Wisconsin Badgers’ offseason after their awful finish in 2024 was marred by players de-committing and others entering transfer portal. Grant Dean thought differently and he is adamant in wearing the Badgers jersey.
Wm. Glasheen USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
Dean, a standout from Neenah High, took to X to express his passion and commitment to the football program, saying it was his dream to become part of the Wisconsin Badgers.
“Growing up in Wisconsin, I always envisioned myself wearing the W on my chest. The reason UW is special is because of the people. The people make Wisconsin the way it is. Not better culture in the country.
🏠🦡❤️ pic.twitter.com/Zi4lCyiyl9
— Grant Dean (@_TheGrantDean) February 13, 2025
Dean decided not to leave amid uncertainty earned admiration from head coach Luke Fickell.
“To see guys not waver,” Fickell said back in December.
“That faith and belief that the games and what you see on Saturday isn’t everything. For those guys to hold with us and believe in us … relationships, trust, and belief in this process still win out.”
Who is Grant Dean and what fans can expect?
Dean is a 6’1, 185 lbs recruit with three-star rank and is was No. 672 nationally.
He made his pledge to play for Wisconsin in April and was one of the 23 top recruits that are supposed to play for the Badgers.
Dean also received offers from Minnesota Golden Gophers, Army Black Knights, Wyoming Cowboys, Northern Illinois Huskies, and North Dakota State Bison.
He was named conference offensive and defensive player of the year during his senior year although he had more impressive numbers during his sophomore season.
Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
He thought his play’s decline started during his junior year and insists he made improvements.
“For my junior year on defense, I was more of a downhill safety,” said Dean, who was also an AP all-state selection two years ago.
“I didn’t have a lot of film in coverage. This year I had a lot of improvement in that, and I showed a lot more of that in my film. I just really improved overall.”
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