Bonus NSD Feature: Favorite NSIC Signings
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Okay, I couldn’t help myself. After publishing a feature for our MN site focusing on my favorite signings from the state to every NSIC program, I thought it’d be fun and hopefully interesting to replicate the idea with Wisconsin natives,…
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Continue ReadingOkay, I couldn’t help myself. After publishing a feature for our MN site focusing on my favorite signings from the state to every NSIC program, I thought it’d be fun and hopefully interesting to replicate the idea with Wisconsin natives, so here we are. Now, I just wanted to begin things by saying my “favorite” signing means that for many different reasons, I think the signing and the program fit just excites me. This doesn’t mean that I am not excited by the other Wisconsin preps signed in the class, and in-fact that couldn’t be further from the truth. Whether it’s just because I am really excited to see the kid play for that team, the area/signing is a good fit or geographically special, the player fits into that programs culture well, I like the kids film a lot, the kid is adding to a pipeline, a combination of these things, or something different altogether, I just really like the commitment, and I am hoping our subscribers will think it’s interesting too. Without any more introduction necessary, check out who was my favorite Wisconsinite signed to every NSIC program that landed a commitment from the great state of Wisconsin. Thanks for reading!
Augustana University
Favorite Signing: DeVauntaye Parker DeVauntaye Parker 6'1" | 200 lbs | DB Menomonie | 2021 State WI (Menomonie) DB. 6’1, 205 lbs. When I think of the Augustana Vikings football team, one of the first things I think of is their tradition of big, strong, playmaking safeties that see a ton of production and have a lot of responsibilities in Augie’s defense. Parker fits this mold and then some, and his 6’1, 205 lb. frame makes him physically ready to compete in the NSIC the first day he gets to camp. Prior to his commitment to the Vikings, he held offers from UMD, Concordia-St. Paul, Upper Iowa, Winona State, Bemidji State, and Southwest Minnesota State. He’s a hard-hitting, downhill-focused, and athletic safety who can cover underneath routes while making sure not to get beaten vertically. He moves really well for his size, shown due to some of his runs as a RB and kick-returner, so although his skill-set screams in-the-box type SS, I think he’s fast and athletic enough to help out in coverage in a 2-hi or possibly man-coverage. Another reason I love the fit is because Augustana has a far-reaching net in-terms of recruiting territories, but Wisconsin is not one of their usual hotbeds, so I was pumped to see Parker forge his own path to Sioux Falls and hopefully start creating a successful pipeline from Wisconsin to Augustana. Don’t be surprised if the Menomonie product starts contributing early to the Vikings.
Welcome to @GoAugie, DeVauntaye ⚔️
🔷 DB
🔷 6-1 // 205
🔷 Menomonie, Wis. (Menomonie Senior HS)
🔷 @devoparker_Signing Day Central 🖊️: https://t.co/nPTBU7Nfvx
#BoardThe2h1p | #BuildingChampions pic.twitter.com/XuRCqi6ACy— Augustana Football (@AugieFB) February 3, 2021
Runner-Up: Carter Robinson (Appleton North/University of Utah) QB. 5’10, 186 lbs.
Bemidji State
Favorite Signing: Tristan Benjamin Tristan Benjamin 6'3" | 275 lbs | DL Webster | 2021 State WI (Webster) OL. 6’3, 270 lbs. The Bemidji State Beavers have started to see their OL signings earn a lot more All-NSIC accolades in the last 5-6 years, with these selections coming across as more compact and powerful offensive lineman, with great mobility, a nasty streak, and versatility that comes from a lot of them having a DL background as a prep. Benjamin checks all of these boxes and then some, and is coming off a decorated prep career that saw him named a 2x Team Captain, a 2020 All-Conference pick, and a member of the 900+ pound club who totaled 93 tackles, 23 TFLs, 13 sacks, 5 FFs, and 4 FRs. He also helped Webster qualify for the state tournament four times, and also lettered twice in basketball and track. He’s a well-built and powerful lineman who moves extremely well for his size and has great body control, who also has a great initial pop and plays with a mean-streak that you would not want to be in front of. He consistently overwhelms opponents with his sheer strength and can move the man in front of him backwards with ease. I think he’s going to mesh really well with the Beavers OL room and has a great chance of finding a lot of success in college.
