Wisconsin Football Adds Three-Star Outside Linebacker Anelu Lafaele to 2024 Class
Wisconsin football received a commitment from Anelu Lafaele, a three-star outside linebacker from Honolulu, Hawaii, on Tuesday. Lafaele’s addition to the team brings depth and talent to the Badgers’ 2024 class.
Lafaele is ranked as the No. 37 edge rusher and the No. 520 player in the 247Sports Composite. His impressive performance on the field earned him 17 scholarship offers from various schools. He took official visits to Arizona State, Wisconsin, Hawaii, and Washington before ultimately deciding to join the Badgers.
With Lafaele’s commitment, he becomes the 18th publicly committed member of Wisconsin’s 2024 class. The team has seen significant growth in their commitments since official visits began in June, with 11 players joining the class during that time.
Wisconsin’s coaching staff had been actively seeking another outside linebacker for the 2024 class to pair with Thomas Heiberger. Lafaele stood out as the perfect fit for their defensive strategy. The previous coaching staff had offered Lafaele a scholarship in June 2022, recognizing his potential as a dynamic player.
Former outside linebackers coach Bobby April praised Lafaele’s fluidity and pass-rushing ability, comparing him favorably to Nick Herbig. Herbig, a three-year Badgers starter, was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fourth round of the NFL Draft this spring. Herbig’s success at Wisconsin played a significant role in Lafaele’s interest in joining the team.
Wisconsin has established a pipeline with players from St. Louis School in Hawaii, where Lafaele played last season. Herbig’s commitment to the Badgers in the 2020 class paved the way for other St. Louis School alumni, such as safety Kamo’i Latu and wide receiver Trech Kekahuna, to join the team. This connection has created a strong bond between the players from Hawaii and the Wisconsin program.
Looking ahead to the 2024 season, Wisconsin’s outside linebacker room will feature a diverse group of players with different body types and play styles. This variety will allow defensive coordinator Mike Tressel to implement his 3-3-5 defense effectively. While C.J. Goetz will use up his eligibility after this season, the rest of the scholarship outside linebackers have the potential to return. This includes talented players like Kaden Johnson, Aaron Witt, Darryl Peterson, T.J. Bollers, Jeff Pietrowski, Jordan Mayer, and Christian Alliegro.
The addition of Lafaele strengthens Wisconsin’s defense and adds depth to their outside linebacker position. Lafaele’s skills as an edge rusher will be a valuable asset to the team’s defensive strategy. With his commitment, the Badgers continue to build a strong 2024 class that shows promise for future success.
In conclusion, Anelu Lafaele’s commitment to Wisconsin football brings excitement and anticipation for the upcoming seasons. His addition to the team’s 2024 class bolsters their outside linebacker position and adds depth to their defense. With a strong pipeline established with St. Louis School in Hawaii, Wisconsin continues to attract talented players from the region. Lafaele’s decision to join the Badgers is a testament to the program’s reputation and the impact of former players like Nick Herbig. As the 2024 season approaches, fans can look forward to seeing Lafaele’s contributions on the field and the continued growth of Wisconsin football.