The Wisconsin badgers signed 14 scholarship players during the early signing period of the 2022 recruiting cycle this past Wednesday. And while that number is subject to change, Wisconsin’s class currently ranks 44th in the country, and 11th in the Big Ten – with an average recruiting ranking of (0.87), per 247 sports.
In part four of a position by position recruiting evaluation series, I will be handing out grades for each position from the early signing period.
So, without further ado, here is my tight end evaluation.
TIGHT END: B+
Commits (1): JT Seagreaves
Offers: (9) in-state miss – 4-Star Jerry Cross (Penn State)
Wisconsin ultimately decided to take just one tight end in this cycle, which makes sense due to the relative youth remaining at position.
JT Seagreaves out of Monroe, Wisconsin was the player Paul Chryst coveted above all others, and once he secured his commitment he essentially shut down pursuit of all other tight ends.
Seagreaves is a three-star recruit per 247, who recorded 42 receptions for 967 yards and six touchdowns as a senior. He also added an additional 1,288 yards rushing with 18 touchdowns.
JT Seagreaves has potential to be a big play pass catcher down the road, and was a high upside swing absolutely worth taking with so many young tight ends already on the roster.
Joe Rudolph has spoke glowingly about the in-state tight end, and is clearly someone the coaching staff is higher on than the consensus. I also don’t view Seagreaves as the boom or bust type of prospect that some feel that he is. I can agree he’ll need some time, but I think the payoff has the potential to be significant.
Conclusion:
This is a commitment that I’m probably higher on than most. Despite being the lowest rated recruit in the class, Seagreaves is a player that I believe has tremendous upside for the position.
Yes, he’ll be asked to put on weight, but it was reported that he ran a 4.60 at Wisconsin team camp – which makes him a well above average athlete at tight end. He has the potential to be a true pass-catching weapon for UW with some seasoning.
JT Seagreaves is who they wanted, and they were able to keep him home. That’s a win in my book.
Other evaluations: QB | RB | WR
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