Tristan Benjamin
Offensive Line
6-3 | 270
Danbury, Wis.
Webster High School#G21NDTHEAXE pic.twitter.com/KZaUu7wp0h— Bemidji State Football (@BSUBeaversFB) February 3, 2021
Runner-Up: Drayton Lehman Drayton Lehman 5'8" | 165 lbs | WR Mosinee | 2021 State WI (Mosinee) WR. 5’8, 165 lbs,
Full class of Wisconsin signings: Tristan Benjamin Tristan Benjamin 6'3" | 275 lbs | DL Webster | 2021 State WI (Webster) OL. 6’3, 270 lbs., Alex Current Alex Current 5'11" | 180 lbs | RB Muskego | 2021 State WI (Muskego) WR. 5’11, 175 lbs., Luke Hessenauer Luke Hessenauer 6'3" | 245 lbs | DL Milton | 2021 State WI (Milton) DT. 6’2, 240 lbs., Drayton Lehman Drayton Lehman 5'8" | 165 lbs | WR Mosinee | 2021 State WI (Mosinee) WR. 5’8, 165 lbs,
Concordia St. Paul
Favorite Signing: Jalen Reed Jalen Reed 6'0" | 165 lbs | DB Rufus King | 2021 State WI (Rufus King) DB. This one is tough due to the Milwaukee area programs still not having competed in football this school year, but Reed is a really athletic 5’11, 165 lb. cornerback prospect that comes from a high school ripe with skill-position and defensive back talent. The Concordia-St. Paul Golden Bears also don’t mind starting young bucks at the CB position – as long as they’ve put in the work – so I think Reed has a good chance to make some waves and put on for Wisconsin in this 2021 CSP commitment class. Additionally, CSP is starting to grow in their recruitment of the great state of Wisconsin, so I was happy to see them land a deep class of Badger state talent, and I’m hoping the Golden Bears can try and grow a healthy Milwaukee to St. Paul pipeline.
From Milwaukee, WI we welcome Glody Kasongo, a Defensive Back from Rufus King High School, to St. Paul on #NSD21! #BuildingOnTheRock pic.twitter.com/Jz0jwfgFfu
— Golden Bear Football (@CSPBearsFB) February 3, 2021
Runner-Up: Jared Pelishek (Wrightstown) LB.
Full class of Wisconsin signings: Glody Kasongo Glody Kasongo 6'3" | 200 lbs | DB Milwaukee Rufus King | 2021 State WI (Rufus King) DB., Jared Pelishek (Wrightstown) LB., Jalen Reed Jalen Reed 6'0" | 165 lbs | DB Rufus King | 2021 State WI (Rufus King) DB., Austin Carrillo Austin Carrillo 6'5" | 240 lbs | OL Case | 2021 State WI (Racine Case) OL., Kaleb Kazmarek (Menomonie) K, Brock Thornton Brock Thornton 6'4" | 205 lbs | TE Menomonie | 2021 State WI (Menomonie) WR.
Minnesota Duluth
Favorite Signing: Harrison Kielar Harrison Kielar 6'3" | 230 lbs | DL Brookfield East | 2021 State WI (Brookfield East) OLB. 6’2, 225 lbs. Over the past half decade at least, the UMD Bulldogs have used their OLB signings impressively well, occasionally moving them down to DE if they get bigger, but always making sure they are great athletes for the position who can go sideline to sideline. Kielar was one of the most exciting and dynamic 2021 prospects in the state in my opinion this year, consistently impressing me with his combination of size, twitchiness, and pure strength at the DE/OLB position. He mostly played with his hand in the dirt in high school, but definitely has the athleticism to play as a standup OLB in the Bulldogs 3-4 defense. Off of the edge he’s a total monster, I can’t lie. He has a variety of pass-rush moves and can beat OT’s with inside or outside breaking moves, and finishes tackles with absolute authority. His frame is excellent, and with how twitchy and dominating of a pass-rusher he is on film I just couldn’t get over my excitement when Kielar committed to UMD at the end of October, especially given his recruitment process that saw him earn offers from Morehead State University, Concordia-St. Paul, Bemidji State, SMSU, Lake Erie College, St. Thomas, and Butler. He was also being heavily contacted by South Dakota State, and I really thought he was a possible Missouri Valley Football Conference talent, so when he landed with the Bulldogs and their nothing short of incredible 2021 commitment class, I knew the Bulldogs got a good one.
