Recruiting Class Rankings
This was a feature I ran for a number of years. It was last updated in 2011, so obviously, those last few classes were never updated. The one thing I always wanted to do but never could come up with an easy method was to include team success. Starting on a 7 win team is different than starting on an 11 win team. I also never distinguished between a one year starter and say, a three year starter. Instead I limited it to peak performance. So, if you were a regular starter at any point in your career, that is your grade. Maybe at some point I will update with the last 10+ years...or maybe not. The one thing I take from this today is the 1/3, 1/3, 1/3 distribution, which I still noted here and there. I don't know if I was the first to label 1/3 of each class starters, 1/3 contributors, and 1/3 busts, but I don't recall seeing it anywhere else at the time.
In retrospect, which recruiting classes turned out to be outstanding and which turned out to be duds? How do the different classes of the Alvarez/Bielema era rank? Well, here is the latest update to this running study that I have been doing for many years.
Here is how I evaluated each class. I gave each player in a particular recruiting class a numerical grade based on how they produced over their careers as a Badger. I have tried to make it as objective as possible, so the ratings are very general. We can always argue about who was better, but this system more or less tries to take some of the subjectivity out of the mix. There are always a few players who still can be argued one way or the other, but it doesn’t really affect the overall rankings.
Here is how I evaluated each class. I gave each player in a particular recruiting class a numerical grade based on how they produced over their careers as a Badger. I have tried to make it as objective as possible, so the ratings are very general. We can always argue about who was better, but this system more or less tries to take some of the subjectivity out of the mix. There are always a few players who still can be argued one way or the other, but it doesn’t really affect the overall rankings.
- If the player was a star, one of the best to play at Wisconsin, an All-American they received an "8".
- If the player was an all-conference performer, NFL type player, they received a "6".
- If the player was a full time starter, they received a "4".
- If the player was a part-time starter, they received a "2".
- If the player was a reserve and contributed here and there, they received a "1".
- All players who quit, transferred, never got off the scout team, etc. before contributing received a "0".
In the most recent classes, we know very little about where most of the players will end up grading out at because they simply haven’t had an opportunity to fulfill their potential yet. So, most of the current freshman/sophomore class presently grades out as a 0 (because they haven’t contributed yet...not because they won't).
Then, once each player was graded, I tallied how many TOTAL CONTRIBUTION POINTS each class was worth. This is often more a measure of a class’ quantity rather than individual quality. To measure quality, I have given an AVERAGE SCORE for the class as a whole. You might be surprised to see that the average grade for most classes ends up being around a "2" (part-time starter status). It just goes to show how many recruits wind up doing absolutely nothing on the college level. I call it the “1/3 Theory”, as your typical ratio is about 1/3 frontline players, 1/3 moderate contributors, and 1/3 busts.
Here are the UPDATED individual ratings if you are interested.
Then, once each player was graded, I tallied how many TOTAL CONTRIBUTION POINTS each class was worth. This is often more a measure of a class’ quantity rather than individual quality. To measure quality, I have given an AVERAGE SCORE for the class as a whole. You might be surprised to see that the average grade for most classes ends up being around a "2" (part-time starter status). It just goes to show how many recruits wind up doing absolutely nothing on the college level. I call it the “1/3 Theory”, as your typical ratio is about 1/3 frontline players, 1/3 moderate contributors, and 1/3 busts.
Here are the UPDATED individual ratings if you are interested.
Class #1: 1990: 90 points, 3.1 AVG/player
Coach: Barry Alvarez
Key Players: JC Dawkins, Mark Montgomery, Carlos Fowler, Lamark Shackerford, Yuseff Burgess, Mike Roan, Mike Verstegen, Joe Rudolph, Brent Moss, Mike Thompson, Jeff Messenger, Joe Panos, Melvin Tucker, Chad Cascadden
Comments: Stunning. There are not words to describe how amazing this class was. Alvarez's first recruiting class, arguably was his best. Granted, the fact that they were his first group gave them a leg up as they were granted tons of immediate playing time. Still, you can't underestimate what this class did for the program. This class had incredible depth along with All-American performances from Shackerford, Moss, and Panos. Note the walk-on influence was good with Panos, Hein, and Zullo.
Coach: Barry Alvarez
Key Players: JC Dawkins, Mark Montgomery, Carlos Fowler, Lamark Shackerford, Yuseff Burgess, Mike Roan, Mike Verstegen, Joe Rudolph, Brent Moss, Mike Thompson, Jeff Messenger, Joe Panos, Melvin Tucker, Chad Cascadden
Comments: Stunning. There are not words to describe how amazing this class was. Alvarez's first recruiting class, arguably was his best. Granted, the fact that they were his first group gave them a leg up as they were granted tons of immediate playing time. Still, you can't underestimate what this class did for the program. This class had incredible depth along with All-American performances from Shackerford, Moss, and Panos. Note the walk-on influence was good with Panos, Hein, and Zullo.
