Jim Leonhard’s success on the football field is no accident. Throughout his career, he’s thrived when he shouldn’t. As Interm Badgers head coach, Leonhard isn’t letting recruiting go overlooked. Leonhard has locked in his first commitment in the class of 2024. Austin Alexander, Chicago Heights, Illinois, pledged to Jim Leonhard and Wisconsin Monday.
Austin Alexander
Alexander is a 6-foot-1, 3-star cornerback out of Marian Catholic High School. He’s a three-sport athlete, playing baseball, basketball, and football. He returns punts and plays some wide-out but projects as a corner in college. His long arms are similar to former Alabama DB Dre Kirkpatrick’s and will let him battle taller receivers in college. This kid is great at getting to the ball. He’s a ball hawk and plays the football when he has a chance at making a pick. The kid’s also an excellent tackler–gets low and wraps up. I love the potential here.
Very impressive ball skills by 2024 3-Star Wisconsin commit CB Austin Alexander, lots of developing but I like this kid a lot. https://t.co/08ZlXvmYnk #hudl
— Joshua (@joshua_tips) November 4, 2022
Great 1on1 rep. @CoachBigPete @PrepRedzoneIL @PRZJordan @LopezMchs @CoachFlemingMC pic.twitter.com/ZFA6Dd4Mdu
— Austin “Double AA” Alexander (@Aaustin05) August 3, 2022
Leonhart Underdog Football
Wisconsin was the first school to offer Alexander, and immediately after an unofficial October visit Austin Alexander was “one-thousand percent” on board with the school’s vision. What’s that vision? It’s the Leonhard dream. The team is rallying to it now. It’s what’s given the fanbase renewed hope in what should be an in-between season. Leonhard has turned a transitional squad into one that could be bowl bound. They look like a modern-day Bad News Bears playing college football. They’ve got some talent, but they are overperforming, and it’s clear this group wants to win for Jim Leonhard.

Jim Leonhard has been the clear favorite for the Wisconsin head coaching position. He deserves it. And he’s not preparing to transition to another school next year. Leonhart is on the recruiting trail preaching Wisconsin football. He’s got a vision for where this program is going. That underdog spirit that defined Jim Leonhard’s career is starting to rub off on Wisconsin football. Don’t count this team out.
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