Excited to have @HarrisonKielar officially join #BulldogCountry
📍 Brookfield, WI
🏫 Brookfield East High School
🏈 OLB
📈 6’2 225#EarnIt | #NSD21 pic.twitter.com/odq9u1VxWs— UMD Football (@UMD_Football) February 3, 2021
Runner-Up: Craesean Slaton Craesean Slaton 6'0" | 180 lbs | DB Oak Creek | 2021 State WI (Oak Creek) CB. 5’11, 175 lbs.
Full class of Wisconsin signings: Zach Wallace Zach Wallace 5'11" | 195 lbs | RB Burlington | 2021 State WI (Burlington) ATH. 5’11, 195 lbs., Harrison Kielar Harrison Kielar 6'3" | 230 lbs | DL Brookfield East | 2021 State WI (Brookfield East) OLB. 6’2, 225 lbs., Craesean Slaton Craesean Slaton 6'0" | 180 lbs | DB Oak Creek | 2021 State WI (Oak Creek) CB. 5’11, 175 lbs., Kyle Walljasper Kyle Walljasper 6'0" | 215 lbs | QB Fond du Lac | 2021 State WI (Fond du Lac) QB. 6’, 215 lbs. Mac Strand Mac Strand 6'0" | 220 lbs | LB Xavier | 2021 State WI (Xavier) LB 6’2, 225 lbs.
Minnesota State-Mankato
Favorite Signing: Nathan Gribble (West Salem) OT. 6’6, 285 lbs. The Mavericks consistently land and develop talented lineman prospects into All-NSIC and All-American road-graders that lay the foundation for one of the nation’s most balanced and potent offensive attacks year after year. Gribble, with his massive size, played OG in high school, something that raised my eyebrows when evaluating the Wisconsin boys from every NSIC programs signing class. Not only that, he can execute a pull, operate in space, and get to the second and third level with the ability of a much smaller offensive lineman. He’s also basically a bowling ball in the open field, and can run over DL, LBs, or DBs and continue upfield without losing any momentum and barely being thrown off balance. I also like what I see from him in pass-pro, as he keeps a wide base, stays square to the rushing defensive lineman, and is patient with his hands and doesn’t flash them before the DL does. He also finishes blocks with authority, and is a leaner 285 lbs. with a lot of room to add good weight. I think he’s another potential All-NSIC/All-American on the OL, with versatility and the athleticism to help block NSIC defensive lineman in run-support or pass-pro before a lot of other prospects. Plus, we now have Sun Prairie legend and former MSU-Mankato standout Chad Henning coaching the Mavericks OL, so this will hopefully only strengthen the already powerful pipeline from Wisco to Mankato. Big things coming from Gribble!
Runner-Up: Liam Wrench Liam Wrench 6'3" | 290 lbs | OL Sussex Hamilton | 2021 State WI (Sussex Hamilton) OC. 6’4, 315 lbs.
Full class of Wisconsin signings: Nathan Gribble (West Salem) OT. 6’6, 285 lbs., Liam Wrench Liam Wrench 6'3" | 290 lbs | OL Sussex Hamilton | 2021 State WI (Sussex Hamilton) OC. 6’4, 315 lbs.
