Top 5 From This Year's Class

[Bernini]

It's difficult to pick a top 5 for this class because there aren't any premier players really, and the gap between your better players is minimal, but I'll give 'er a shot.

TOP 5 (no order)

Michael Taylor- 1 of 2 signees I've seen play for an entire game. Taylor has an omnipresence on the field. His athleticism and instincts allow for that to be the case. Then in finishing plays his wrestling background translates throwing players to the ground intensely, playing bigger than his 205 pound size. And standing about 6'3" (looks very lanky) he has the frame to add weight comfortably up to around 225-230. I have few qualms about him covering tight ends as an OLB too.

Kevin Zeitler- The other signee I've seen for an entire game when he competed in the D3 state championship game. He mauled D-Lineman being in part a catalyst for Lutheran's dominant day on the ground culminating in their state champ victory. Zeitler didn't have to pass block much at Lutheran but he exhibited the outstanding lateral quickness to translate into success in that area at Nike Camp.

Marcus Cromartie- Not a player I was particularly high upon initially because in his video he was playing passive football. But in the recent video he posted of himself he exhibited the opposite trait. He wasn't afraid to bump and run and had the hips and recovery speed to pull off that style. With his great size at 6-1, 4.4 speed, and ball skills he somewhat reminds me of fellow Texan, Kansas Jayhawk Aqib Talib. He has that brashness in a corner you like because he doesn't want to give the opponent the satisfaction of beating him. I'd imagine being displaced from his home during Hurricane Katrina put life in perspective for him so he should have a tremendous drive but never be too awed by the moment.

Curtis Phillips- Everybody's favorite recruit seemingly. His arm strength on intermediate throws is medicore, but he can heave the football down the field a good distance with accuracy. That should at least keep the safeties outside of the box to aid Clay/Brown's running as well as his own. The running threat opens up passing lanes when he's outside the pocket. His touch is an attribute he doesn't get credit for enough.

Anthony Mains- Mains has an explosive burst coming out of his 4-point stance. He showed the use of multiple pass rush moves in his videos which you don't often see from high school DE's. Uses his hands well firing them to create space. Even when he was listed in the 190's as a junior didn't seem to have too much trouble with the physicality of the game because of his intensity. Now he's up to about 220-225 and has the frame at 6-7 to add much more weight. Smart kid so that can't hurt for continued improvement. Made 2nd Team Florida Phenoms by FloridaFootball.com, which is comprised of insiders who know the state well. Great steal of a prospect from South Florida.

Just Missed- Joe Schafer, Daniel Moore, Jake Byrne

Future 1st Teamers- Devin Smith, Tyler Westphal, Brendan Kelly, Bradley Nortman, Dexter Jones, Leonard Hubbard, and Jake Current.

Specialist- T.J. Williams (type of role Gilreath had this season)
I should also mention the walk-on class is extraordinary. Rick Wagner was one of the first names bandied about for a Wisconsin offer post signing day '07. I heard he received an offer from Illinois before his off the field problems. Had an offer from UW-Milwaukee in basketball, so you know he loves football to reject that opportunity and also he's a great athlete. Bradie Ewing would have gotten D1 offers had he not played in obscurity in Richland Center. Over 210 and runs a 4.5 40. Reads and reacts quickly on defense. The next great walk-on safety at Wisconsin? Turned down North Dakota. Jake Reynolds turned down Hawaii, and may have received even better if not for an injury played senior season. Transfer J.J. Watt had offers from Colorado and Minnesota out of high school. If Tyrell Rosemeyer ends up signing that would be another coup because he might have had D1A offers had he not had injury problems. One of the best walk-on classes ever at UW and I wouldn't be surprised at all if 3 or more starters alone derived from this group.

[Heavystarch]

My Top 5

1. Curt Phillips - Never seen him called Curtis anywhere, but the boy can play regardless of first name.

2. Kevin Zeitler - Future All American at guard

3. Jake Current - As tenancious as they come

4. Anthony Mains - My favorite DE recruit

5. Kevin Claxton - My sleeper pick based on Doeren's success in Florida and our need to get Pleasant out of the lineup