The Badgers added a starter at their biggest position of need in the transfer portal.
The Wisconsin Badgers have started off the transfer portal season strong, landing six transfer commitments already. One of the most recent additions is Tulane defensive tackle Parker Petersen, who received interest from USC, Auburn, Indiana, Rutgers, and others before committing to Wisconsin.
Peterson spoke to Bucky’s 5th Quarter, breaking down his recruitment and journey to Madison, Wisconsin.
What made you choose Madison and Wisconsin over other programs that reached out?
Petersen: “Wisconsin was very clear about where they would put me and what my role would be. It was also a pretty personal choice because to play at the same place that my childhood idol played in college (JJ Watt) was pretty hard to turn down. I loved the city and the people I met. It felt like a no-brainer for me.”
Who from the coaching staff first reached out to you in the portal and what was their pitch to you?
Petersen: “Coach Whitlow reached out to me first. About 30 seconds after I put my name in the portal, I received a text from him. He said he had been watching my film for weeks and loved the way that I played. He said I fit right into the role they were trying to fill, and with my fast and physical way of playing, they needed somebody like me.”
How does this coaching staff intend to use you on defense?
Petersen: “They want to use me as someone who can play violently in the interior, stop the run, find the ball, and make big plays, while also being able to rush the passer. That’s all any coach could ask from an interior D lineman.”
What are your goals for yourself next season as a newcomer in the Big Ten? What games are you most looking forward to on the Badgers’ schedule?
Petersen: “With one year of eligibility left, I want to make a name for myself at the highest level of college football. What better way to do that than to play teams like Bama, Michigan, Oregon, Ohio State etc. this season. This past year I have grown a lot in my confidence and trusted my God-given ability to play this game at a high level, so why not take the opportunity to play on the biggest stage possible with thousands of rowdy fans in attendance.”
Petersen brings a skillset and mentality that the Badgers lacked last season. He focuses on stopping the run and getting his hand in the dirt, which fits defensive coordinator Mike Tressel’s scheme well. Wisconsin was already starting off the portal season strong, but the addition of Parker Petersen makes their transfer class even more talented.