Thomas Heiberger, outside linebacker from South Dakota, announces he has committed to Wisconsin for 2024 class

MADISON – Wisconsin coach Luke Fickell and his staff have added another commitment for the 2024 class.

Thomas Heiberger, a 6-foot-4, 210-pound outside linebacker from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, announced his commitment Sunday on Twitter.

He is the first defensive player in the class, someone who combines good size with a 4.6-second time in the 40-yard dash and a 37 ½-inch vertical.

“I just want people to understand I’m going to play my butt off and I’m going to work hard at everything I do,” he said. “As a player, I hear a lot that I’m versatile and am able to get to the quarterback in the pass rush while also being able to get back into coverage and also do a lot of different things on and off the ball.”

Heiberger had 44 tackles, including six sacks and 10 total tackles for loss, and an interception last season.

Heiberger announced his offer from Wisconsin Jan. 22. New assistant Matt Mitchell was the primary recruiter for Heiberger.

Other teams that offered Heiberger included: Nebraska, Purdue and Illinois from the Big Ten; Washington, Stanford, Kansas, Kansas State and Oklahoma

More:Thomas Heiberger junior season highlights

He joins quarterback Texas quarterback Mabrey Mettauer, Illinois tight end Grant Stec, Waunakee High School tight end Robert Booker and Arrowhead offensive lineman Derek Jensen.

Heiberger’s recruitment was started by the former coaching staff. He was at Camp Randall Stadium for the Badgers regular season finale against Minnesota. In addition to that trip and his trip to Madison for Junior Day in January, Heiberger visited campus last weekend.

“Being there for a game was special, seeing Jump Around and the culture of the games is something I see myself doing and being a part of that," he said. "And then meeting the staff and other players as well was definitely a positive.”

Journal Sentinel reporter Mark Stewart contributed to this report

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