Wisconsin Football Recruiting: 5 Things Missing from the Badgers' 2012 Class

So far, the Wisconsin Badgers have 12 commitments for their 2012 recruiting class. 

The list is made up of four offensive lineman, two defensive backs, a defensive tackle, a linebacker, a wide receiver, a quarterback, a running back and an "athlete."

After two straight Rose Bowl losses, a strong 2012 class is needed to help push Wisconsin over the BCS hump. 

Although head coach Bret Bielema's 2012 crop could turn out to be special, here are five things that are missing at a quick glance. 

A Russell Wilson

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The Badgers' best recruit in 2011 wasn't a high school senior; it was NC State transfer Russell Wilson. 

Although it appeared that Wisconsin might land another high-profile transfer in Dayne Crist this off season, the former Notre Dame quarterback ultimately chose Kansas over UW. 

Nobody expects a Russell Wilson-type situation every season, but it would be nice. 

Secondary Help

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Special teams notwithstanding, the secondary was the Badgers' Achilles heel in 2011. 

Blown coverages, missed assignments and poor tackling doomed Wisconsin in losses to Ohio State and Oregon in the Rose Bowl. 

So far, Bret Bielema has secured two three-star DBs for 2012. 

It's a nice start, but Wisconsin needs more help for a unit that hasn't had a true shutdown corner since Jamar Fletcher. 

A Big-Play Receiver

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If USC wide receiver Kyle Prater—who was once the nation’s top WR recruit—chooses to transfer to Wisconsin as reported by the LA Times (USC football: Kyle Prater heading to Wisconsin or Northwestern), this could become a moot point.

Until that happens, Bret Bielema is going to have to do better than the one three-star pass-catcher he has for his 2012 class.

Nick Toon is gone, and the Badgers’ receiving corps is pretty lean behind walk-on and new No. 1 Jared Abbrederis. 

A Tight End

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For a school that has become a "Tight End U" of sorts over the past few years, it is strange to see that Bret Bielema has yet to secure one for his 2012 class. 

With No. 1 TE Jacob Pedersen set to return to Madison for another season, this isn't a position of need, but it's still a bit of a surprise. 

Numbers

A look at the nation's top programs shows recruiting classes deep in talent and numbers. 

Alabama (27 commitments), Texas (24), Florida (18), Michigan (24) and LSU (30) make up the top-five classes on Rivals.com. 

Wisconsin and their 12 commitments rank No. 36 on the same list. 

If the Badgers are ever going to get over the hump, they need to improve their talent level and their depth.