College hockey recruiting is a never ending chore. If you aren't persistent in restocking the shelf, eventually the cupboard runs dry. Apparently the Badger coaching staff is committed to making sure the pipeline of great defensemen at the University of Wisconsin continues.
One of my favorite under the radar prospects, Milwaukee area defenseman Jose Delgadillo has scheduled an official recruiting trip to Madison in April. He also plans to officially visit Minnesota State.
Delgadillo has been playing in the Milwaukee Jr. Admirals program, but recently has made the transition to Sioux City of the USHL. Sioux City has strong UW connections with recruits Matt Paape and Chase Drake already playing there, as well as head coach Luke Strand who is from Eau Claire.
From the collegehockey247 article: "I'm from Wisconsin so I know the school, I know the coaches - Mark Osiecki is one of the best defensive coaches in the country so I know I'd learn a great deal from him. It's also a Big Ten school that does really well in academics and I think that's a good fit for me. Plus, I've visited unofficially a few times and liked it."
I got a chance to watch Delgadillo when I was scouting the Fargo Force camp this summer and came away very impressed. He is slated to be a 2011 recruit so it will be interesting to see how he would fit in, if he decided on Wisconsin. Here are my current projections for the next few seasons defensively:
2010-11 (9)
Ryan McDonagh-Leaves for NHL
Brendan Smith-Leaves for NHL
Senior-Cody Goloubef
Senior-Craig Johnson
Junior-Jake Gardiner
Junior-Eric Springer
Sophomore-Justin Schultz
Sophomore-John Ramage
Red Shirt Sophomore-Ryan Little
Freshman-Frankie Simonelli
Freshman-Chase Drake
2011-2012 (9?)
Jake Gardiner-Leaves for NHL
Senior-Eric Springer
Junior-Justin Schultz
Junior-John Ramage
Red Shirt Junior-Ryan Little
Sophomore-Frankie Simonelli
Sophomore-Chase Drake
Freshman-Troy Hesketh
Freshman-Jake McCabe
Freshman-Jose Delgadillo (projected possible commitment)
2012-2013 (9?)
Justin Schultz-Leaves for NHL
Senior-John Ramage
Red Shirt Senior-Ryan Little
Junior-Frankie Simonelli
Junior-Chase Drake
Sophomore-Troy Hesketh
Sophomore-Jake McCabe
Sophomore-Jose Delgadillo (projected possible commitment)
Freshman-Jordan Schmaltz
Freshman-Joe Fiala (projected possible commitment)