Minnesota State University-Moorhead
Favorite Signing: Joseph Hella (Wrightstown) DL. 6’4, 230 lbs. The MSUM Dragons have begun to strengthen their reach into Wisconsin, and got themselves a diverse and talented class of 2021 studs from the Badger State. Additionally, the Dragons do an excellent job of landing somewhat undersized high school prospects and then developing them and adding a ton of weight onto their frames once they get to Moorhead, something that not easy to do and is a testament to the Dragons, their strength and conditioning program, and the programs culture overall. However, Hella comes in physically more ready to compete than a lot of other freshman in the conference, and is an impressive in his get-off at the LOS as well as how he finishes tackles. Hopefully the Dragons keep heading back to Wrightstown in the future!
✍️@MSUM_Football is #FiredUp to welcome @hella_joseph from @WrightstownCSD to the Dragons Family! #MSUM #THEDRAGONWAY
“An Interior D-Lineman who isn’t just another big plugger but can sink his hips and explode past the offensive line.” – @CoachLaqua https://t.co/KWUnhonTnN pic.twitter.com/SvCFWT4g5X
— MSUMDragons (@MSUMDragons) February 3, 2021
Runner-Up: Alec White Alec White 6'3" | 220 lbs | DL Wauwatosa West | 2021 State WI (Wauwatosa West) DL. 6’3, 215 lbs.
Full class of Wisconsin signings: Joseph Hella (Wrightstown) DL. 6’4, 230 lbs., Connor Suszek (South Milwaukee) LB. 6’4, 200 lbs., Bo Chwala Bo Chwala 5'11" | 195 lbs | LB Stanley-Boyd | 2021 State WI (Stanley-Boyd) LB. 5’11, 180 lbs., Reece Manteuffel (Freedom) DB. 6’1, 186 lbs., Jake Schneider (Stanley-Boyd) OL. 6’4, 220 lbs., Maddax Shinners (De Pere) WR. 6’3, 180 lbs., Alec White Alec White 6'3" | 220 lbs | DL Wauwatosa West | 2021 State WI (Wauwatosa West) DL. 6’3, 215 lbs.
Minot State
Favorite Signing: Ben Janowski Ben Janowski 6'2" | 290 lbs | OL Menomonee Falls | 2021 State WI (Menomonee Falls) OG. 6’2, 290 lbs. Coming from powerhouse Menomonee Falls, Janowski finished up his prep career as a 2x First Team All-Conference pick, Conference OL of the Year, All-Region, and an All-State HM selection. He as formerly committed to the University of Central Arkansas on a PWO before signing with NSIC competitor Minot State in Minot State. I first off love this selection due to Minot State slowing down on their recruitment of a lot of Midwest athletes, so landing the Wisconsin big-boy gives me hope that kids will continue to sign with the Beavers from Wisconsin and MN. Not only that, Janowski is an animal who crushes defenders in the open field and is relentless at trying to finish blocks once he’s engaged. He continues to work for the pancake or look for someone to block until the whistle blows, and is a dangerous combo-blocker who has a really impressive amount of power in his arms and chest, which he uses to send kids flying if he gets under them or they are simply too weak. The upside is massive here, and with Menomonee Falls’ excellent tradition of sending kids to the collegiate level where they find a ton of success, I think we may have a future All-NSIC pick for Minot State.
🚨BIG BEN IS IN🚨
Welcome to the Magic City, @ben_janowski1.#BuildTheDam | #Onward21 pic.twitter.com/u26OWrBM1x
— Minot State Football (@MSUBeaversFB) February 3, 2021
Runner-Up: Only one Wisconsin native signed!
