With the early signing period for high school football players beginning on December 18, Badgers Insider takes a closer look at the recruits that signed with the Wisconsin football program.
In this edition, we examine Catholic Memorial (Waukesha, WI) High School tight end Cole Dakovich.
Note: All notes and stats provided by uwbadgers.com
Dakovich chose Wisconsin over other Offers from: Wisconsin was Dakovich’s lone scholarship offer
Dakovich’s High School Accolades: Three–star recruit by 247 Sports, ESPN and Rivals…Led Catholic Memorial to pair of Wisconsin state titles as a junior and senior…First–team all–state by Wisconsin Football Coaches Association as a senior in 2019…Also played basketball and competed in track and field
Dakovich’s Impact as a Badger: For Dakovich it was hard to beat an in-state offer from Wisconsin. Instead of allowing his recruitment to play out and see what other schools might offer it took him five days to jump on his lone scholarship as he was also receiving interest from Iowa and Purdue.
Dakovich played on both sides of the football for Catholic Memorial as he helped guide the Crusaders to a Division 4 State title this past season. Dakovich is projected to play tight end for the Badgers as he finished his senior season with 28 receptions for 297 yards and two touchdowns.
Dakovich is listed at 6’5″ and 225 pounds as he didn’t start playing football until his junior season meaning their is still a lot of potential left for tight ends coach Mickey Turner to work with in order to maximize Dakovich’s potential.
Due to his frame Dakovich provides a large catch radius in the passing game. What also helps him is that he has also played for the Crusaders basketball program, which translates well to him playing the tight end position.
In addition, with Dakovich also playing outside linebacker it should allow for him to be physical in the blocking game. Considering, the quickest way for Dakovich to get on the field for Wisconsin is showing he’s capable of blocking and helping create running lanes.
Dakovich has the skill set to succeed in this area but Wisconsin does demand a lot out of their tight ends in this area. Making it important that when he does arrive on campus that he gets in the weight room and gains the necessary strength to hold up in blocking.
Dakovich will add to the depth at the tight end position as the Badgers were hit hard with injuries during the 2019 season at the position. Dakovich likely won’t be needed as a true freshman but with how important the tight ends are to Wisconsin’s offense if he proves to be a capable blocker and receiver he’ll be able to carve out a role for himself early on in his career.