Already knowing that three defensive secondary starters would need to be replaced, Wisconsin took a hit a week ago when reports surfaced that projected starter Reggie Mitchell would be leaving the Badgers, likely for Pittsburgh.
Now, that unit has apparently taken yet another hit.
According to a Fresno, Calif., television station, safety Donnell Vercher has been denied admission to UW and will not play for the Badgers this fall. Instead, CBS 47 Sports reported, the defensive back will play for Fresno State in 2013. A source told the station that grades are not an issue and Vercher will be eligible to play for the Bulldogs immediately.
No reason for Vercher being denied admission to UW was given.
Vercher had signed with the Badgers earlier this offseason after spending the 2012 season at a Fresno junior college. Thanks in large part to the attrition in the secondary, Vercher was seen as a potential starter once summer camp opens in early August.
(Photo credit: Fresno City College)
(Tip O’ the Cap: ESPN.com’s Big Ten blog)