Wednesday marks the unveiling of head coach Bret Bielema's first recruiting class at UW. But truthfully, the group, which is expected to include 23 players from around the nation (six from within the state of Wisconsin), still has some old flavor left over from Barry Alvarez and company.
In recent weeks, Bielema and recently-hired defensive backs coach Kerry Cooks were able to lure a few prized recruits away from their previous oral commitments, highlighted recently by Brad Thorson, a 6' 4,' 290-pound offensive lineman from Homestead, Wis., who originally committed to Minnesota but is expected to sign with the Badgers.
Still, Bielema's true recruiting power will take full swing next year in the 2007 recruiting class, when he will have full authority to go after the players he covets.
More specifically, one phrase will distinguish Bielema's next class of athletes: John Clay, running back, Racine Park, WI.
If you haven't heard about this kid already, write his name down, Google him or make a trip down to Racine this fall to watch him on the field. He's legit. A man among boys.
Already mentioned as the best running back prospect in the history of Wisconsin prep football (including names such as Alan Ameche, Brent Moss and Brian Calhoun), Clay may also prove to be the most highly-touted player this state has ever produced, regardless of position.
Though Bielema is not allowed to comment on Clay, he appears to have his priorities in the right place as he discussed his recruiting philosophies.
'My priorities will always (start) in the state here,' Bielema told The Capital Times. 'Nothing has a bigger importance to me than to make sure if a kid's a Division I football player in the state of Wisconsin that we feel can help us win at this level, he needs to be here. That's going to be a huge priority.'
Besides providing a scholarship offer to Clay, who was named the national player of the year for the class of 2007 by EA Sports Monday, Bielema proved the push for the prep star is already being well calculated.
Recently, fellow Park teammate Diondrae Jenkins, a 6'3,' 190-pound receiver, conveniently spurred his Division I scholarship offer from Northern Illinois because Bielema made him a late offer to join the Badgers next season.
Quite simple. Hopefully, quite effective.
Jenkins may never play a down for UW, but if he has any sway in bringing Clay to Madison, he deserves to have his number retired in Camp Randall.
It's difficult and unfair to judge an entire group of players by one single athlete, but that will undoubtably be the case one year from now.
The name John Clay screaming through the PA system at Camp Randall would sound very similar to another single syllable name who torched the field almost 10 years ago. That guy won the Heisman. Clay just might do the same.
