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2016 Wisconsin Football Recruiting Class: It’s a typical Wisconsin class, but it’s a little stronger than normal. No program does a better job of recruiting to a type, and this year coaching staff was able to do it at a higher level.

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Wisconsin Football Recruiting Class Overview

With a full year to operate, head coach Paul Chryst was able to get a nice class in the Wisconsin mold. It’s a huge group coming in getting most of the talent for the defensive side, especially for the secondary, and not making too much of a push for the skill spots. The Badgers almost never get the elite of the elite players like an Ohio State, but they land a slew of mid-level talents who fit what they do.

The Class Is Heavy On …

Defensive backs. Considering it’s the one big hole needing to be filled coming into 2016, there’s a chance for several of the new guys to get a long look right away. The Badgers got two excellent safety prospects in Eric Burrell and Patrick Johnson out of Maryland, while corners Ke’Shan Pennamon and Dontye Carriere-Williams out of Florida have the Big Ten speed and athleticism needed.

The Star of the Class Is …

OT Cole Van Lanen, 6-5, 270 – Offensive tackle is a glamor positon at Wisconsin, and the Green Bay native has the talent and the frame to grow into a star. He needs a few years to beef up to the Badger level, but he’s an athlete who could be a great pass protector and a road grader who anchors the offensive front. Michigan and Nebraska were two of the other key schools after him, but he was always going to Madison.

The Team’s Biggest 2016 Depth Chart Hole Is …

Defensive back. The offense returns loaded with veterans on the line and enough options at the skill spots to replace QB Joel Stave and WR Alex Erickson, and the defensive front seven should be terrific despite the loss of OLB Joe Schobert. The secondary is a different story with three starters done including safeties Michael Caputo and Tanner McEvoy along with corner Darius Hillary.

2016 Wisconsin Football Recruiting Class

Luke Benzschawel TE 6‐7 255 Grafton, Wis. (Grafton)
Tyler Biadasz OL 6‐4 270 Amherst, Wis. (Amherst)
Sam Brodner RB 5‐10 210 Glen Ellyn, Ill. (Glenbard West)
Noah Burks OLB 6‐3 221 Carmel, Ind. (Carmel)
Eric Burrell S 6‐0 180 Severn, Md. (McDonogh School)
Dontye Carriere‐Williams CB 5‐10 176 Hallandale Beach, Fla. (St. Thomas Aquinas)
Quintez Cephus WR 6‐2 190 Macon, Ga. (Stratford Academy)
Seth Currens S 6‐3 205 Pickerington, Ohio (Central)
Griffin Grady OLB 6‐2 205 Dublin, Ohio (Coffman)
Deron Harrell DB 6‐3 175 Denver, Colo. (East)
Jake Hescock TE 6‐7 240 Pittsfield, Mass. (Salisbury School)
Dallas Jeanty ILB 6‐1 235 Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (Fort Lauderdale)
Patrick Johnson S 6‐1 185 Washington, D.C. (The Bullis School)
Patrick Kasl OL 6‐6 280 Wyoming, Minn. (Forest Lake)
Anthony Lotti P 6‐1 190 Flowery Branch, Ga. (West Hall)
Isaiahh Loudermilk DL 6‐7 270 Howard, Kan. (West Elk)
Kare’ Lyles QB 6‐2 210 Scottsdale, Ariz. (Saguaro)
Ke’shan Pennamon CB 5‐11 182 Callahan, Fla. (West Nassau)
Keldric Preston DE 6‐4 245 Tampa, Fla. (Robinson)
Kendric Pryor WR/CB 6‐1 170 Hazel Crest, Ill. (Homewood‐Flossmoor)
Garrett Rand DL 6‐2 280 Chandler, Ariz. (Hamilton)
Mason Stokke OLB 6‐3 205 Menomonie, Wis. (Menomonie)
AJ Taylor WR 6‐0 190 Kansas City, Mo. (Rockhurst)
Cole Van Lanen OL 6‐5 280 Green Bay, Wis. (Bay Port)
Caesar Williams CB 6‐1 175 Grand Prairie, Texas (South)

MORE: Ranking No. 1 Recruiting Classes Since 2002