak, Jacob Conover, Beau Lombardi and Mariano Valenti all showed flashes. Bazalak, in particular, has intriguing size at 6-foot-4 and 200 pounds with a live arm.
RUNNING BACKS
Only news here was Nakia Watson's commitment. I did not see him work with John Settle on Friday evening at camp.
LINEBACKERS
Biggest news here is four-star Cameron McGrone's visit to Wisconsin, his second since the spring.
https://twitter.com/McGrone_Strong/status/873346388591091712
I'm also a fan of in-state OLB Reed Ryan. If he can prove he's fast enough to stand up on the edge, he's definitely on an offer-type guy.
https://twitter.com/ReedMRyanWI/status/873732852084551680
DEFENSIVE BACKS
Reggie Pearson - Only knock is his height. Kid moves really well - could probably cover in nickel. No pads so we didn't get to see him hit, which is probably one of his biggest strengths. His whole family was there - very nice people. They just love Wisconsin.
Travian Blaylock - His dad, who played in the NFL, was right by Leonhard the whole time. He's bouncy/springy - really got out of breaks well and is a plus athlete. Some guys look stiff - this kid definitely didn't.
2019 DB Art Herdon made his second visit to Madison and Florida CB Shmaur McDowell arrived for a visit Saturday.
https://twitter.com/Shamaur5/status/873728047735857152
