Over the next two weeks, BadgerBlitz.com will be bringing you snapshots for each recruited position, covering the targets who are legitimate prospects on Wisconsin's board in the 2022 class. We will discuss the candidates who are most interested in the Badgers, as well as those who are considered long shots to commit to UW.
As always, this is just a snapshot in time and things remain fluid. Additional offered targets will appear over the next few months and some recruits will inevitably choose other colleges.
Today, we continue with a look at the offensive linemen.
QUICK BREAKDOWN
Wisconsin has recruited along the offensive line extremely well over the last three classes. With that, the Badgers are expected to have five former four-star tackles on campus next year in Logan Brown, Jack Nelson, Trey Wedig, Riley Mahlman and JP Benzschawel, in addition to five-star Nolan Rucci, UW's highest-rated signee in the 2021 cycle. It will be interesting to see what player from that group takes over at left tackle for Cole Van Lanen, who will move onto the NFL after Wisconsin's bowl game later this month. On the interior, starting jobs at left guard and center are expected to be open this spring with Jon Dietzen (guard) moving on and Kayden Lyles (center) likely out due to injury.
OFFERED PROSPECTS
Four-star offensive tackle Joe Brunner grades out as the top player in the state and the No. 51 prospect in the 2022 class. A three-year varsity starter at Whitefish Bay, Brunner visited UW a handful of times this past fall but has talked about taking official visits before making a final decision.
“I think I’ll try and use all five [official visits] — get out there with my family and see if I’m comfortable with the school," Brunner told BadgerBlitz.com. "It’s helpful to use all five, so I’m going to try and take advantage of it.”
Florida State, Iowa, LSU, Miami (FL), Michigan, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oregon and Penn State, among others, are also involved in Brunner's recruitment.
