The Wisconsin Badgers recently landed a new commitment after pitching quite the convincing argument to the recruit.
In-state tight end Emmett Bork, a three-star recruit and tenth-ranked recruit in Wisconsin in the 2025 class, was originally a Michigan State commitment. The Spartans wowed the recruit with the environment they provided, but it was nothing compared to what Bork experienced in Madison. After receiving an offer and completing a game-day visit, Bork knew he wanted to stay close to home for college.
Sep 28, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Will Pauling (6) attempts to catch the ball against the Southern California Trojans in the first half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
The 6-foot-6-inch, roughly 240-pound tight end picked up a handful of offers from big schools such as Illinois, Indiana, Rutgers, and Michigan State. However, the offer from the Wisconsin Badgers seemingly meant more to the recruit due to who it came from at the time.
When asked about what Bork was looking for in a program, the tight end stated, “I was looking for the best fit for me meaning a place where I have a very strong relationship with the coaching staff and both current and incoming players.” Bork also added that he was looking for a place that was “highly interested” in his play and an environment that would make him happy.
Bork was extremely excited to have received an offer from the Wisconsin Badgers, and that was in part due to the relationship he had developed with the staff.
The big tight end is a physical player who truly does not shy away from attacking opponents in the run. Bork is a successful run blocker who adds a different level of energy to the tight end position. While Bork enjoys blocking, the tight end is also an aerial threat over the top due to his deceiving speed and excellent separation skills.
What Allowed For the Wisconsin Badgers Staff to Flip Emmett Bork?
Oct 12, 2024; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Wisconsin Badgers running back Tawee Walker (3) celebrates after a rushing touchdown with teammates during the second half against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at SHI Stadium.
While surely many rumors will swirl surrounding the on-field play of Michigan State or outside factors, the reasoning behind the decision was rather straightforward for Bork.
When asked about what led to the eventual flip, Bork stated, “I was able to build a really strong connection with the coaching staff over the past couple of months and the game-day experience truly stood out to me.”
Bork also added that the “excitement and energy” surrounding the game and inside of Camp Randall ultimately shifted the meter. The tight end loved the environment of the game and felt extremely accepted and wanted by the staff, which led to his decision to become a Wisconsin Badger. Bork also added that staying close to home and his family was a bonus that came with the decision.
Ultimately, the relationship the Wisconsin Badgers staff was able to develop with Bork over the course of a few months was key. Bork, like many other recruits, wants to be recognized and wanted, rather than just becoming another member of the program. The Badgers staff loves the recruit, and feels he can make an impact both on and off the field for the team.
The tight end is now the 24th commitment in the Wisconsin Badgers 2025 recruiting class as the Badgers added and dropped recruits. Defensive lineman Wilnerson Telemaque parted ways with the program shortly after the Wisconsin Badgers announced the commitment of Bork.
The reasoning behind the decision Telemaque made appears to largely be tied to on-field success after a series of past cryptic tweets during Wisconsin Badgers losses.
Oct 12, 2024; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Wisconsin Badgers running back Tawee Walker (3) rushes for a touchdown against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during the second half at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
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