Northern State University
Favorite Signing: Aidan Enneking Aidan Enneking 6'4" | 235 lbs | TE Sussex Hamilton | 2021 State WI (Sussex Hamilton) TE. 6’4, 235 lbs. Enneking, whose older brother plays football for Ivy League Cornell University, had an impressive offer list that included Winona State, Northern Michigan, Bemidji State, Upper Iowa, Ohio Wesleyan, Southwest Minnesota State, Minnesota State-Mankato, Northern State, Valparaiso, Mount Union, UW-Whitewater, and D1 Cornell University. I was PUMPED for this commitment due to the amount of offers he held, as well as his choice to forge his own path and commit to the up-and-coming Northern State Wolves over even a D1 Ivy League offer where his brother plays. Additionally, there is something special going on with the new look Wolves after their offseason hiring of former UW-Lacrosse Head Coach Mike Schmidt. With a state of the art, brand new facility and stadium almost completed, as well as new energy, successfully proven schemes and recruitment, big things are happening in Aberdeen, South Dakota, and I hope people besides me are taking note. Another point, TE’s are very important in the Northern Sun, which doubles as a traditional throwback conference in-terms of the precedence to run the football while also dabbling in pass-heavy, spread-it-out type offenses depending on which program you want to watch. Enneking fits the TE mold of both possible offenses, as he can be effective as an in-line TE who OC’s need to open up running lanes or as a pass-catcher who can hurt defenses with underneath possession catches or potential big plays deeper down field. I thought he was one of the best TE prospects in the state, and he’s going to get a lot of reps for Northern State in his college career.
This big, long, & physical athlete from Wisconsin will create mismatches in both the run and pass game!
Welcome to the #PrairiePack @aidanenneking !#GoWolves #NSD21 pic.twitter.com/4w01ueYsQF— Northern State Football🐺🏈 (@NSUWolves_FB) February 3, 2021
Runner-Up: Donnie Lucas (Brown Deer/UW-Stevens Point) DB. 5’11, 175 lbs.
Full class of Wisconsin signings: Kiefer Chmielewski Kiefer Chmielewski 6'5" | 310 lbs | OL Kaukauna | 2021 State WI (Kaukauna) OL. 6’5, 310 lbs., Bobby Cleary Bobby Cleary 6'0" | 250 lbs | LS Slinger | 2021 State WI (Slinger) LS. 6’1, 245 lbs., Madden Connelly Madden Connelly 6'2" | 260 lbs | OL Sparta | 2021 State WI (Sparta) DL. 6’2, 250 lbs., Tavyion Crump (Kenosha Bradford) DB. 6’1, 180 lbs., Jack Klussendorf Jack Klussendorf 6'2" | 220 lbs | LB Waukesha North | 2021 State WI (Waukesha North) LB. 6’2, 220 lbs., Ben Moore Ben Moore 6'1" | 250 lbs | DL Kaukauna | 2021 State WI (Kaukauna) DL. 6’, 250 lbs., Luke Schroeder Luke Schroeder 6'3" | 185 lbs | WR Ashwaubenon | 2021 State WI (Ashwaubenon) WR. 6’3, 190 lbs.,
Southwest Minnesota State University
Favorite Signing: Brye Hardel Brye Hardel 6'1" | 230 lbs | RB Iola- Scandinavia | 2021 State WI (Iola-Scandinavia) RB. 6’2, 240 lbs. If there’s one thing that I really LOVE when watching prep highlight tapes, it’s massive RBs. There just really isn’t a more exciting kind of player or highlight tape for me to watch in all honesty, and Wisconsin has a really unique and flat out awesome tradition of putting massive and athletic prospects as RBs. Seriously, I watch film on a lot of different kids from a lot of different states, and there isn’t a place anywhere close to Wisconsin in-terms of the amount of giant and effective RBs. Year after year these huge ball-carriers are named All-Conference and All-Region, and Hardel was probably the biggest and the baddest in Wisconsin this year. He’s a 4x First Team All-Conference selection, a First Team All-State utility player, and a 2018 state champion and in 2020 he posted 1,247 rushing yards (8th in the state), 20 TDs (4th in the state), and 10.6 yards per carry!! I cannot even begin to describe how PUMPED I was when I saw Hardel listed as a RB by the SMSU coaches in their 2021 signing class feature on their website, and his senior tape is one of my favorite of any 2021er in the state. I’m surprised he didn’t have more offers out of high school, but either way SMSU landed a monster with a very high ceiling and a ton of potential at any position he wants to play. His vision, cutting ability, and even burst/top-end speed are really impressive for a kid of his size, and if you haven’t seen his senior tape please Google it. I’ll be eagerly checking in on Hardel during his college career, and cannot even begin to explain how sweet it would be to see him running the rock in the NSIC.
