Wisconsin Secures Second Commitment for 2009

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RP Exclusive with Jordan Kohout

Wisconsin Secures Second Commitment for 2009

Recruiting had been a whirlwind for Wisconsin Defensive Tackle/Offensive Guard Jordan Kohout leading up to Saturday's Junior Day on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus. Just over a month ago, Jordan was rigorously attempting to spread his name by distributing his video reels and contacting a plethora of D1 college programs throughout the midwest, just hoping any one or two would bite. Humility and hard work are not surprising but no less admirable traits from this talented 2009 prospect, who was aspiring to be the first member of his immediate family to attend college. Little did Jordan know that he wouldn't even have to settle for the envious opportunity of any old Division One scholarship. Once the Signing Day festivities of 2008 culminated, Kohout went from pursuer to pursuee. Iowa kicked off the new cycle by showing immense interest in him, to the point that both the Hawkeye's Recruiting Coach Lester Erb and other position coaches recommended that Head Coach Kirk Ferentz offer Kohout. Before Ferentz had a reasonable opportunity to make a decision, Jordan was scheduled to attend the Wisconsin Badger's Junior Day in person on Saturday. Junior Day left him without a chance to perform and exhibit the athletic improvement he's made through training in the offseason, where he trimmed his 40 time to 4.8 seconds and raised his bench maximum to 340 pounds, while gaining 12 pounds. In spite of not being able to witness Jordan's improvement in person, the Wisconsin coaching staff still decided to make their move.

Kohout vividly recalls how the events of the day unfolded.

"My Mom, Dad, and I arrived at around 9 O'Clock in the Morning and first walked up the stairs in Camp Randall Stadium and we got a look at the field, Kohout said. "I talked with a few of the coaches, including Defensive Line Coach (Charlie) Partridge, who said he liked my film a lot. Then we took a tour of the facilities. One place we stopped was at the weight room where I recognized some current Badgers like Chris Pressley and Mike Newkirk, one of my favorites from the current team. Following the tour we went to lunch and I talked with some of the other Badger recruits. Then we went to the basketball game at the Kohl center. After everything, I went to Coach Bielema's office and we talked for a bit. Coach Bielema said all the coaches liked my film a bunch, my performance at camp last summer, and because of that they have a scholarship offer awaiting. After that I hugged my parents, shook Bielema's hand and gave him a (man) hug as well. I was in shock so I didn't commit immediately. I walked down to my car and called my brother to give him the good news. Then, when I got over the initial shock, I called Coach Partridge from my car and told him I want to be a Badger. Later Saturday night I called to confirm the commitment for coach Bielema. I was so pumped. It has been my dream to be a Badger ever since I was very little. They told me I'll be a Defensive Tackle for the Badgers."

Jordan achieved two dreams on Saturday - going to college unlike anyone in his family and getting the chance to play for the team he vigorously rooted for as a child. Now Kohout doesn't have to be stressed by the recruiting process and can focus on school and his upcoming season with the Waupun Warriors. His biggest concern in recruiting transitions to hoping other talented players join him. What a difference a month can make for a promising 17-year old college football prospect.