Wisconsin 4-star DL signee Ernest Willor details decision to choose the Badgers

Baltimore Concordia Prep four-star defensive lineman Ernest Willor could have committed long before Early National Signing Day on Dec. 20, but he wanted to hear every school out.

He did just that, and eventually came to the conclusion that Wisconsin was the best place for him. Willor’s commitment vaulted the Badgers into the top 25 of the On3 Industry Team Recruiting Rankings.

Before making his way to Madison in less than two weeks, Willor is in Orlando taking part in the Under Armour All-America Game alongside a slew of the best prospects in the 2024 cycle. On3 caught up with the No. 142 overall recruit and No. 15 DL following day three of practice on Monday.

“I wanted to give everybody a chance, I wanted everybody that wanted to talk to me have the chance to talk to me, all the way down to the last minute,” Willor said. “I communicated with everyone that I decided to graduate early, so I gave everybody — ‘i’m going to commit this day, so if y’all want to talk to me, reach me, want me to go to your school, y’all got the chance.’ So, the people that stayed consistent with me all the way through finished with me in the end.”

The likes of Maryland, Penn State and Ohio State were all involved for the 6-foot-3, 254-pounder, but no program and coach kept communication like Wisconsin and Badgers DL coach Greg Scruggs.

“Wisconsin was almost every day and I love that. I love my relationship with Coach Scruggs. He’s the type of guy i’d leave my life on the line for,” Willor said. “We were just having regular conversations like we’re homeboys. Every day.”

Willor sees the vision under Luke Fickell

When looking at Wisconsin, Willor saw a new staff headed by Luke Fickell — who made the move to Madison after a successful tenure at Cincinnati. After consistent contact and a visit, the blue-chip DL didn’t need much convincing.

“Their background, Cincinnati was a Group of Five program and they got them all the way to a national championship. Toughness, grit and developing guys, that’s what I want to be a part of,” he said. “Now that Fickell’s got a bigger platform at Wisconsin, I feel like I want to be a part of that and he can take me where I want to go.”

Willor, who headlines Wisconsin’s 2024 class, is expecting to play all over the defensive line at the college level. He’s ready to be a part of the group that brings the Badgers back to national prominence on the gridiron — and is willing to reach that goal by any means.

“Expect us to compete,” he said. “We’re not afraid of nobody and we’re coming for your throat.”