Badgers A Dream Come True

Menasha, Wisconsin’s Tyler Westphal is considered one of the top five prospects in the state of Wisconsin. The 6-foot-7, 235-pound, defensive end/tight end, jumped on an early scholarship offer from Virginia but a Badger scholarship offer ended up being too much to pass up.

“I originally committed to Virginia and I didn’t think I was going to have to look back.” Tyler Westphal told Scout.com

“I was coming home from my visit to Virginia when I received a text message from coach (Bob) Bostad at Wisconsin. Coach Bostad just told me that they are moving in the right direction and that they are looking at my tape.

“The day that I committed to Virginia, Wisconsin offered the next day. I went on a visit to Minnesota with a friend of mine and I had been talking more frequently with the Wisconsin staff.”

Virginia is a great school with a lot to offer both academically and athletically but the Hoos were no match for the loyalty that most prospects from the Badger State feel for their state school in Madison.

“Going to Wisconsin has always been a dream of mine,” Westphal said. “When Wisconsin offered, I decided to de-commit from Virginia and I committed to Wisconsin,” he added.

“Virginia was upset that I de-committed but they understood. Wisconsin is where I wanted to be. I grew up a Badgers fan and I love the tradition and the campus. It’s the complete package.”

Westphal will be a three-year starter on both sides of the ball for Menasha this fall. He’s coached by his father, Brad Westphal.

The Badgers are recruiting Westphal as a defensive end. In 2006, Tyler had 85 tackles and 11.5 sacks. On the offensive side of the ball, Westphal had 6 receptions from his tight end position.