Things are looking up for the Badgers, who just landed their 23rd commit in the class of 2016. 3-star, 6’7″, 260-pound defensive end and tight end Isaiahh Loudermilk chose Wisconsin over Oregon, Kansas State, Arizona State, Oklahoma State, and other power programs.
He’s the 45th ranked athlete nationally and the number one athlete in Kansas. This is a big time win for the Badgers, who remained the favorite all along after his official visit. Loudermilk is an 8 position player that has tremendous upside with his versatility and special combination of size and athleticism. Look for him to ignite the next generation of great Badger pass rushers or perhaps even play offensive line.
On another note, the Badgers are still determined to add a cornerback and most importantly, one or two running backs to this already-excited class. The Badgers missed out on a few running backs, but are closing in on an offer to 3-star Sam Brodner and are also in play for transfer Chris James from Pitt to carry the Running Back U tradition. Keeping Clement for one more year will give the Badgers ample turnover time to return to their roots.
As of now, it is unlikely that any current commits will flip there decisions before National Signing Day after Aranda’s departure. However, several commits such as 4-star DT Garrett Rand will be monitoring his replacement closely. If Paul Chryst is opportunistic about what will come, then “On Wisconsin” as always.
Defensive coordinator Dave Aranda will be heading to LSU to serve as defensive coordinator. Aranda will be paid over $1 million at LSU, earning around triple what Wisconsin was paying him.
LSU consistently rakes in top four and five star recruits, unfazed by somewhat frustrating restrictions at Wisconsin such as high academic standards and limited recruiting spending. While it will remain a controversial and frustrating subject that Aranda was ranked 64th in terms of the highest paid college football assistant coaches, Wisconsin must turn its focus to finding its own next defensive coordinator.
The program and its fans should be thanking Coach Aranda for sustaining a top-5 defensive program the last few years and for remaining loyal at to a fragmented Badger program when Gary Andersen left. Barry Alvarez sould have shown more urgency in holding Aranda off from the competition, but money talks and the Badgers did not have the money to match LSU’s offer.
It’s time to figure out how to deal with arguably Wisconsin’s toughest schedule ever in 2016, which includes, ironically, LSU the first game at Lambeau followed by a Big Ten campaign of Michigan State, Michigan, Ohio State and Iowa, with three out of four away from Camp Randall.
Considering Alvarez and head coach Paul Chryst’s preferences and history, here are some potential, realistic, and even some fun replacements.
1. Todd Orlando
The current defensive coordinator at Houston played linebacker for Barry Alvarez from 1990-94 is friends with Wisconsin offensive coordinator Joe Rudolph, according to multiple sources. In his lone season there, his team this year boasted a 13-1 record 19th in the country, giving up 20.5 pts/game. He has 18 years of coaching experience under his belt, grasping winning culture that Aranda ignited partaking in bowl games. Orlando saw these successes with UConn, Florida International, and Utah State.
2. Tim Tibesar
The current outside linebackers coach is well prepared to take over right away and would not skip a beat with Tibesar’s understanding of Aranda’s patented defense. Prior, he was a defensive coordinator for Kansas State and North Dakota State and most recently at Purdue in 2012; the Boilermakers led the Big 10 in interceptions, forced fumbles, and takeaways that year. He then took became the linebackers coach for the Chicago Bears in 2013.
3. Matt House
Paul Chryst’s defensive coordinator at Pittsburgh, House spent the 2015 season as Florida International’s defensive coordinator. He served as Chryst’s defensive coordinator in 2013 and 2014, and had top 35 defenses in the nation both seasons. Reuniting House with Chryst in Madison has not been talked about much, but it wouldn’t take much to pull him from FIU if Chryst and Alvarez wanted him.
Wild Card: Bo Pelini
Why not? The former Nebraska coach from 2008-2014 has tremendous defensive experience having worked for three NFL teams. He is currently the head coach at Youngstown State University. It probably wouldn’t be too difficult to reel him away from the smaller program, though his older brother Carl is his co-DC there. But, still, it’s Bo Pelini, and it would be highly unlikely to see him in Madison.
Extreme Wild Card:Chris Borland
The former 2nd Team All-American, Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, and anchor Wisconsin linebacker in 2013 ended his NFL career early. This could be an opportunity to bring a young face that understands the Badger tradition and better yet what made Aranda’s 3-4 offense tick. Even though Borland has said he doesn’t want to coach, a big offer like this could sway him.
