National Signing Day 2011: Taking a Look at Wisconsin Recruiting

Wisconsin had yet another great season under Bret Bielema in 2010-2011, but today is the day to stop looking at the past and start looking towards the future in college football. 

National Signing Day has really never been too good to Wisconsin—it's a well respected program that people know of, but for some reason the top recruits don't have the desire to play for the Badgers.

Well, sadly this has happened again.

Of all the players making their decisions on National Signing Day, Wisconsin only has one player considering the red and white for next season.

Here are some players who, despite not being nationally known, can potentially make a big impact for Wisconsin football in the next four years. 

Wisconsin Signings

A.J. Jordan (6'1'' 175 pounds WR): 

A.J Jordan is probably the recruit Wisconsin is most excited about.

Being that their glue guys at WR either already graduated or will be in a year, Wisconsin needed to land a big wideout. They are certainly hoping that it will be A.J.

Scouts say that Jordan is a good route-runner with great speed to go along with his size. He also considered Michigan and West Virginia in the offseason and was the 40th ranked WR in the class. 

Jesse Hayes (6'3'' 235 pounds DE):

With the program Wisconsin has, getting a defensive end rated as high as Jesse should bode very well. Hayes is ranked 38th in his class and Wisconsin's coaches have turned players ranked way lower into stars.

Hayes is said to be good against the run with even more room to improve in that area. Most scouts see him excelling most in the pass rushing area. If you need anymore proof that Hayes is a potential stud, he was also recruited by Nebraska, Florida State and Oregon. 

Devin Gaulden (5'10'' 174 pounds CB):

Gaulden looks to come into Wisconsin and give them the shutdown corner they have lacked the last couple of years. Scouts rave about Gaulden's ability to play bump and run coverage.

He has the the speed and strength to do it all game long, but he does struggle in the tackling area. Scouts say that he needs to work on his tackling, and if he does he can be a great CB and special teams player. Gaulden was also considering Auburn. 

Sam Arneson (6'3'' 225 pounds TE):

One position Wisconsin has consistently been solid at throughout the years is the tight end position. Most of their TEs have gotten drafted the last couple of years and Arneson is looking to be the next one.

Arneson is said to have good hands, good size and a good knowledge of the game. He did, however, play linebacker in high school as well, and many believe that his poor route-running ability could lead him back to the defensive side of the ball, as a DE.

Arneson was also considering Toledo and Central Michigan, but perhaps seeing J.J Watt succeed in switching from offense to defense swayed him to choose Wisconsin. 

Derek Watt (6'2'' 209 pounds OLB):

Speaking of J.J Watt, Wisconsin just landed the NFL prospect's brother, Derek.

Derek had originally committed to Northwestern, but had a change of heart and chose to play for the Badgers. Derek is said to be a talented outside linebacker with great size and speed to play the position.

Scouts say that he has a great eye for the football and that with his work ethic he could be a great player some day for the Badgers. Watt also considered Western Michigan and Toledo. 

Considering Wisconsin

Jacoby Brissett (6'4'' 220 pounds QB):

The only player that Wisconsin is waiting on for National Signing Day is Jacoby Brissett. It's no coincidence that Jacoby is a quarterback. With Scott Tolzien leaving, the Badgers are in desperate need of a new guy to lead the charge and they feel Jacoby could be that guy.

Brissett has incredible speed for a guy his size and his pocket presence is outstanding. Scouts compare him to JaMarcus Russell with his mobility and talent level. I'm sure Wisconsin is hoping for the college JaMarcus if he does in fact choose them.

Brissett is also considering Florida and Miami (FL). 

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The Badgers have been a great football team for a very long time and now they're looking for these young guys to keep the tradition going.