Class #2: 2009: 73 points, 3.2 AVG/player
Coach: Bret Bielema
Rivals Team Recruiting Rankings: 43rd (9th in the Big Ten)
Top Rated Recruits: Jordan Kohout, Shelby Harris, Montee Ball, David Gilbert, Kraig Appleton
Key Players: Montee Ball, Chris Borland, Travis Frederick, Ryan Groy, Conor O’Neill, Jacob Pederson, Dez Southward, Jared Abbrederis, Ethan Hemer, David Gilbert
Comments: NFL talent everywhere, including Badger greats like Ball, Borland, Frederick, and Abbrederis. This class was not rated highly at all, but was the foundation for future Rose Bowl teams.
Coach: Bret Bielema
Rivals Team Recruiting Rankings: 43rd (9th in the Big Ten)
Top Rated Recruits: Jordan Kohout, Shelby Harris, Montee Ball, David Gilbert, Kraig Appleton
Key Players: Montee Ball, Chris Borland, Travis Frederick, Ryan Groy, Conor O’Neill, Jacob Pederson, Dez Southward, Jared Abbrederis, Ethan Hemer, David Gilbert
Comments: NFL talent everywhere, including Badger greats like Ball, Borland, Frederick, and Abbrederis. This class was not rated highly at all, but was the foundation for future Rose Bowl teams.
Class #3: 2005: 70 points, 3.2 AVG/player
Coach: Barry Alvarez/Bret Bielema
Scout Team Recruiting Ranking: 35th (6th in Big Ten)
Top Rated Recruits: Travis Beckum, Elijah Hodge, Dustin Sherer, Terrance Jamison, Andy Kemp
Key Players: Jonathan Casillas, DeAndre Levy, Matt Shaugnhessy, Andy Kemp, Eric Vandenheuvel, Beckum, PJ Hill, Garrett Graham, Shane Carter, Jaevery McFadden, O’Brien Schofield
Comments: Technically, Alvarez was the coach during their commitment, but Bielema was the coach when they signed, so I am guessing this was a team effort. A terrific class, but for all of their solid ratings, I think in some ways they left the program as a disappointment. They received a ton of points early in their career, but guys like Casillas and Levy could not get over the hump and get to star status, while players like Shaughnessy and Beckum and the OL duo had uneven senior years for various reasons. Overall, an excellent class but one which could have finished at the top. Most of the best players were not all that highly rated coming out of high school.
Coach: Barry Alvarez/Bret Bielema
Scout Team Recruiting Ranking: 35th (6th in Big Ten)
Top Rated Recruits: Travis Beckum, Elijah Hodge, Dustin Sherer, Terrance Jamison, Andy Kemp
Key Players: Jonathan Casillas, DeAndre Levy, Matt Shaugnhessy, Andy Kemp, Eric Vandenheuvel, Beckum, PJ Hill, Garrett Graham, Shane Carter, Jaevery McFadden, O’Brien Schofield
Comments: Technically, Alvarez was the coach during their commitment, but Bielema was the coach when they signed, so I am guessing this was a team effort. A terrific class, but for all of their solid ratings, I think in some ways they left the program as a disappointment. They received a ton of points early in their career, but guys like Casillas and Levy could not get over the hump and get to star status, while players like Shaughnessy and Beckum and the OL duo had uneven senior years for various reasons. Overall, an excellent class but one which could have finished at the top. Most of the best players were not all that highly rated coming out of high school.
Class #4: 1997: 67 points, 3.2 AVG/player
Coach: Barry Alvarez
Athlon Team Recruiting Ranking: 30th (6th in Big Ten)
Top Rated Recruits: Chris Chambers, Josh Jakubowski, Jeremy Dox, Aaron Haberman
Key Players: Chambers, Kevin Stemke, Mike Echols, Jamar Fletcher, Roger Knight, Chad Kuhns, John Sigmund, Mark Anelli, Delante McGrew
Comments: Big senior years from Mark Anelli and Michael Echols' pushed this group into the top five. Their depth was excellent with the highest per player rating, while the total quantity is right there with the best of Alvarez's classes. Not too shabby when you combine them with the '96 group. Obviously, they led the team to a lot of success. Interesting to see who the highest regarded players were in hindsight and the unspectacular recruiting team ranking.
