With Christmas fast approaching, the Wisconsin Badgers decided to treat themselves to an early present: two more recruits for the 2010 class.

An added bonus is the fact that both recruits have a chance of seeing some significant playing time in 2010.

At the wide receiver position, the Badgers gave Scott Tolzien another possible target next year, signing Chase Hammond Sunday morning.

Hammond, a 6′4″, 200-pounder out of Youngstown, Ohio, wasn’t highly recruited, but is still a good addition to a team that is becoming more adept at passing after relying on the running game for the majority of the decade.

Although Wisconsin’s game plan is still very much geared towards pounding the ball down opponents’ throats, a consistent quarterback and talented receivers have made the team multifaceted.

If Hammond performs well in practice and in spring ball, it’s definitely possible that he could see some action next year. Now, Wisconsin does have scores of wide receivers ready to play next year, but other than Nick Toon and Isaac Anderson, none of them have proven anything and playing time is very much up for grabs.

Hammond is Wisconsin’s second wide receiver commitment this year along with Marquis Mason.

However, the big recruiting news is not the signing of Hammond. It’s the commitment of four-star defensive tackle Beau Allen.

Allen, a 6′3″, 292-pound beast out of Minnetonka, Minnesota, is a huge addition to a defense that struggled mightily in 2009.

Although the defensive line was the one aspect of the defense that actually performed well this year, it loses O’Brien Schofield to graduation next year. Allen may not be able to replace Schofield, but he will certainly help.

Allen, rated as the No. 25 defensive tackle in his class, excelled at the nose guard position while in high school, finishing his junior season with 47 tackles with three sacks and three forced fumbles.

Allen will have to make the adjustment of playing the 4-3 defense in Wisconsin after playing the 3-4 in high school. However, the job is still the same: pressure the quarterback and stuff up the run game.

After losing a player like Schofield, everyone knew the Badgers’ D-line would take a hit. Although not a direct replacement, Allen will hopefully alleviate some of that pain.

These two additions give Wisconsin 20 scholarship players for 2010.

Sam Oleson is a contributing writer to Wisconsin Sports Online.

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