LATEST COMMITMENT: Inside the new Badgers three-star OLB Brenden Anes commitment

Brenden Anes, a three-star outside linebacker who committed to the Wisconsin Badgers on Monday, was another prospect signed by the team following a Junior Day visit. He revealed this in a post with X.

Anes, a 6’2, 220-pound outside linebacker from Franklin, Tennessee’s Fred J Page High School, was one of four guests who came to Wisconsin for the inaugural Junior Day on January 14. With his commitment to the Badgers, he joined three-star athlete Cody Haddad and four-star athlete Jaimier Scott as the group’s commits to the team in the next week.

Why did Anes end up in Wisconsin?

“It was the place I wanted to be at,” Anes said to Bucky’s 5th Quarter, who disclosed that on Sunday night, before to the Monday announcement, he made a commitment to the coaching staff.

Anes participated in various activities during Wisconsin’s Junior Day, including attending the Badgers’ 71-63 victory over the Northwestern Wildcats. Despite a snowstorm and the absence of students due to a break, he observed the enthusiastic energy from the fans.

Choosing Wisconsin over other options like Indiana, Tennessee, Duke, Clemson, Wake Forest, and Vanderbilt, Anes, who plays SAM linebacker in his high school defense at Fred J Page, foresees a smooth transition into the same position at Wisconsin.

His commitment to Wisconsin was influenced by the strong relationship with outside linebackers coach Matt Mitchell, whom Anes described as a “great coach and an even better person.” Mitchell’s honesty in their conversations played a significant role in attracting Anes to Wisconsin.

Anes is also drawn to the “championship-building” mentality of head coach Luke Fickell, believing that something special is being constructed at Wisconsin.

Inspired by the success of former top outside linebackers like Nick Herbig, T.J. Watt, and Andrew Van Ginkel, who are now in the NFL, Anes sees a promising legacy at Wisconsin in his position.

Despite playing high school football in Tennessee, Anes, originally from Michigan, finds the distance from home less significant due to family connections in Michigan.

Looking to make a decision before his senior season, Anes, who took numerous unofficial visits in the fall, is now focusing on intense preparation for the next level. This includes engaging in college-level drills and elevating his game for the challenges ahead.