'09 WI LB/S AJ Klein (Iowa State Verbal)

[Heavystarch]

Rivals



Kimberly (WI) Kimberly

Ht: 6'1"
Wt: 210

Kimberly won the DII state title in 2007, going undefeated
Was first team, All Conference as a junior, per the Post Crescent

Has been in contact with Bob Bostad (Wisconsin) on a regular basis

Offers: Iowa State, Northern Illinois, Western Michigan, Wyoming

[Heavystarch]

Rivals $

5/21/08

Iowa State offered and AJ will make the trip to Ames. Wisconsin showing strong interest.

My guess is AJ will get an offer if/when he camps.

[Bernini]

Bonus article on the offer from Marlin......

WSN Football

-On Monday evening, Kimberly linebacker Aaron (A.J.) Klein (6-1, 210) informed WisFootball.net that he had received his first scholarship offer thanks to head coach Gene Chizik and the Iowa State Cyclones......

Also projects Josh Peterson from Cedar Grove to receive a D1 scholarship eventually. The flurry of recent in-state offers was not even prompted by camps like Wisconsin's, so expect news to really heat up in June. The 2009 in-state class is on pace to smash the scholarship numbers of 2008's, and the Badgers will be able to take advantage.

[Bernini]

Klein Highlights:

YouTube - A.J. Klein Highlight Video

My only qualm is his height. He doesn't appear 6'1" to me unless he's grown since. You never know with a lot of these listed heights. Players and coaches embellish because they realize it's to the advantage of the recruit until it can be disproven.

My guess is he's on the short side of 6 feet.

Nevertheless, a lot to be impressed with here. He plays really low to the ground, allowing him to shed blocks better than a player his size typically would. Klein also exhibits a good burst of speed. The closes on the interceptions were excellent. His back peddle, turn and run ability, and ball skills were superior to most Wisconsinite LB's (since we run the football so much here). He recovered well when he got caught out of position (anticipation is OK, but could probably improve) against the run and finished with nastiness.

If the Badgers get him into camp, and he actually is around 6'1", odds are he'd get offered and commit subsequently.

[Bernini]

Scout $

Besides his offers, he's highest on Wisconsin and Michigan State. Also receiving interest from Northwestern and Indiana. Plans to camp at Wisconsin and potentially Northwestern. Grew up a Badger fan.

[Marlins]

Offerd by Northern Illinois today. So now holding offers from Iowa State, Western Michigan and Northern Illinois.

[Bernini]

A virtual lock for a camp offer?

There aren't an exorbitant amount of top linebackers who have strong interest in UW. Jordan Barnes and Conor O'Neill have at least shown a modicum of interest, but that's about it I think. Also, last year we only took 2 LB's out of 24 commits. Same went for 2007. We need 3 LB signings in 2009, IMO.

[Heavystarch]

Rivals $

6/19/08

Klein reflects on his camp at UW. Did not come away with an offer, but the staff told him to be patient. Came away with a Wyoming offer before camp started.

Slow playing everyone...

[TroyD92]

Originally Posted by Bernini

A virtual lock for a camp offer?

There aren't an exorbitant amount of top linebackers who have strong interest in UW. Jordan Barnes and Conor O'Neill have at least shown a modicum of interest, but that's about it I think. Also, last year we only took 2 LB's out of 24 commits. Same went for 2007. We need 3 LB signings in 2009, IMO.

I think Claxton will eventually end up at linebacker as will maybe a couple of our safety prospects.

[HotMic]

Scout $

7/21

From the MSU site. Klein says he has soft spot in his heart for Wisconsin, and is alos interested in Michigan State. Michigan State has told him that they will see what guys ahead of him do before making an offer. He will now wait until after his season to commit.

[Bernini]

Rivals: Wisconsin Preps ($)

8/2
by Bob Kieckbush

Klein has announced he will be attending Iowa State next fall.

which will change if the Badgers offer after losing out on a few LB's higher on their board like Goodlow.