Coach: Barry Alvarez
Athlon Team Recruiting Ranking: 30th (6th in Big Ten)
Top Rated Recruits: Chris Chambers, Josh Jakubowski, Jeremy Dox, Aaron Haberman
Key Players: Chambers, Kevin Stemke, Mike Echols, Jamar Fletcher, Roger Knight, Chad Kuhns, John Sigmund, Mark Anelli, Delante McGrew
Comments: Big senior years from Mark Anelli and Michael Echols' pushed this group into the top five. Their depth was excellent with the highest per player rating, while the total quantity is right there with the best of Alvarez's classes. Not too shabby when you combine them with the '96 group. Obviously, they led the team to a lot of success. Interesting to see who the highest regarded players were in hindsight and the unspectacular recruiting team ranking.
Class #5: 2008: 79 points, 2.9 AVG/player
Coach: Bret Bielema
Scout Team Recruiting Ranking: 26th (4th in Big Ten)
Top Rated Recruits: Tyler Westphal, Leonard Hubbard, Kevin Zeitler, Jake Current, Dex Jones, Peter Konz
Key Players: Nortman, Konz, Zeilter, Antonio Fenelus, Dan Moore, Devin Smith, Michael Taylor, Ricky Wagner, JJ Watt, Bradie Ewing
Comments: Outstanding group, though with heavy contributions from the walk-ons in Wagner, Watt, and Ewing. The 2008 and 2009 classes were the best duo of class in the era of this study.
Coach: Bret Bielema
Scout Team Recruiting Ranking: 26th (4th in Big Ten)
Top Rated Recruits: Tyler Westphal, Leonard Hubbard, Kevin Zeitler, Jake Current, Dex Jones, Peter Konz
Key Players: Nortman, Konz, Zeilter, Antonio Fenelus, Dan Moore, Devin Smith, Michael Taylor, Ricky Wagner, JJ Watt, Bradie Ewing
Comments: Outstanding group, though with heavy contributions from the walk-ons in Wagner, Watt, and Ewing. The 2008 and 2009 classes were the best duo of class in the era of this study.
Class #6: 1996: 80 points, 2.7 AVG/player
Coach: Barry Alvarez
Athlon/Collegiate Sports Team Recruiting Ranking: 34th (6th in Big Ten)
Top Rated Recruits: Ron Dayne, Mike Solwold, Joe Gribowski, Yusuf Shakir, Shad Washington
Key Players: John Favret, Casey Rabach, Dayne, Dave Costa, Chris Janek, Bill Ferrario, Chris Ghidorzi, Ross Kolodziej, Donnell Thompson, Erik Mahlik, Jason Doering, Matt Davenport, Vitaly Pisetsky
Comments: A really good class! This class was deep and talented and formed the nucleus of the Rose Bowl Champion teams of '99 and '00. Even the walk-ons in this class were good. Tremendous group when combined back to back with the '97 class. Now, what is really stunning about this class is take a look at who the highest rated players were. Dayne of course was considered a fullback, but after that, every one of the highest rated guys was a bust. Also part of this class was future solid pro Ed Hartwell, who transferred when he didn’t see the early playing time he wanted. Not often you hit on two kickers in one class.
Coach: Barry Alvarez
Athlon/Collegiate Sports Team Recruiting Ranking: 34th (6th in Big Ten)
Top Rated Recruits: Ron Dayne, Mike Solwold, Joe Gribowski, Yusuf Shakir, Shad Washington
Key Players: John Favret, Casey Rabach, Dayne, Dave Costa, Chris Janek, Bill Ferrario, Chris Ghidorzi, Ross Kolodziej, Donnell Thompson, Erik Mahlik, Jason Doering, Matt Davenport, Vitaly Pisetsky
Comments: A really good class! This class was deep and talented and formed the nucleus of the Rose Bowl Champion teams of '99 and '00. Even the walk-ons in this class were good. Tremendous group when combined back to back with the '97 class. Now, what is really stunning about this class is take a look at who the highest rated players were. Dayne of course was considered a fullback, but after that, every one of the highest rated guys was a bust. Also part of this class was future solid pro Ed Hartwell, who transferred when he didn’t see the early playing time he wanted. Not often you hit on two kickers in one class.
