Interview: 4-Star 2021 Wisconsin FS Hunter Wohler is a Bone Crusher
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
There are certain players that take the gridiron who are anytime and anywhere kind of talents. They are ready to take on anyone – at his house or your house, and those skills translates to any era of the game. Class of 2021 free safety Hunter Wohler is the epitome of the thought of a “throwback player”. The 6-2, 190-pound, defender can cover deep, fill the alley, and comes to the party ready to plant the ball carrier into the ground with unbridled joy. All those skills have been on display for Muskego High School helping the Warriors to back-to-back Wisconsin state championships with a perfect 28-0 run, and the Wisconsin Defensive Player of the Year and AP Player of the Year is taking those skills and intimidation to Madison at the next level.
The Badgers gained the verbal commit of the four-star in-state player on Dec. 23, 2019, over eight other reported offers. Now Wisconsin’s prized recruit is campaigning on the trail for the Badgers this offseason when he’s not back home getting ready for a three-peat.
In an RNG first interview with Wohler, we cover ground on his defensive talents and how he is helping pull more top 2021 players to Madison.
Interview
Hunter, is there still a big smile on your face after the team wrapped an undefeated season capturing a state championship again?
“There is. There always will be thinking back. There will always will be a smile thinking about this time. I have one more year left; I have flipped it over preparing for a three-peat. I am ready to make it happen this year.”
What was the 2019 championship run like for you personally?
“It was a ride. Everyone was chasing for the same thing after the year before, and everyone we were playing was giving us their best shot. We had a great team; I could not ask for better teammates or coaches. We had a mission to reach, that is what drove us the whole way.”
Being on a 28-game winning streak over the past two seasons, how intense are the Warriors offseason workouts already with the goal of posting another 14-0 run in 2020?
“We have standards for the team. When the season is done, we get back in the weight room to chase for next fall and to be ready for the camp in the summer.”
Going back to last season, there is a good reason you were named Wisconsin Defensive Player of the Year. Your talent of recognizing plays is there. For any given game, what is your weekly preparation like?
“A lot of film and talking to the coaches about the other team’s offense. Me and our defensive coordinator will sit down and going through everything, and what we might put out there to stop them. After that, it is getting on the field for four days of practice seeing it visually.”
The speed you have shows. If you are bursting 15 to 20 yards going up field on a run play or 15 to 20 to the side covering deep. Once you get it going, like on the punt return for a touchdown, you are at a different level than most. How fast are you?
“We just did some track stuff today. I ran a 40 out of the block. I ran a 4.55 unofficially today with track.”
Another big part of your game are the bone-jarring hits you deliver. In the moment you may know that you’ve rung someone’s bell pretty good, but has there ever been a time when you realized just how devastating a hit has been when going back and watching film?
“Usually when the crowd goes silent or the dude is on the field not moving, that’s when I know.”
So far, we’ve covered your hits, reading plays, and speed, what are some of the other traits to your game that make you such a dominating talent as a free safety?
“Reading the QB’s eyes. One thing I am working on for next year are my breaks, making my back-pedal smoother, and transitioning smoother. I am also working at being at the line of scrimmage taking up blocks so other guys can finish it up.”
You just mentioned a few things you are working, which other areas of your game are you working on this offseason?
“The drop-back against the pass game. As we get going, teams are passing more and more. It’ll be that way in college too. My drops, my reads, and knowing where I need to be against the pass.”
With recruiting, you closed the door ahead of Christmas verbally committing to the Badgers. What made Wisconsin the ideal fit for you at the next level?
“I felt that was the best place for me. Wisconsin fits my personality and beliefs. It feels like home, and it is close to home. It fits well with me. Their vision is one I stand by and follow.”
At which position do the Badgers see you playing once on campus?
“Safety.”
Free or strong?
“We have not touched on that. At Wisconsin, their safeties play all over, zone and man. The free and strong safeties do a lot of the same things in their defense.”
Are you helping recruit other 2021 guys to Madison?
“Yes, sir. That is why we are going up there (Madison) today (Sunday). I am helping build the relationships with other recruits to build a solid 2021 class.”
What’s your pitch to those recruits?
“Where else would you rather be. The 2020 recruiting class was Top 25 and the team is fresh off the Rose Bowl. The coaching staff is great and the place is on the rise.”
Hunter, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your offseason workouts until we talk again.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Wohler family; Hunter Wohler at Wisconsin