🐴Welcome to the #212Family!🐴
Brye Hardel
6’2 – 240lbs – FB
.
.
.
Give the man a follow! @HardelBrye
Show him some love Mustang Nation!#Let2R1de #M4L #NSD212 pic.twitter.com/M3Xwd1rDHd— SMSU Football (@SMSUfootball) February 3, 2021
Runner-Up: Avery Johnson Avery Johnson 6'3" | 250 lbs | DL Lomira | 2021 State WI (Lomira) DT. 6’3, 255 lbs. or Mario Mendoza Mario Mendoza 6'4" | 225 lbs | DL Appleton East | 2021 State WI (Appleton East) DE. 6’4, 220 lbs.
Full class of Wisconsin signings: Donald Austin Donald Austin 5'11" | 215 lbs | RB St. John's Northwest Military Academy | 2021 State WI (St. John’s NW Military Academy) RB. 5’11, 215 lbs., Phillip Austin (St. John’s NW Military Academy) LB. 5’11, 205 lbs., Cole Dretzka Cole Dretzka 6'2" | 215 lbs | LB Mukwonago | 2021 State WI (Mukwonago) DE. 6’3, 225 lbs., Willie Garrison (Homestead/Kansas State) RB. 6’1, 195 lbs., Brye Hardel Brye Hardel 6'1" | 230 lbs | RB Iola- Scandinavia | 2021 State WI (Iola-Scandinavia) RB. 6’2, 240 lbs., Avery Johnson Avery Johnson 6'3" | 250 lbs | DL Lomira | 2021 State WI (Lomira) DT. 6’3, 255 lbs., Mario Mendoza Mario Mendoza 6'4" | 225 lbs | DL Appleton East | 2021 State WI (Appleton East) DE. 6’4, 220 lbs., Jack McHugh-Sake Jack McHugh-Sake 6'5" | 230 lbs | TE La Crosse Logan | 2021 State WI (LaCrosse Logan) TE. 6’5, 210 lbs., Gavin Roanhouse Gavin Roanhouse 6'5" | 240 lbs | DL Waterford | 2021 State WI (Waterford Union) DE. 6’6, 237 lbs.,
University of Sioux Falls
Favorite Signing: Mason Martinson Mason Martinson 6'4" | 200 lbs | ATH New Glarus/ Monticello | 2021 State WI (New Glarus-Monticello) WR. 6’4, 220 lbs. The USF Cougars have been putting together some really big and athletic signing classes the past few years, with a really nice ability to snag physically imposing, smaller-school talents that make you think “how did they land this guy?” I think Martinson fits this prototype, as he’s an athletically gifted 6’4, 220 lb. pass-catcher who is coming from a smaller program in New Glarus-Monticello, and is aggressive and tenacious as a blocker who plays with an edge and is very hard for DBs/LBs to get around and get themselves in a good position to make a play on the ball just due to his sheer size. He’s also versatile and lined up as a true TE, wideout, or even in the slot, and you could tell a lot of the offense was designed around getting him the football, as he caught passes on TE swipe back screens, little out breaking dumps, and hitches. The upside is just through the roof here, and that’s how I view a lot of USF’s signings over the past couple years from WI and MN. I’m very excited for Martinson’s senior season this Spring.
A playmaker from New Glarus-Monticello, Wisconsin, this guy can flat out play football! The Wide Receiver room improved with the signing of this athlete! Welcome to the COO, Mason Martinson (@mxrtinson)! #POWERhouse #WINNER2W1N pic.twitter.com/Le80VF8hjK
— Sioux Falls Football (@USFCooFootball) February 3, 2021
Runner-Up: Brian Radish Brian Radish 6'3" | 225 lbs | DL Muskego | 2021 State WI (Muskego) DL. 6’2, 230 lbs.
