Badgers looking hard at Newsome's O'Neal

Although they have yet to offer a scholarship, the Wisconsin Badgers are taking a serious look at Newsome DT Conor O'Neal, Wolves coach Kenneth Hiscock said Monday. In fact, they've invited him to take an official visit.

"They're trying to get him up there," Hiscock said.

O'Neal (6-foot-3, 295 pounds) currently has offers from N.C. State and Georgia Southern. Boston College is another program that is showing interest. The Eagles called Newsome on Monday.

Right now, O'Neal is "leaning toward N.C. State," his coach said.

"From his junior season to his senior season, he really became a man," Hiscock said. "He had a turnaround season. He did very well for us."

With college regular seasons wrapping up, Hiscock thinks more programs will discover O'Neal, who had 35 tackles and six sacks for the Wolves (8-3).

"It's going to be a hectic month for him," he said.

--KEITH NIEBUHR