Class #7: 2001: 80 points, 2.8 AVG/player
Coach: Barry Alvarez
Athlon Team Recruiting Ranking: 18th (4th in Big Ten)
Top Rated Recruits: Antajj Hawthorne, Brett Bell, Johnny Sylvain, Owen Daniels, Darrin Charles
Key Players: Scott Starks, Hawthorne, Charles, Jon Orr, Jim Leonhard, Daniels, Donovan Raiola, Matt Bernstein, Bell, Dontez Sanders, Matt Lawrence, Jason Palermo, Robert Brooks, Mike Allen
Comments: This group came on very late, with players like Sanders, Starks, Orr, and Daniels taking on new roles or improving their play fairly late in their careers to notch some steady points. This group was very deep and balanced with a lot of quality starter points. They produced very good but not great teams, which is why they rank behind the '96 class despite comparable numbers. Still, one of the best classes in the Alvarez era.
Coach: Barry Alvarez
Athlon Team Recruiting Ranking: 18th (4th in Big Ten)
Top Rated Recruits: Antajj Hawthorne, Brett Bell, Johnny Sylvain, Owen Daniels, Darrin Charles
Key Players: Scott Starks, Hawthorne, Charles, Jon Orr, Jim Leonhard, Daniels, Donovan Raiola, Matt Bernstein, Bell, Dontez Sanders, Matt Lawrence, Jason Palermo, Robert Brooks, Mike Allen
Comments: This group came on very late, with players like Sanders, Starks, Orr, and Daniels taking on new roles or improving their play fairly late in their careers to notch some steady points. This group was very deep and balanced with a lot of quality starter points. They produced very good but not great teams, which is why they rank behind the '96 class despite comparable numbers. Still, one of the best classes in the Alvarez era.
Class #8: 2007: 61 points, 3.2 AVG/player
Coach: Bret Bielema
Scout Team Recruiting Ranking: 41st (6th in Big Ten)
Top Rated Recruits: Josh Ogelsby, John Clay, Kevin Rouse, Blake Sorenson, Quincy Landingham, Aaron Henry
Key Players: Kyle Jefferson, David Gilreath, Henry, Zach Brown, Phillip Welch, Clay, Nick Toon, Ogelsby, Chris Maragos
Comments: Good average per player, but not as many total points, which fits the narrative of the class as a whole....a lot of good...not a ton of great.
Coach: Bret Bielema
Scout Team Recruiting Ranking: 41st (6th in Big Ten)
Top Rated Recruits: Josh Ogelsby, John Clay, Kevin Rouse, Blake Sorenson, Quincy Landingham, Aaron Henry
Key Players: Kyle Jefferson, David Gilreath, Henry, Zach Brown, Phillip Welch, Clay, Nick Toon, Ogelsby, Chris Maragos
Comments: Good average per player, but not as many total points, which fits the narrative of the class as a whole....a lot of good...not a ton of great.
Class #9: 1992: 69 points, 2.7 AVG/player
Key players: Jamie Vanderveldt, Darrel Bevell, John Hall, Manny Castro, Bryan Jurewicz, Derek Engler, Cyril Weems, Kenney Gales, Rod Spiller, Jerry Wunsch
Comments: Good overall class with a lot of depth, especially in the line. This class provided much of the depth for the '94 Rose Bowl and Hall of Fame Bowl teams. A solid group that did not have a lot of NFL type talent beyond Wunsch, but certainly got a lot of their ability and ranks in the top 10 of the Alvarez/Bielema era.
Key players: Jamie Vanderveldt, Darrel Bevell, John Hall, Manny Castro, Bryan Jurewicz, Derek Engler, Cyril Weems, Kenney Gales, Rod Spiller, Jerry Wunsch
Comments: Good overall class with a lot of depth, especially in the line. This class provided much of the depth for the '94 Rose Bowl and Hall of Fame Bowl teams. A solid group that did not have a lot of NFL type talent beyond Wunsch, but certainly got a lot of their ability and ranks in the top 10 of the Alvarez/Bielema era.
Class #10: 1998: 65 points, 2.6 AVG/player
Coach: Barry Alvarez
Athlon Team Recruiting Ranking: 32nd (6th in Big Ten)
Top Rated Recruits: Ben Johnson, Al Johnson, Terry Stephan, Wendell Bryant
Key players: Joey Boese, Brooks Bollinger, Michael Bennett, Nick Greisen, Wendell Bryant, Nick Davis, Jake Sprague, Al Johnson, Ben Johnson, Bryson Thompson
Comments: A good solid group that held the program together through some poor classes that followed. The class could have been even better if not for the losses of Terry Stephan and Clink Bakken. Good depth with a nice mix between skill players and line players including some nice pros who hung around the NFL for nice careers.
