Russell Wilson’s decision to transfer to Wisconsin immediately makes the Badgers one of the strongest contenders for a title and the concordant BCS berth in 2011’s new-look Big Ten. Wisconsin coach Bret Bielema, whose team fell to TCU in the 2011 Rose Bowl, is understandably excited about that prospect.
Wisconsin Football Coach Bret Bielema Talks About Landing Russell Wilson
Bielema talked to a radio station in Madison about Wilson’s recruitment and the Badgers’ chances with him. The recruitment itself seems like a tale of working around a restrictive NCAA rulebook after Bielema did “recon” on the Internet to familiarize himself with the former N.C. State star.
It was interesting because really unlike any other kid that you’re recruiting he’s truly in a unique situation. He’s a three-year grad, he’s playing professional sports, you’re in a time of year when it’s illegal to contact and evaluate prospects off campus. I actually put forward special legislation and went all the way to the NCAA review panel that got denied, but I was trying to get a way to go see his mom or have the possibility to see him play a baseball game. We were denied on both aspects.Bielema also wants Wilson to “come in and be who he is,” saying that Wilson’s transfer will not change Wisconsin’s approach or goals. But while Bielema insisted that Wilson would be part of a competition for the quarterback position, the Badgers have just two returning quarterbacks who saw any playing time in 2010 — and Jon Budmayr and Nate Tice combined to throw 10 passes in relief of Scott Tolzien.
For more on the Badgers, visit SB Nation’s Wisconsin blog,
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