Things at Wisconsin are not what they used to be on the recruiting trail, and its probably taking fans time to get used to it. So, hearing that the Badgers have been named a favorite for an out of state prospect in the class of 2017 may be a big jarring to the system.
However, on Thursday morning that was the case with Wisconsin and 2017 defensive tackle Juan Harris. Yes, we’re talking about the class of 2-0-1-7 folks.
Harris stated that the Badgers were his early leader in an interview with 247Sports’ Steve Wiltfong.
“It’s a great program. It’s a nice place. I would say there is no downfall. They just got new equipment. Beautiful campus. Love the school. Love the coaching staff.”
Harris, a Niles (Ill.) Notre Dame soon-to-be sophomore has already picked up three early offers. Wisconsin is joined by Virginia and Utah as the schools to offer Harris.
Things won’t be easy, as Harris is a 6’3″, 369-pound freak of an athlete that is already build a national following before the recruiting process really heats up. It’s bound to happen when you can run a 5.2 40-yard dash and you are tipping the scales at nearly 370 pounds as a freshman in high school. According to Wiltfong’s article, Harris also benches 405 pounds and squats 705 pounds.
Wisconsin is using assistant coach Ben Strickland as his primary recruiter at this time and it appears that the relationship is continuing to grow stronger throughout the day.
However, Harris is just one of five — yes, FIVE — offers out to the class that is three years away from being able to sign National Letters of Intent.
Joining Harris in earning early offers are Anthony McFarland, Jr. (RB, DeMatha Catholic), Robert Burns (RB, Gulliver Prep), Kayden Lyles (OG, Saguaro High School), A.J. Epenesa (DE, Edwardsville High School) and Devon Hunter (ATH, Indian River High School).
That means UW has early offers out in Florida, Virginia, Arizona and Maryland as well as two in the state of Illinois.
Now, will getting in early on some of the top prospects UW has already identified matter? Having Harris liking the Badgers this early cold be a big boost going forward. Winning on the field will help a lot too.
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