It's been a bit of a strange year for the 2012 Wisconsin recruiting class. Normally there is the foundation of Wisconsin born and breed kids and some others from FL, OH, PA, etc, but this year there are only 2 native Wisconsinites that will be on scholarship with the Badgers. Yesterday we highlighted the #2 ranked player out of the Badger State in Vonte Jackson. Today we flip sides of the ball and feature OLB Vince Biegel, the last of the Wisconsinites to be profiled in this, day 4, of The 12 Days of Recruits Series.
If you want a look at Vonte Jackson, you can find our profile and thoughts here.
Vince Biegel Personal Stats:
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 210lbs.
Hometown/High School: Wisconsin Rapids/Wisconsin Rapids Lincoln
2011 Stats:
172 tackles, 21 sacks, 3INT's
Rankings:
247Sports: 4*, #156 (nationally), #13 (OLB), #1 (state)
Rivals: 4*, #92 (nationally), #5 (OLB), #1 (state)
Scout: 4*, no national or state rankings, #23 (OLB)
My Thoughts:
Biegel could be one of the best high school defensive products to come along in the state of Wisconsin in some time. He reminds me a bit of current Badger Mike Taylor, only a bit smaller but faster than Taylor.
He has consistently timed at a 4.58ish 40 yard dash time. The one thing that he really needs to work on is getting bigger and a bit stronger and according to some reports that's exactly what he was up to over this past summer. Last we knew he was 210lbs. and has put on upwards of 10 or more pounds already and that's a good sign.
As you may have been able to tell by the photo at the top, Biegel is also going to be playing in the U.S. Army All-American game with fellow solid commit Dan Voltz, something not many if any Wisconsinite on defensive has been able to do to date.
He's very physical and attacks the point well and has a very good recognition of plays and feel for blocks that may be coming his way. I really like the motor that he shows and having Junior and Senior seasons both with over 170 tackles it shows he is consistent as well.
With Kevin Claxton graduating the OLB spot next to the duo of Chris Borland and Mike Taylor could be up for grabs. I fully expect that if Biegel gets to around 230lbs. he'll be in the mix along with Connor O'Neil for the starting spot.
All I know is I drool a bit at the thought of Borland, Taylor, and Biegel on the field at the same time. It would clearly be the most athletic and aggressive linebacking corp Wisconsin has ever had. Now, I'm not saying that he will win the starting spot, I think O'Neil played well enough this season to provide some confidence, but I fully expect him to see time on the field this upcoming season and may push O'Neil for that role in camp. It's a battle I will be keeping an eye on that's for sure.
Videos:
Thanks to our friends at Badger247 for the Junior year highlight film and I'm also giving you a glimpse at the person Biegel is by showing you his announcement of being on the U.S. Army All-American team. I hope you enjoy and let's hear your thoughts on this prospective Badger!
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