With the uncertainty surrounding the head coaching position with Bo Ryan’s imminent retirement, the Badgers continue their search for the next court general after Bronson Koenig. The prospect of having one true point guard on the roster this season has been a significant cause for concern, so depth reinforcement is necessary even if Koenig stays for his senior year.
The coaching staff failed to capitalize on several big time recruits such as Payton Pritchard, Xavier Simpson, and Jaquori McLaughlin. Only offering in-state three-star talent Trevor Anderson a walk-on opportunity and under-valuing other in-state products, in addition to aforementioned recruiting struggles, could come back to haunt Bo Ryan and company.
Don’t fret yet. There is optimism in that the fundamental genius of Wisconsin basketball can work its magic and ultimately, groom another under-the-radar kid into an NBA prospect. Unfortunately, Frank Kaminsky’s story is not one to be replicated without immense work. With one scholarship left and trouble finding a point guard, the stubborn Badgers have let countless prospects at other positions slip through the cracks such as four-star Small forward Sam Hauser and three-star power-forward Nick Rakocevic.
Lock-down shooter and more of an off-ball guard. But, he has shown glimpses of his ability to make plays for both himself and for his teammates with the ball. He played for All-Ohio AUU, a team that has helped pave the way for several college and professional players like Michael Redd, Jared Sullinger, Eric Snow, and Trey Burke. He’s a high-ceiling guy with tremendous potential.
Skyler Nash (No current offer; Chicago, IL; 6’5 SG/Combo Guard; ***)
(NY2LA Sports)
Great height for his position; freakish athlete. He would give the Badgers versatility in his ability to play three positions and his vision. Side story: Nash battled cancer last year and had to transfer from power house Whitney Young to a suburban high school. He has shown tremendous persistence to make a full recovery, and then dealt with a dehydration infection and and various problems his entire life. There is no question Nash is driven to achieve greatness and whatever he puts his mind to.
One of the best players at the Badger basketball camp over the summer. He’s a very unselfish, high IQ leader. Supposedly, he will retake the ACT and hopes to get an offer contingent on better test scores. Underrated and the underdog his whole life, Gantz is a who plays the game with his heart, sweat, and tears on his sleeve and deserves an opportunity.
The Badgers still have several options regardless of their misfortune so far. For one, look for the staff to try and flip a soft or verbal commitment of an in-state prospect with an offer such as Tejon Lucas, Trevor Anderson, Juwan McCloud, or Jordan Bohannon. The most obvious choice would be to get a commitment from Frankie Hughes. The Badgers have had some success recruiting in Ohio with Nigel Hayes, Vitto Brown, and most recently, freshman Khalil Iverson.
In the past, Bo has found ways around his lack of ball handlers by moving players of other positions. Traevon Jackson, who entered Wisconsin as a shooting guard, thrived as the point guard. Bo Ryan’s patented five-guard offense doesn’t necessarily require a point-guard. Every player wearing the red and white is a triple threat meaning they can dribble, pass, and shoot. The flexibility of Bo’s offense will be tested, but then again, he’s never been one to follow the conventional path to success and look where it has gotten the future Hall of Famer.
Author’s Take
I expect the Badgers to get their next point guard in the form of Frankie Hughes. The Badgers have not shied away from their goal of bringing him in, as Assistant Coach Lamont Paris visited the combo-guard last Tuesday according to his coach. He hasn’t been shy about his love for the program’s identity, as he respects Bo’s work: “His style of play is amazing. As a defense you can’t protect the perimeter or clog the paint against them…I love the way they use their pieces to their advantage.”
The puzzling question to many who have watched this 2015 recruiting class unfold remains: Why didn’t Bo and his staff try to secure a guard in this recruiting cycle rather than play the fickle waiting game?
Although Wisconsin has advanced to the Final Four two straight years, inconsistency in recruiting may forever leave us wondering what Bo Ryan could do with five-star talent. A simple yes from Ryan to maintain the coaching throne might have provided the necessary leverage to close on missed recruits.
That being said, the Badgers will take the high road and make the most of their current options in their ongoing search for the next point guard.
