The Wisconsin football staff has flipped their second commitment, with a 2024 dual-sport athlete leaving Northwestern for the Badgers.
Dillan Johnson, a 2024 three-star defensive lineman, had been high on the radar for the Wisconsin Badgers for quite some time before committing to the Wildcats two months ago. Johnson announces his decision to join the Badgers following the firing of former head coach Pat Fitzgerald over severe hazing within the program. Northwestern originally chose to suspend Fitzgerald, but the news of his firing has now caused many players to leave the program.
Wisconsin Football Lands Three-Star Lineman, Wrestler Dillan Johnson
After a crazy week of news resulted in Northwestern firing their football coach and investigating their baseball coach, many current players, staff, and recruits have chosen to go elsewhere. The wrestling team, another team Johnson was considering joining for the Wildcats, also went through an odd series of events resulting in a new-look team and staff. The entire culture of the Wildcats seems to be crumbling at this point due to the evidence that has been uncovered through multiple investigations.
The Wisconsin Badgers football staff had been watching this situation unfold from afar the entire time. As unfortunate as it is for situations like this to occur, the players and recruits are put into an unfair situation. Coach Luke Fickell and the Wisconsin staff had been at the side of Johnson since the news began to unfold. Johnson had a great relationship before with Fickell, given that they are both wrestlers and linemen.
Johnson, a 6-foot-2-inch, 287-pound defensive lineman is a strong, powerful defender. Johnson bowls his way through the offensive blockers and constantly ends up in the backfield making a play. The talented recruit made two official visits and spent one of them in Madison. After getting his chance to meet the Wisconsin football staff, Johnson was able to see his true fit.
The Wisconsin football team has had trouble recruiting defensive linemen and adding more depth to the position group. Johnson is a great addition for Fickell and the Wisconsin Badgers football team due to his size, strength, and the depth that he will provide for the team.
At this time, it is not clear whether or not Johnson will also play for coach Chris Bono of the wrestling team. Johnson was a State Champion wrestler in Illinois and has set the wrestling world on fire the last three years. The recruit posted a picture of him in a Wisconsin Badgers wrestling singlet to Twitter during his announcement, which could be a sign for the wrestling team.
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