Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
U-School’s Hallman commits to the Wisconsin Badgers
One of the top defensive backs in Broward County is headed to the Big 10.
University School 2021 cornerback Ricardo Hallman committed to the Wisconsin Badgers, announcing his decision on Twitter on Monday afternoon.
“I know it’s one of the best college towns out there, so just going to be able to be a part of all the traditions and the great environment with the fans and the football, so everything of that nature [was appealing],” Hallman said. “I would just say the coaching staff — having the opportunity to play under the coaching staff — and the football environment and the college environment as a whole really drew me in to Wisconsin.”
Hallman said the Badgers’ coaching staff — particularly head coach Paul Chryst and defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard — and their track record appealed to him.
“I knew on my side of the ball, with coach Leonhard being the defensive coordinator and the defensive backs coach, I knew he’s been to where I want to be: he’s been to the NFL, he’s been to the highest level,” Hallman said. “He had a long career. I just know that following in his footsteps and just learning knowledge from them will hopefully put me in the position I want to be in.”
Hallman has not had the chance to visit Wisconsin’s campus yet, but he said he plans to visit once the coronavirus pandemic subsides.
“I’ve heard such great things about Wisconsin, just the environment,” Hallman said. “I watched a couple of videos. I have some friends that actually have been there. … I just hear it’s crazy, and I want to experience that for myself.”
Despite not visiting Wisconsin, Hallman said deciding to commit to the Badgers was not a difficult decision.
“I think, overall, I was really prepared to make my decision,” Hallman said. “There’s really no second thoughts because I knew, personally, that Wisconsin was where I wanted to be. It was always just a matter of time. The coaches did a great job in just making me feel like I was there on the virtual tour and visit, so it wasn’t too hard to make that decision without visiting.”
Hallman, who was a South Florida Sun Sentinel first-team All-County pick as a junior, is rated a three-star prospect by 247Sports’ composite ranking. He is listed as the No. 44 cornerback and No. 585 player in the 2021 class. He chose Wisconsin over Iowa State, Louisville, Miami, Ole Miss and Penn State, among others.
Hallman had a dominant junior year,
picking off eight passes last year. He also had 17 tackles.
“They’re going to be getting a very competitive football player,” Hallman said. “I’m very passionate about what I do. I’m very passionate about the sport of football. They’re going to just get a guy who wants to win at all costs and bring 110% every single time he steps on the field.”
Hallman is the only Broward or Palm Beach county player currently in Wisconsin’s 2021 class. St. Thomas Aquinas linebacker Jaydon Hood and defensive back Ja’Den McBurrows are the only other local players committed to a Big 10 program, and they both committed to Michigan.
Hallman said he’s ready for the change of environment, including the cold weather that comes with heading north.
“I actually stayed in Indiana for a couple months, and sometimes it gets below [zero] there, so I think I’m pretty ready for the cold,” Hallman said. “I’m a Florida boy, but it’s all a good experience. I’m not going to let the weather turn me away from a good opportunity, so I’m ready.”