Coach: Barry Alvarez
Athlon Team Recruiting Ranking: 32nd (6th in Big Ten)
Top Rated Recruits: Ben Johnson, Al Johnson, Terry Stephan, Wendell Bryant
Key players: Joey Boese, Brooks Bollinger, Michael Bennett, Nick Greisen, Wendell Bryant, Nick Davis, Jake Sprague, Al Johnson, Ben Johnson, Bryson Thompson
Comments: A good solid group that held the program together through some poor classes that followed. The class could have been even better if not for the losses of Terry Stephan and Clink Bakken. Good depth with a nice mix between skill players and line players including some nice pros who hung around the NFL for nice careers.
Class #11: 2006: 60 points, 2.6 AVG/player
Coach: Bret Bielema
Scout Team Recruiting Ranking: 37th (5th in Big Ten)
Top Rated Recruits: Lance Kendricks, Jake Bscherer, Kim Royston. Lance Smith, Brandon Hoey, Bill Nagy
Key Players: Carimi, Moffit, Jai Valai, Isaac Anderson, Niles Brinkley, Nagy, Smith, Kendricks, Scott Tolzein
Comments: Another solid middle of the pack class. Tolzien's late emergence gave them a boost and offensive group was pretty good, but lacking defensive players. This was hurt by departures from the program, whether injury or other circumstances.
Coach: Bret Bielema
Scout Team Recruiting Ranking: 37th (5th in Big Ten)
Top Rated Recruits: Lance Kendricks, Jake Bscherer, Kim Royston. Lance Smith, Brandon Hoey, Bill Nagy
Key Players: Carimi, Moffit, Jai Valai, Isaac Anderson, Niles Brinkley, Nagy, Smith, Kendricks, Scott Tolzein
Comments: Another solid middle of the pack class. Tolzien's late emergence gave them a boost and offensive group was pretty good, but lacking defensive players. This was hurt by departures from the program, whether injury or other circumstances.
Class #12: 2000: 65 points, 2.4 AVG/player
Coach: Barry Alvarez
Athlon Team Recruiting Ranking: 21st (5th in Big Ten)
Top Rated Recruits: Darius Jones, Travann Hayes, Jerron Smith, Kalvin Barrett, Tyron Griffin
Key Players: Jones, Anthony Davis, Dan Buenning, Jon Clinkscale, Ryan Aiello, Jason Jefferson, Erasmus James, Jonathan Welsh, Mike Lorenz, Tony Paciotti
Comments: Another good solid class, similar to the '92 group. They didn't have a ton of star power beyond James who came on late, but were otherwise pretty good with solid contributors all over the place. In hindsight, it is ironic that of the few non-contributors, most of them were the highest rated players in the class.
Coach: Barry Alvarez
Athlon Team Recruiting Ranking: 21st (5th in Big Ten)
Top Rated Recruits: Darius Jones, Travann Hayes, Jerron Smith, Kalvin Barrett, Tyron Griffin
Key Players: Jones, Anthony Davis, Dan Buenning, Jon Clinkscale, Ryan Aiello, Jason Jefferson, Erasmus James, Jonathan Welsh, Mike Lorenz, Tony Paciotti
Comments: Another good solid class, similar to the '92 group. They didn't have a ton of star power beyond James who came on late, but were otherwise pretty good with solid contributors all over the place. In hindsight, it is ironic that of the few non-contributors, most of them were the highest rated players in the class.
Class #13: 2004: 60 points, 2.5 AVG/player
Coach: Barry Alvarez
Scout Team Recruiting Ranking: 37th (6th in Big Ten)
Top Rated Recruits: Kraig Urbik, Taylor Mehlhaff, Sean Lewis, Bryan Savage, Marcus Randle-El, Nick Hayden
Key Players: Jason Chapman, Andy Crooks, Hayden, Urbik, Mehlhaff, Allan Langford, Jack Ikegwuonu, Chris Pressley, Paul Hubbard, Mike Newkirk
Comments: They had some really good players of course, but quite a few busts as well and lacked star talent. The much hyped QB duo of Lewis and Savage proved to be very disappointing while the Wisconsin kids on the list came through as hoped.
Coach: Barry Alvarez
Scout Team Recruiting Ranking: 37th (6th in Big Ten)
Top Rated Recruits: Kraig Urbik, Taylor Mehlhaff, Sean Lewis, Bryan Savage, Marcus Randle-El, Nick Hayden
Key Players: Jason Chapman, Andy Crooks, Hayden, Urbik, Mehlhaff, Allan Langford, Jack Ikegwuonu, Chris Pressley, Paul Hubbard, Mike Newkirk
Comments: They had some really good players of course, but quite a few busts as well and lacked star talent. The much hyped QB duo of Lewis and Savage proved to be very disappointing while the Wisconsin kids on the list came through as hoped.
