The Wisconsin Badgers football staff has been eyeing a special 2026 athlete from Florida who they feel can blossom into a star.
2026 athlete Justin Weatherall has been making a name for himself in the recruiting world over the past season. Heading into this season, the recruit has two scholarship offers on his plate and is eager to ensure that he secures more before the end of the season. During a recent interview with Wisconsin Sports Heroics, Weatherall broke down what his recruitment has been like as well as the skills he has on the field that led to this point.
Wisconsin Badgers Football Maintaining Contact With 2026 ATH Justin Weatherall
The Wisconsin football staff has loved the state of Florida recently, with cornerback Xavier Lucas putting on quite the show in his first game in red and white. After landing Lucas, the Wisconsin football staff started a full on assault on the state of Florida in search of other prized gem recruits who have gone under-the-radar. One such player has emerged in the 2026 recruiting class and could become a priority target before other major programs begin to notice him.
2026 athlete Justin Weatherall is a Pensacola, Florida native who has the ability and experience to play wide receiver, safety, and cornerback. However, Weatherall has mainly been recruited as a defensive back at the collegiate level. The talented athlete just recently finished a visit with the USF Bulls, which he enjoyed thoroughly as he met the staff and experience the environment.
While Weatherall visited USF this weekend, the recruit has a visit scheduled with the Wisconsin football staff on September 7th. Along with the Madison visit, Weatherall was also invited to visit UAB, Toledo, West Virginia, and Coastal Carolina this season. The athlete would love to attend each visit, but does not currently know if he will be able to do so.
When asked about the trip to Madison is the near future, Weatherall responded, “I am excited, I have heard nothing but good things about the school and the area.” Weatherall added, “You know, who wouldn’t wanna go to the best college town in America?”
While the athlete has a visit scheduled with the Wisconsin football staff, Weatherall plans to at least visit Toledo and Arkansas State this season since they have both offered scholarships.
How Could Weatherall Fit Into the Wisconsin Football Team?
Currently, the Wisconsin recruiting staff sees the potential in Weatherall as a defensive back rather than a wide receiver. However, it is important to still note what Weatherall can add to a team as a wide receiver on the offensive side. Regardless of where the athlete plays there is tremendous value that he can provide to the team.
When asked about the potential of playing either wide receiver of defensive back in college, Weatherall responded confidently. The athlete stated, “I feel I could play at a bigger program and platform if I play defensive back in college.” However, Weatherall does not want people to forget he is a receiver, and stated, “Although I could put on a show at wide receiver as well.”
As a defender, Weatherall is a lengthy, confident athlete that can both lay down a big tackle and snag the ball out of the air. Weatherall defends the air tremendously well, grabbing three interceptions last season and effectively shutting down his side of the field. When asked about his abilities on defenses, Weatherall responded, “I’m a playmaker and a ballhawk, and I’m very versatile. I can play any skill position and make a play wherever.”
Perhaps one of the biggest reasons behind the success of Weatherall on the field is his football IQ, which allows the recruit to make massive plays. What truly sets the collegiate and possible professional talent from other high school players is a deep understanding of the game. Weatherall has just that, and combined with his freakish athletic skills comes a dynamic and versatile athlete.
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