Full class of Wisconsin signings: Brian Radish Brian Radish 6'3" | 225 lbs | DL Muskego | 2021 State WI (Muskego) DL. 6’2, 230 lbs., Kaden Oleson (Amherst) DL. 6’5, 215 lbs., Matt Grzybowski (Bay Port) RB. 5’9, 190 lbs., Mason Martinson Mason Martinson 6'4" | 200 lbs | ATH New Glarus/ Monticello | 2021 State WI (New Glarus-Monticello) WR. 6’4, 220 lbs.
Upper Iowa University
Favorite Signing: Luke Wroblewski Luke Wroblewski 6'0" | 190 lbs | DB Sussex Hamilton | 2021 State WI (Sussex Hamilton) DB. 6’, 190 lbs. My favorite signing for the 2021 Upper Iowa Peacock commitment class was by far the most difficult of any program I that signed a Wisco native this recruiting cycle. They hit Wisconsin HARD in 2020-21, and signed a geographically and positionally diverse crop of athletes from the Badger State, but after watching the film and remembering the context of each players signing it was hard to ignore the commitment of Sussex Hamilton tackling-machine Luke Wroblewski Luke Wroblewski 6'0" | 190 lbs | DB Sussex Hamilton | 2021 State WI . For a long time the Charger athlete was committed to play college baseball, a fact that somewhat bummed me out as I knew he had a lot of talent on the gridiron and I was hoping he was still fielding recruiting pitches from college coaches. Sounds like UIU knew what to say to the Hamilton LB, and I’m really happy they kept plugging away in recruiting him, because I think he’s an excellent addition to the NSIC. There are a few things I really like about this commitment, with the first being that the Peacocks have him projected to play DB in their defense. That got me excited, but what got me even more pumped was just Wroblewski as a player in general. I got to see Sussex Hamilton play Baraboo this year and was blown away with Luke and his incredible instincts on the football field. He was always, and I mean always, around the football, and when he got ahold of a ball-carrier he was not letting go. He also had range and could go sideline-to-sideline, and could also blitz and cover. He was the total package at LB and would be an excellent strong safety in the Northern Sun. Also, I know it’s weirdly specific but Sussex Hamilton was one of my favorite high school football teams in Wisconsin since before I began scouting the state for PrepRedzone, mostly because I saw Jackson Kollath’s and Lucas Finnessy’s film in 2016. Go Chargers, baby.
Throwing across the middle is a dangerous game with him lurking! The Peacocks welcome @wrobo5 to the family!#SLEDGE #OurWay pic.twitter.com/65FdEDPmZR
— Upper Iowa Football (@Upper_Iowa_FB) February 3, 2021
Runner-Up: Sammy Smith Sammy Smith 6'0" | 220 lbs | LB Sun Prairie | 2021 State WI (Sun Prairie) LB. 6’1, 230 lbs.
Full class of Wisconsin signings: Demetrius Walker Demetrius Walker 6'3" | 220 lbs | DL Robert La Follette | 2021 State WI (Madison La Follette) D-ATH. 6’3, 230 lbs., Brayden Stone Brayden Stone 5'10" | 210 lbs | LB Milwaukee Rufus King | 2021 State WI (Rufus King) LB. 5’10, 210 lbs., Sammy Smith Sammy Smith 6'0" | 220 lbs | LB Sun Prairie | 2021 State WI (Sun Prairie) LB. 6’1, 230 lbs., Jesse Weber Jesse Weber 6'0" | 180 lbs | ATH Lomira | 2021 State WI (Lomira) DB. 6’, 180 lbs., Luke Wroblewski Luke Wroblewski 6'0" | 190 lbs | DB Sussex Hamilton | 2021 State WI (Sussex Hamilton) DB. 6’, 190 lbs., Michael Jenson Michael Jenson 5'11" | 160 lbs | DB Elk Mound | 2021 State WI III (Elk Mound) DB. 5’11, 170 lbs., Ben Brawner Ben Brawner 6'3" | 230 lbs | QB Case | 2021 State WI (Racine Case) QB. 6’3, 200 lbs., Isaiah Gray Isaiah Gray 6'5" | 210 lbs | TE River Falls | 2021 State WI (River Falls) TE. 6’5, 210 lbs., Corbin Hauser Corbin Hauser 6'1" | 195 lbs | WR Sparta | 2021 State WI (Sparta) WR. 6’2, 190 lbs., Jacob Seeger Jacob Seeger 6'6" | 260 lbs | OL Indian Trail | 2021 State WI (Indian Trail) OL. 6’6, 265 lbs., Riley Kennow Riley Kennow 6'5" | 305 lbs | OL Indian Trail | 2021 State WI (Indian Trail) OL. 6’5, 310 lbs., Will DeGoey Will DeGoey 6'8" | 355 lbs | OL Kaukauna | 2021 State WI (Kaukauna) OL. 6’8, 350 lbs., Zach Hamilton Zach Hamilton 6'5" | 275 lbs | OL Greendale | 2021 State WI (Greendale) OL. 6’5, 280 lbs.
