Doeren Lands Another Floridian

Wisconsin assistant coach and recruiting-coordinator Dave Doeren is considered one of the top recruiters in the nation. Doeren leaves no stone unturned in the state of Florida and his persistence pays off with the verbal commitment of Miami defensive tackle Eriks Briedis.

Miami (Fla.) Country Day athlete Eriks Briedis (6-5, 263) recently gave Wisconsin his verbal commitment. Briedis talks to Badger Nation about his commitment, which position he’ll be playing for the Badgers and much more.

“Wisconsin and U Conn were pretty much recruiting me all year long,” Eriks Briedis told Badger Nation.

“U Conn showed more interest than Wisconsin did at first and they brought me up for an official visit when they beat Rutgers. I got caught up in the moment and there was some pressure so I gave them my commitment.

“Don’t get me wrong, I liked U Conn. I really thought that U Conn was the place for me but Wisconsin to the credit of Coach (Dave) Doeren, stayed with me and kept on me, kept calling me and never gave up.

“Wisconsin eventually offered me a scholarship and brought me up on a visit last weekend and that kind of sealed the deal for Me.

“I got the chance to sit down with Coach (Bret) Bielema and Coach (Randal) McCray and they both were honest and upfront with me. Coach Bielema talked to me a lot on Sunday at his house and he told me where he feels I fit in at Wisconsin.

“When I left Madison on Sunday, I had an idea that I wanted to make it official but I did want to talk to my family first. Coach Doeren came to my house the very next day for a home visit and I committed to him. I told him that I wanted to be a Badger.”

Briedis is a four-year varsity letter winner at Country Day in Miami. He has played several positions at the high school level. In 2007 alone, Briedis lined up at tight end, tackle, defensive end, linebacker and fullback. He wore three different numbers during the season (22, 77, and 51).

“Talking to the coaches at Wisconsin, I’ll start out on the defensive line.” Briedis said. “It looks like I’ll move inside and play defensive tackle. I’m fine with everything. I have a defensive mentality. U Conn wanted me to start on the offensive line and that’s another reason why I chose Wisconsin.

“I plan on getting in touch with Anthony Mains. He only lives about an hour from me. From what I’m being told, Anthony and I will be roommates next year. I’m looking forward to getting on campus next summer. I can’t wait to be a Badger.”

Briedis had 89 tackles, five sacks, three fumble recoveries and two forced fumbles in 2007.