Bret Bielema’s 2012 recruiting class is complete, 12 scholarship players and 7 preferred walk-ons.
Wisconsin lost out on a couple of big time offensive lineman, Kyle Dodson who signed with Ohio State and J.J. Denman, who bolted for Rutgers.
But the Badgers were able to find help by signing 6’6, 320 pound Jake Meador out of Whiteland, Indiana. Meador chose the Badgers over Florida.
The Badgers could still add more offensive line help. They’re one of the schools in the running for Chicago’s Jordan Diamond (6’6, 290). Diamond is set to announce his decision on Friday. Those in the running besides Wisconsin are Michigan, Arkansas and Auburn.
The other offensive lineman signed by the Badgers are 6’7, 320 lb. Walker Williams from Tacoma, Washington and 6’4, 295 pound Dan Voltz from Barrington, Illinois. Voltz is already enrolled at the UW and will participate in spring practice.
Bret Bielema landed a 4-star quarterback, Bart Houston in this class.
AUDIO: Bret Bielema says Houston is a winner :12
The Badgers also land Wisconsin Rapids linebacker Vince Biegel.
AUDIO: Bret Bielema on LB Vince Biegel :19
It would be a stretch to think that Bart Houston could compete for the starting QB job right away, but offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Matt Canada said the job is wide open.
AUDIO: Matt Canada on QB Bart Houston’s starting prospects :23
Scout.com ranks the Badgers class 60th nationally and 10th in the Big Ten, but a lot of that has to do with the low number of scholarships available.