Winona State
Favorite Signing: Mason Buehler Mason Buehler 6'1" | 185 lbs | DB Muskego | 2021 State WI (Muskego) DB. 6’1, 185 lbs. Man, the Winona State Warriors landed a very compelling and talented 2021 commitment class, particularly from the state of Wisconsin. The Warriors seem to almost rotate in where the meat in their commitment class comes from, rotating between Minnesota, Illinois, and Wisconsin, and in 2021 they did an incredible job of snagging Badger State studs that are going to be excellent additions to the Northern Sun. I feel like they hit the positional groups of OL and DBs especially well in 2021, and I just couldn’t look past the athletic ability of Buehler, a smooth and playmaking CB with excellent size coming from a powerhouse program in Muskego. In his career he posted 95 tackles, 8 interceptions, and 13 PBUs, and he’s particularly effective in zone coverage and was great at baiting QBs into throws that he can get up and under. He plays the ball really well in the air, gets out of his breaks well, and can lay the boom when given the chance. He’s long, strong, and aggressive, and is an asset in run-support. With great feet and long strides, he covers a lot of ground, and is really a natural and complete DB prospect who will look great patrolling the defensive backfield of the Warriors. I just love his upside, and Winona State has seen a lot of success from DBs built just like Buehler, so I think he’ll fit well into the WSU defensive room.
🚨SIGNED🚨 @MasonBuehler
Welcome to the FAMILY! #NSD2021 pic.twitter.com/roV0oZcySP— Winona State Football (@WSUWarriorFTBL) February 3, 2021
Runner-Up: Malachi Munoz Malachi Munoz 6'4" | 270 lbs | OL Sheboygan Falls | 2021 State WI (Sheboygan Falls) OL.
Full class of Wisconsin signings: Austin Zeeveld Austin Zeeveld 6'3" | 280 lbs | OL Plymouth | 2021 State WI (Plymouth) OL. 6’3, 310 lbs., Brett Boram (Menomonee Falls/Northwest Missouri State) LB. 6’, 205 lbs., Brett Perronne (Kimberly) TE. 6’3, 220 lbs., Drew Goettl (Eau Claire Regis) DB., Griffin Wiegel Griffin Wiegel 5'11" | 170 lbs | DB Kimberly | 2021 State WI (Kimberly) DB. 5’10, 170 lbs., Mason Buehler Mason Buehler 6'1" | 185 lbs | DB Muskego | 2021 State WI (Muskego) DB. 6’1, 185 lbs., Patrick Wright Patrick Wright 6'6" | 320 lbs | OL Milwaukee Riverside | 2021 State WI (Milwaukee Riverside) OL. 6’6, 345 lbs., Ryan Lund Ryan Lund 6'3" | 300 lbs | OL Cambridge | 2021 State WI (Cambridge) OL. 6’3, 285 lbs., Tristan Root (Eau Claire Regis) DB. 5’8, 180 lbs., Malachi Munoz Malachi Munoz 6'4" | 270 lbs | OL Sheboygan Falls | 2021 State WI (Sheboygan Falls) OL.
Didn’t Sign a Wisconsin Native
Wayne State University
University of Mary