Wisconsin Football Recruiting: Grading the Badgers' 2011 Class

Lance Kendricks, J.J. Watt, Scott Tolzien...the Wisconsin Badgers lost a ton of talent to graduation and the NFL Draft.

Wednesday we found out some of the up-and-coming talent that will fill the positions that have been vacated.

While top running back prospect Isaiah Crowley committed to Georgia with a bulldog and a smile, the Badgers hauled in a pedestrian class.

The Badgers still are holding two scholarships, and one can assume they are saving one for Florida High School stand-out, Jacoby Brissett, who has offers still on the table from Florida, Washington and Miami.

To track all the top recruits, check out this piece.

Also, here is a live blog tracking all of National Signing Day's top stories.

Without further ado, let's dive into the grades...

10. Jesse Hayes

Position: Defensive End

Ht/Wt: 6'3"/225

Where he fits in best: Hayes will have the opportunity to make an impact soon, if not this fall, definitely next fall, as the Badgers are somewhat thin at defensive end. Hayes played weakside end in high school and is a three-star recruit according to ESPN/Scout/Rivals.

Does he fill a need: Yes, the Badger are looking for more talent from the defensive end position after the departure of J.J. Watt, so Hayes will get a chance to make an impact.

Grade: C+

9. Melvin Gordon

Position: Running Back

Ht/Wt: 6'0"/190

Where he fits in best: Running back, running back, running back...did I say running back.

Does he fill a need: Yes, if Bret Bielema continues to use the same type of running back rotation he did last season, Gordon will have a chance to play soon, especially with his elusiveness.

Grade: C

8. Devin Gaulden

Position: Defensive back

Ht/Wt: 5'10"/180

Where he fits in best: Cornerback; With his combination of speed, hands and the ability to knock people around, Gaulden will have the opportunity to be an Aaron Henry-type player in the Badger's defensive backfield.

Does he fill a need: Devin can expect playing time...in about two years.

Grade: C

7. Jordan Fredrick

Position: Linebacker

Ht/Wt: 6'3"/ 280

Where he fits in best: Linebacker; Jordan played some safety and also on the offensive side of the ball, while returning some kicks, but will fit best in the linebacker position for the Badgers.

Does he fill a need: The return of Chris Borland from injury will take one spot at linebacker, but the departure of Culmer St. Jean and Blake Sorenson means he will have the opportunity to fight for playing time early in his college career.

Grade: B

6. Terrance Floyd

Position: Defensive Back

Ht/Wt: 5'11"/190

Where he fits in best: Floyd could play either corner or safety but has experience at corner and probably will see some time as a return man before he is done at UW.

Does he fill a need: Yes, the Badgers are deep at the cornerback position, but Floyd could earn some time at safety.

Grade: B+

5. Kenzel Doe

Position: Wide Receiver

Ht/Wt: 5'8"/165

Where he fits in best: Slot receiver; Doe is extremely good at going up to get the ball, and in a year or two, will be one of the Badger's top receivers.

Does he fill a need: Yes, after Jared Abbrederis and Nick Toon, the Badgers are somewhat thin at wide receiver. Doe will get an opportunity to make an impact this season.

Grade: B+

4. Mike Caputo

Position: Safety

Ht/Wt: 6'1"/198

Where he fits in best: Caputo will be a star at safety in the Badger's system, but it may be a year or two, as he played primarily linebacker in high school.

Does he fill a need: Yes, Jay Valai leaves a big hole in that secondary, and it needs to be filled.

Grade: B+

3. Ray Ball

Position: Offensive lineman

Ht/Wt: 6'7"/330

Where he fits in best: Offensive tackle; Ball will be another in a long line of huge, mobile, offensive linemen that pave the way for Wisconsin's running game.

Does he fill a need: Wisconsin can always use another offensive lineman, and Ball fits right in.

Grade: A

2. Sam Arneson

Position: Tight End

Ht/Wt: 6'4"/241

Where he fits in best: Arneson is a solid receiver and a talented blocker who will fit well at tight end or h-back for the Badgers.

Does he fill a need: Yes, the Badgers use several multiple tight end sets, and Bielema is not afraid to give guys a chance early.

Grade: A

1. James Adeyanju

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 01: A view of pre-game ceremonies prior to the Wisconsin Badgers and the TCU Horned Frogs playing in the 97th Rose Bowl game on January 1, 2011 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

Position: Defensive End

Ht/Wt: 6'3"/230

Where he fits in best: Defensive End; This guy is quick off the edge and will generate the sort of pass rush the Badger defense needs to succeed.

Does he fill a need: Adeyanju should see some playing time this season.

Grade: A

Summary

The Badgers' class includes nine scholarship players from within the state. All eight walk-ons hail from Wisconsin.

Here's a position breakdown:

DL: 2
TE: 4
OL: 2
DB: 3
LB: 4
RB: 1
WR: 4

There are nine defensive players and 11 offensive players.

 - Brett Bielema and staff are really counting on Brissett, as they signed no other quarterbacks in this class.

 - The Badgers boast four tight ends in this year's class of recruits.

 - Familiar names highlight this class, which includes a Watt and a Leonhard, names any Badger fan knows.