Class #14: 2011: 56 points, 2.5 AVG/player
Coach: Bret Bielema
Rivals Team Recruiting Ranking: 40th (7th in Big Ten)
Top Rated Recruits: Jake Keefer, Austin Traylor, Melvin Gordon, Sam Arneson
Key Players: Russell Wilson, Gordon, Michael Caputo, Darius Hillary, Derek Landisch, Tyler Marz, Derek Watt
Comments: Russell Wilson was the big name here and maybe he shouldn't have been placed in the class, but as a transfer, 2011 was his year of entry, so there you go. Combine him with Melvin Gordon and you have a ton of points off the top. However, after that the results were "meh". You had some guys like Landisch, Marz, Caputo, Watt, and Hillary who had nice careers, but not enough depth to make a bit move up the rankings.
Coach: Bret Bielema
Rivals Team Recruiting Ranking: 40th (7th in Big Ten)
Top Rated Recruits: Jake Keefer, Austin Traylor, Melvin Gordon, Sam Arneson
Key Players: Russell Wilson, Gordon, Michael Caputo, Darius Hillary, Derek Landisch, Tyler Marz, Derek Watt
Comments: Russell Wilson was the big name here and maybe he shouldn't have been placed in the class, but as a transfer, 2011 was his year of entry, so there you go. Combine him with Melvin Gordon and you have a ton of points off the top. However, after that the results were "meh". You had some guys like Landisch, Marz, Caputo, Watt, and Hillary who had nice careers, but not enough depth to make a bit move up the rankings.
Class #15: 1991: 56 points, 2.3 AVG/player
Coach: Barry Alvarez
Key players: Lee DeRamus, Terrell Fletcher, Dwight Reese, Cory Raymer, Matt Nyquist, Jason Maniecki, Steve Stark, Same Veit, Eric Unverzagt, Mike Bryan
Comments: Like the '90 group, this group had the benefit of immediate playing time due to the new coach. However, they also had some NFL type talent on board and decent but not great depth. Looking at the star power of this group (DeRamus, Fletcher, Raymer), I think you could argue bumping them up a spot despite the numbers.
Coach: Barry Alvarez
Key players: Lee DeRamus, Terrell Fletcher, Dwight Reese, Cory Raymer, Matt Nyquist, Jason Maniecki, Steve Stark, Same Veit, Eric Unverzagt, Mike Bryan
Comments: Like the '90 group, this group had the benefit of immediate playing time due to the new coach. However, they also had some NFL type talent on board and decent but not great depth. Looking at the star power of this group (DeRamus, Fletcher, Raymer), I think you could argue bumping them up a spot despite the numbers.
Class #16: 2002: 53 points, 2.3 AVG/player
Coach: Barry Alvarez
Scout Team Recruiting Ranking: 53rd (7th in Big Ten)
Top Rated Recruits: Alex Lewis, Reggie Cribbs, Enrique Cook, Elliott Goode, Phillip Fuller
Key Players: Lamar Watkins, Brandon Williams, Lewis, John Stocco, Joe Monty, Mark Zalewski, Joe Stellmacher, Levonne Rowan
Comments: Not a terrible class, but not much more than average either. It had some really nice assets at the top, but also a lot of non-contributors. The linebacker group was very highly thought of entering college but overall disappointed. Despite the unspectacular performance, this group had some very tough players.
Coach: Barry Alvarez
Scout Team Recruiting Ranking: 53rd (7th in Big Ten)
Top Rated Recruits: Alex Lewis, Reggie Cribbs, Enrique Cook, Elliott Goode, Phillip Fuller
Key Players: Lamar Watkins, Brandon Williams, Lewis, John Stocco, Joe Monty, Mark Zalewski, Joe Stellmacher, Levonne Rowan
Comments: Not a terrible class, but not much more than average either. It had some really nice assets at the top, but also a lot of non-contributors. The linebacker group was very highly thought of entering college but overall disappointed. Despite the unspectacular performance, this group had some very tough players.
Class #17: 1993: 48 points, 2.4 AVG/player
Coach: Barry Alvarez
Athlon/Lemming Team Recruiting Ranking: 10th (2nd in Big Ten)
Top Rated Recruits: Royce Roberson, Carl McCullough, Rob Lurstema, Tony Simmons, Tarek Saleh
Key players: Saleh, Simmons, Pete Monty, Donny Brady, Daryl Carter, John Lysek, Jason Suttle, McCullough
Comments: This class had some quality but without the depth of some of the other classes. A very top-heavy class with some excellent players but quite a few non-performers which brought down the overall score. This class was hurt by defections, as players like Reggie Torian, Royce Roberson, and Rob Lurstema did not fulfill their early promise. Overall, a so-so class despite their lofty ranking (2nd in the Big Ten).
