UW’s Sanborn, Ferguson, Hicks will return next season

MADISON – Wisconsin coach Paul Chryst secured three significant commitments for 2021 on Saturday, just three days after the Badgers capped a tumultuous 2020 season with a victory over Wake Forest in the Duke's Mayo Bowl.

The commitments came from veterans – junior inside linebacker Jack Sanborn, redshirt junior tight end Jake Ferguson and redshirt junior cornerback – who announced via Twitter they are returning to UW next season.

Sanborn started all seven games and led UW in tackles with 411⁄2, including four for loss. He started all 14 games as a sophomore in 2019 and led UW in tackles with 80, including nine for loss.

His decision means UW should again be able to pair Sanborn and Leo Chenal in the middle of the defense. Chenal finished second on the team in tackles this season with 381⁄2, including six for loss.

Ferguson was UW's only legitimate receiving threat at tight end this season. He led the team in receptions (30), receiving yards (305) and touchdown receptions (four).

Jack Eschenbach was the only other UW tight end to catch a pass this season. He finished with two receptions for 27 yards.

Hicks started five games and played in all seven this season. He recorded four passes defended and 10 tackles.

Meanwhile, a second UW player has decided to transfer.

Nakia Watson, who opened the season as UW's No. 1 tailback, has entered the NCAA transfer portal. He joins quarterback Jack Coan, who did not play this season after suffering an injury to his right foot in camp.

Watson, a redshirt sophomore, started four games and played in five this season. He did not play in the final two games, however, as UW (4-3) relied mostly on Garrett Groshek against Minnesota and Groshek and Jalen Berger against Wake Forest in the Duke's Mayo Bowl.

UW has three scholarship tailbacks on the roster – Berger, Julius Davis and Isaac Guerendo. The Badgers also signed three tailbacks in December – Antwan Roberts, Jackson Acker and Loyal Crawford.

UW also is in good position to land USC transfer Markese Stepp.

MARK HOFFMAN, MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL Tight end Jake Ferguson led the Badgers in catches in 2020.