Wisconsin is a developmental football program. Even when big-time talent enters the program out of high school, it’s rare we see them step on the field on Day 1 and make a significant impact.
There are obvious exceptions — Jonathan Taylor’s 1,977-yard freshman season in 2017 and Nick Herbig excelling at outside linebacker in 2020.
So when 247Sports outlined 100 true freshmen to watch this season, it makes sense the list wasn’t full of Wisconsin Badgers. Their program-best class of 2021 will make its mark soon enough, but this fall probably will not be that time.
The 100 true freshmen who will impact the 2021 college football season https://t.co/dvDI71POA3 via @247sports #Badgers
— Evan Flood (@Evan_Flood) May 21, 2021
247Sports included one Badger in its list: four-star defensive end T.J. Bollers, who is the No. 155 player in his class, No. 9 defensive end and No. 2 recruit from his home state of Iowa.
Here’s what the piece had to say about the Wisconsin early enrollee:
Wisconsin is a developmental program, yet the coaching staff has long shown a willingness to play true freshmen, particularly in the front seven. Bollers could be that guy in 2021. A muscled-up 6-foot-3, 250 pounds, Bollers entered Madison with college-ready size and the versatility to play both outside linebacker and defensive end. The Badgers are stacked at outside linebacker with Nick Herbig and Noah Burks returning. Wisconsin DC Jim Leonhard has already mentioned Bollers as a young player who could push for playing time.
Bollers will play outside linebacker for the Badgers, joining a rotation led by Herbig, Noah Burks, Spencer Lytle and C.J. Goetz.
He has the talent to see the field this season. When he does (along with ILB/S Braelon Allen, I’ll add), the future of the defense will be on full display.
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