Badgers land Curie's Adeyanju

Updated: March 23, 2011 12:30PM

With Illinois and Northwestern making a push for Chicago-area football players, maybe Wisconsin decided it was time to get in the game.

The Badgers have received a commitment from Curie senior defensive end James Adeyanju, one of the nation's top defensive end prospects and the brother of St. Louis Rams defensive end Victor Adeyanju.

"It's a major commitment for them," recruiting analyst Tom Lemming said of the Badgers. "They have somewhat struggled in Chicago."

Illinois has received commitments from six Chicago-area players in the Class of 2011, including Wheaton Warrenville South quarterback Reilly O'Toole and Joliet Catholic running back Josh Ferguson. Northwestern has five commitments from local seniors, including Fremd offensive tackle Jack Konopka and Richards defensive back Jarrell Williams.

Wisconsin's ability to prepare players for the NFL was a factor in

Adeyanju's decision, according to Curie coach Tyson LeBlanc.

"He's been looking at other places," LeBlanc said. "But [he liked] the comfort level at Wisconsin, the success they've been having this season, they way they've done a good job with the defensive ends they've brought in, getting them ready for the next level."

"This is one of the better players in the state of Illinois," Lemming said.

"I think he's farther along than his brother at this point. I think he's perfectly suited for the Wisconsin defense."

Nebraska, Northwestern, Illinois and Boston College were also in the running to land Adeyanju, who is ranked No. 36 nationally among defensive ends by Scout.com and 19th among weak-side defensive ends by Rivals.com.

"The location [of Wisconsin] was a key factor," LeBlanc said. "It's far enough away from home, but not too far."

Adeyanju has 51 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, seven sacks and two fumble recoveries for the Condors (5-5), who lost their Class 8A playoff opener to Homewood-Flossmoor last weekend. Curie is still alive in the Public League playoffs and will play Hubbard Friday night at Gately Stadium in a second-round game.

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