Coach: Barry Alvarez
Athlon/Lemming Team Recruiting Ranking: 10th (2nd in Big Ten)
Top Rated Recruits: Royce Roberson, Carl McCullough, Rob Lurstema, Tony Simmons, Tarek Saleh
Key players: Saleh, Simmons, Pete Monty, Donny Brady, Daryl Carter, John Lysek, Jason Suttle, McCullough
Comments: This class had some quality but without the depth of some of the other classes. A very top-heavy class with some excellent players but quite a few non-performers which brought down the overall score. This class was hurt by defections, as players like Reggie Torian, Royce Roberson, and Rob Lurstema did not fulfill their early promise. Overall, a so-so class despite their lofty ranking (2nd in the Big Ten).
Class #18: 2003: 40 points, 2.5 AVG/player
Coach: Barry Alvarez
Scout Team Recruiting Ranking: 36th (6th in Big Ten)
Top Rated Recruits: Joe Thomas, Justin Ostrowski, Danny Kaye, Andrew Weininger, Michael Turner
Key Players: Roderick Rogers, Thomas, Jamal Cooper, Marcus Coleman, Tyler Donovan
Comments: A small class without a ton of depth. Donovan gave them a nice boost at the end of their run. They are similiar to the '95 and '99 groups in terms of some top heavy quality, but the depth is just so limited. Joe Thomas alone however made this class worthwhile I suppose.
Coach: Barry Alvarez
Scout Team Recruiting Ranking: 36th (6th in Big Ten)
Top Rated Recruits: Joe Thomas, Justin Ostrowski, Danny Kaye, Andrew Weininger, Michael Turner
Key Players: Roderick Rogers, Thomas, Jamal Cooper, Marcus Coleman, Tyler Donovan
Comments: A small class without a ton of depth. Donovan gave them a nice boost at the end of their run. They are similiar to the '95 and '99 groups in terms of some top heavy quality, but the depth is just so limited. Joe Thomas alone however made this class worthwhile I suppose.
Class #19: 1994: 37 points, 2.5 AVG/player
Coach: Barry Alvarez
Athlon/Blue Chip Illustrated Team Recruiting Ranking: Not in Top 40 (7th in the Big Ten)
Top Rated Recruits: Donald Hayes, Mike Samuel
Key players: Lamar Campbell, Hayes, Samuel, Bob Adamov, Cecil Martin, Leonard Taylor
Comments: The "infamous" post-Rose Bowl class that supposedly wasn’t as good as it needed to be. This was the year in which Alvarez had the fewest number of scholarships to work with (only 13 players on the official list). Actually, the quality was decent, with most of the players contributing. It gained some as guys like Taylor and Adamov added some points late in their careers. The only big timer in retrospect was Hayes and arguably Cecil Martin. A fair class given the raw numbers, but given the circumstances, it did not hit a "home run" like some had hoped and goes down as fairly disappointing.
Coach: Barry Alvarez
Athlon/Blue Chip Illustrated Team Recruiting Ranking: Not in Top 40 (7th in the Big Ten)
Top Rated Recruits: Donald Hayes, Mike Samuel
Key players: Lamar Campbell, Hayes, Samuel, Bob Adamov, Cecil Martin, Leonard Taylor
Comments: The "infamous" post-Rose Bowl class that supposedly wasn’t as good as it needed to be. This was the year in which Alvarez had the fewest number of scholarships to work with (only 13 players on the official list). Actually, the quality was decent, with most of the players contributing. It gained some as guys like Taylor and Adamov added some points late in their careers. The only big timer in retrospect was Hayes and arguably Cecil Martin. A fair class given the raw numbers, but given the circumstances, it did not hit a "home run" like some had hoped and goes down as fairly disappointing.
Class #20 : 2010: 53 points, 2.0 AVG/player
Coach: Bret Bielema
Rivals Recruiting Ranking: 87th (11th in the Big Ten)
Top Rated Recruits: Konrad Zagzebski, Marquis Mason, Bryce Gilbert, Jake Irwin
Key Players: Beau Allen, Kyle Costigan, Rob Havenstein, Peniel Jean, James White, Zagzebski
Comments: By far the worst rated class by the pundits in recent history, with a horrendous team ranking and zero 4 or 5-star players. I like to point out when the recruiting services get it wrong as I am not a fan of the business, but in this case, they must have known something. I don't remember what exactly happened during this recruiting cycle, nor do I recall much of an outrage from fans, though I am sure I just blocked it out. For a bad class, there were three solid NFL players in Allen, White, and Havenstein.
