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Wisconsin Football: 3 early signees who’ll have instant impacts in 2021

By Chris Peterson

MADISON, WISCONSIN - SEPTEMBER 28: Head coach Paul Chryst of the Wisconsin Badgers meets with his team in the first quarter against the Northwestern Wildcats at Camp Randall Stadium on September 28, 2019 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
MADISON, WISCONSIN - SEPTEMBER 28: Head coach Paul Chryst of the Wisconsin Badgers meets with his team in the first quarter against the Northwestern Wildcats at Camp Randall Stadium on September 28, 2019 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /
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Wisconsin football put together one of its best recruiting classes in years in 2021 and here are three early signees who will make an instant impact for the Badgers.

The Wisconsin football team didn’t have an ideal season on the field, with a record of 4-3, but the Badgers killed it on the recruiting trail.

Wisconsin has been a solid recruiting program but this cycle the Badgers ranked 16th according to the 247 sports composite rankings and third among Big Ten programs, trailing only Ohio State and Michigan.

Paul Chryst is one of the best coaches in the country and the Badgers will be expected to compete for the Big Ten West title again in 2021 and as long as starting quarterback Graham Mertz is healthy, the Badgers should have as good a shot as anyone.

How much will the group of early signees from the 2021 class help? Here are three who will make an immediate impact next season.

Nolan Rucci, 5-star offensive tackle

Nolan Rucci is the second five-star offensive tackle the Badgers have landed in the last three cycles as Logan Brown (No. 17 overall) signed with Wisconsin football back in 2019.

Rucci, who is 6-foot-8 out of Lititz, PA, should immediately contend for playing time and the honest truth is that Brown is most likely to keep Rucci on the bench.

The Badgers have solid depth at tackle and I don’t think Rucci, who is ranked 15th overall in 2021, will start right away, unless there’s an injury, but he will likely be the swing tackle.

It’s possible that the Badgers could get Rucci to redshirt, but he’s listed at 295 pounds and he’s ready to play right away. Injuries happen on the offensive line and even as the No. 3 tackle, there’s a good chance he plays at some point and once he gets on the field, he might be hard to get off.

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