Analyzing the future prospects at cornerback for the Badgers following Rukeem Stroud’s decommitment.
The Wisconsin Badgers received disappointing news on Monday morning when four-star cornerback Rukeem Stroud de-committed from their program and switched to the UCF Knights.
As a result, Wisconsin now has only one cornerback in their 2025 class: Illinois three-star Jahmare Washington. Despite this setback, the Badgers have accumulated a strong group of defensive backs in recent years, ensuring a bright future with a lot of young talent at the position.
Let’s examine the Badgers’ scholarship distribution at cornerback and predict how it may evolve over the next few years.
**Upperclassmen:**
– RJ Delancy (redshirt senior)
– Max Lofy (redshirt senior)
– Nyzier Fourqurean (senior)
– Ricardo Hallman (redshirt junior)
Three scholarship cornerbacks, RJ Delancy, Nyzier Fourqurean, and Max Lofy, will see their eligibility expire after the 2024 season. All three are expected to play significant roles in 2024, with Delancy and Fourqurean likely starting or featuring prominently in the two-deep rotation. Lofy has also been active with the first-team defense in the nickel position during spring practices.
Ricardo Hallman, a redshirt junior, opted to return to Wisconsin after receiving feedback from the NFL. Set to start in the secondary, Hallman underwent offseason shoulder surgery and is nearly fully recovered. He is poised to be a key defensive player this season.
**Underclassmen:**
– Jonas Duclona (sophomore)
– Amare Snowden (redshirt freshman)
– Jace Arnold (redshirt freshman)
– Xavier Lucas (freshman)
– Omillio Agard (freshman)
– Jay Harper (freshman)
The future looks promising with a talented group of underclassmen. In the 2023 and 2024 classes, Wisconsin secured Duclona, Snowden, and Arnold, followed by Lucas, Agard, and Harper in the current freshman class.
Duclona made the two-deep as a true freshman but had limited meaningful snaps. He spent spring alternating between the first and second teams, depending on Delancy’s position, and could see increased usage in 2025.
Arnold, another smaller cornerback, played mostly with the second and third-team defenses this offseason. Snowden, a long and rangy cornerback at 6’4″, 210 pounds, needs technical refinement but could secure the boundary spot with improved foot speed and skills.
Xavier Lucas, a versatile defensive back, might also fit into the boundary position if he adapts quickly. Agard, an Under Armour All-American, is best suited as a field corner. His technical skills will determine his readiness, and he could also play nickel. Harper, with solid size and athleticism at 6’1″, is a high-upside player still developing his football skills.
Overall, this is a strong group of underclassmen, and Wisconsin hopes at least two will develop into formidable secondary players.
2025 Class:The 2025 class currently includes only one true cornerback, Jahmare Washington. However, athletes Remington Moss and Jaimier Scott could potentially play cornerback, though safety seems more likely for them.
Washington, with his 6’2″, 170-pound frame, is a promising candidate for the boundary spot as he develops. Despite Stroud’s de-commitment, Wisconsin remains well-stocked with underclassmen talent at cornerback. Many current players profile similarly to Stroud, mitigating the impact of his departure.
Overall, the Badgers have a balanced mix of experienced and young defensive backs, ensuring a solid outlook for the future. Additionally, the transfer portal remains an option for further bolstering the roster.