Coach: Bret Bielema
Rivals Recruiting Ranking: 87th (11th in the Big Ten)
Top Rated Recruits: Konrad Zagzebski, Marquis Mason, Bryce Gilbert, Jake Irwin
Key Players: Beau Allen, Kyle Costigan, Rob Havenstein, Peniel Jean, James White, Zagzebski
Comments: By far the worst rated class by the pundits in recent history, with a horrendous team ranking and zero 4 or 5-star players. I like to point out when the recruiting services get it wrong as I am not a fan of the business, but in this case, they must have known something. I don't remember what exactly happened during this recruiting cycle, nor do I recall much of an outrage from fans, though I am sure I just blocked it out. For a bad class, there were three solid NFL players in Allen, White, and Havenstein.
Class #21: 1995: 49 points, 1.9 AVG/player
Coach: Barry Alvarez
Athlon/Blue Chip Illustrated Recruiting Ranking: 25th (3rd in Big Ten)
Top Rated Recruits: Tim Rosga, Chris McIntosh, Marcus White, Tom Burke, Mark Zanders
Key Players: McIntosh, Aaron Gibson, Burke, Ahmad Merritt, Bobby Myers, Mark Tauscher
Comments: This class rates as the second worst of the era. What is amazing is that there are three All-Americans in the class, not to mention a walk-on that is still an NFL starter, accounting for a gob of "recruiting points". This class had poor depth despite the obvious attributes of the stars. This should have been the real year when Wisconsin should have cleaned up, with the opportunity to recruit this batch for a full year following the first Rose Bowl year. This group was the main reason why so many freshmen and sophomores had to play in '97. Ironically, this class was rated very solidly by the "experts".
Coach: Barry Alvarez
Athlon/Blue Chip Illustrated Recruiting Ranking: 25th (3rd in Big Ten)
Top Rated Recruits: Tim Rosga, Chris McIntosh, Marcus White, Tom Burke, Mark Zanders
Key Players: McIntosh, Aaron Gibson, Burke, Ahmad Merritt, Bobby Myers, Mark Tauscher
Comments: This class rates as the second worst of the era. What is amazing is that there are three All-Americans in the class, not to mention a walk-on that is still an NFL starter, accounting for a gob of "recruiting points". This class had poor depth despite the obvious attributes of the stars. This should have been the real year when Wisconsin should have cleaned up, with the opportunity to recruit this batch for a full year following the first Rose Bowl year. This group was the main reason why so many freshmen and sophomores had to play in '97. Ironically, this class was rated very solidly by the "experts".
Class #22: 1999: 32 points, 1.6 AVG/player
Coach: Barry Alvarez
Athlon/Blue Chip Illustrated Recruiting Ranking: 45th (7th in Big Ten)
Top Rated Recruits: Jesse Mayfield, Isaac Booker, BJ Tucker, Scott Willie
Key Players: Lee Evans, Jeff Mack, Jim Sorgi, Tucker, Morgan Davis
Comments: What a disaster. Entering into a period of arguably the most pure talent in program history and coming off of the very good recruiting class of 1998, Alvarez and staff shot for the stars and simply could not close the deal. Only Lee Evans saved this class from total disgrace. Sorgi, Mack, and Tucker were solid players, but after that.....ick. This class was typified by players like Jael Speights who wound up in prison before every playing for the Badgers and Lance Young, a quality receiver who could not gain admissions. Following the success of Dayne, it also featured the new two-headed battering rams of Isaac Booker and Wendell Davidson, both of whom became busts. The class did not rank highly amongst the experts, and for good reason.
Coach: Barry Alvarez
Athlon/Blue Chip Illustrated Recruiting Ranking: 45th (7th in Big Ten)
Top Rated Recruits: Jesse Mayfield, Isaac Booker, BJ Tucker, Scott Willie
Key Players: Lee Evans, Jeff Mack, Jim Sorgi, Tucker, Morgan Davis
Comments: What a disaster. Entering into a period of arguably the most pure talent in program history and coming off of the very good recruiting class of 1998, Alvarez and staff shot for the stars and simply could not close the deal. Only Lee Evans saved this class from total disgrace. Sorgi, Mack, and Tucker were solid players, but after that.....ick. This class was typified by players like Jael Speights who wound up in prison before every playing for the Badgers and Lance Young, a quality receiver who could not gain admissions. Following the success of Dayne, it also featured the new two-headed battering rams of Isaac Booker and Wendell Davidson, both of whom became busts. The class did not rank highly amongst the experts, and for good reason.