Top 10 Wisconsin high school football players from the Class of 2021

It could be argued that no college football program has a grip on its home state quite like the University of Wisconsin. For the second straight year and third time in five years, the Badgers have secured the state’s top five high school football prospects according to the 247Sports 2021 composite rankings.

Only one of Wisconsin’s Top 10 senior football prospects in undecided.

See the complete rankings as compiled by 247Sports composite below. 1. JP Benzschawel, Grafton
6-7 | 260 | OT | Wisconsin
The 4-star recruit is the country’s No. 15 tackle prospect and a Top 130 prospect overall. Wisconsin is listed as his only offer. Committed to the Badgers in February 2019. Says 247sports recruiting analyst Allen Trieu: “Tall with good length. Naturally very lean but has filled in quite a bit since we first evaluated him as a sophomore. … Frame and athleticism suggest high upside. Should be a multi-year starter at a Power 5 school and has the tools to play on Sundays if he keeps developing.”

2. Hunter Wohler, Muskego
6-1 | 190 | S | Wisconsin
State’s other 4-star prospect is the country’s No. 10 safety recruit and a Top 200 player overall. Picked the Badgers in December. Owns a 4.63 40-yard dash and 32.5-inch vertical. His 10 offers include Michigan, Ohio State, Notre Dame, Minnesota, Iowa, Stanford, Iowa State, Michigan State and Georgia Tech. Says Trieu: “Nice-sized safety prospect. Has above average height and solid length. Makes plays all over the field. … His intangibles, athleticism and his high school production all make him a safe bet to be an impact college player and has the skill set to play beyond that. If he continues to grow, he may move closer to the line of scrimmage.”

3. Ayo Adebogun, Homestead (Mequon)
6-3 | 205 | WDE | Wisconsin
Top 40 weakside defensive end prospect nationally committed to the Badgers in December. Michigan State also offered. Says Trieu: “Good athlete who gets off the ball well and makes a ton of plays in the backfield. Can change directions and is effective in chase mode. … Has upside based on how productive he has been despite just picking up the game. Power 5 starter.”

4. Jackson Acker, Verona
6-1 | 210 | RB | Wisconsin
Ran for 929 yards and 11 touchdowns in eight games last year. Top 30 running back prospect nationally committed to the Badgers in June 2019. Wisconsin is listed as his only offer.  Was second in the discus and ninth in the shot put at the 2019 WIAA Division I state track meet. Says Treiu: “Looks great on the hoof. … Grades out as a Power 5 prospect because of his great measureables.”

5. Loyal Crawford, Eau Claire Memorial
6-0 | 190 | RB | Wisconsin
Looking to rebound from a junior season that was limited to five games due to injury. Still rushed for 671 yards and 11 touchdowns. Top 30 running back prospect nationally committed to the Badgers in August 2019. Michigan State has also offered.

6. Marcus Mbow, Wauwatosa East
6-6 | 285 | OT | Undecided
Country’s 80th ranked tackle prospect. Holds 15 offers, including Nebraska, Arizona State, Iowa State, Michigan State, Virginia, Iowa, West Virginia, Purdue, Indiana and Arizona.

7. Garrett Gillette, Mukwonago
6-5 | 215 | TE | Arizona State
Committed to the Sun Devils on May 24. Is ranked as nation’s No. 56 tight end prospect. Michigan State, Central Florida, Toledo and Iowa State among his 13 offers.

8. Hayden Nelson, Brookfield Central
6-4 | 248 | WDE | Syracuse
Top 75 weakside defensive end prospect nationally. Vertical is an impressive 30.4 inches. Holds 16 offers, including Indiana, Iowa State, Navy, North Dakota State, Wyoming and Harvard.

9. JaVaughn Byrd, Milwaukee King
6-0 | 170 | CB | Northern Illinois
Top 175 cornerback prospect nationally had 36 tackles, six interceptions and two fumble recoveries last season. Picked the Huskies over Central Michigan.

10. Drew Biber, Cedarburg
6-5 | 200 | TE | Northern Illinois
Committed to the Huskies on April 30. Also holds offers from Northern Iowa and South Dakota State.