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Wisconsin Football: Three impactful newcomers for the Badgers

By Dante Pryor

Dec 30, 2021; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Wisconsin Badgers players celebrate with the Las Vegas Bowl Championship trophy after defeating the Arizona State Sun Devils 20-13 at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2021; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Wisconsin Badgers players celebrate with the Las Vegas Bowl Championship trophy after defeating the Arizona State Sun Devils 20-13 at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports /
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November 6, 2021; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats offensive lineman Jake Renfro (56) against the Tulsa Golden Hurricane in the first half at Nippert Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports
November 6, 2021; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats offensive lineman Jake Renfro (56) against the Tulsa Golden Hurricane in the first half at Nippert Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Jake Renfro, Center (Transfer):

There was no shortage of players from Cincinnati that followed Luke Fickell to Wisconsin. Four players followed their head coach to Madison. Two of those players were offensive linemen. The Badgers have one of the best reputations in college football for developing offensive linemen.

One spot where Wisconsin did have a hole in the trenches was the interior. Joe Huber played tackle at Cincinnati but could kick inside and play guard or center. Expect fellow transfer Jake Renfro to plug and play at center this fall. Center Joe Tippman decided to forgo his remaining eligibility and declare for the NFL draft.

Renfro is going to fill that spot. He was All-AAC First Team in 2021 as a sophomore as an anchor on the offensive line that led the Bearcats to the College Football Playoff. According to reports out of Madison, Renfro fits right in with the Badgers.

"“Usually, when you’re taking a guy (from the portal), there is a weird transition (period). You have the boys that you’ve been here with, and then there is this new guy. In Renfro’s case, it wasn’t like that. Does he bring it on the field? Does he have the smarts to play center? So far, he’s surpassed all my expectations. He’s doing a great job,” said veteran tackle Jack Nelson."

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