Tight end Rob Booker II was part of a large group of top high school football juniors who paid an official visit to Wisconsin three weeks ago. Booker, an in-state product from nearby Waunakee, had committed to the Badgers four months earlier and was one of six players in the 2024 class and a total of 16 recruits on campus the first weekend in June.
It was intended to serve as a celebratory gathering for future teammates and a nudge for non-binding players to join them. However, Booker already had doubts about his decision. And none of Wisconsin’s employees were aware of his thought process. By this time, he had heard from several schools and most frequently spoke to coaches at UCLA.
“I wouldn’t say I was all in,” Booker said of his commitment to Wisconsin. “But on the whole, I didn’t think it was going to turn out that way.”
Booker left Wisconsin for good on Wednesday and publicly announced his commitment to UCLA on Thursday, a stunning turn of events that caught the Badgers by surprise.
Booker, a three-star contender and No. 26 tight end on the 247Sports Composite, spoke to The Athletic Wednesday night ahead of his public announcement to UCLA and provided the details that led to his decision. Here is the interview, abridged for length and clarity.
Can you tell us what happened? How did things get to where they are now?
I really wanted to emphasize that as much as possible. It wasn’t something Wisconsin did. I’ve also seen some things where we parted ways. That was not the case. I’ve known for about a week that I would volunteer at UCLA. So I wanted to tell the staff. They were the only school I actually attended unofficially. Most people think we broke up or whatever, but that wasn’t the case.
Since I’ve been involved, schools have approached me. I never really took it seriously. I really wanted to be locked up here in Wisconsin. But UCLA really made me a priority. They begged me to get out of there. I’ve spoken to them more than any other school. So I decided to go out and see everything. And I kind of knew I was going to commit before I went out there. I told Wisconsin that I would volunteer there.
It was all good words between me and them. They were of course a little shocked, but wished only the best. And they even said if I ever need anything I could still text them. But obviously it’s a business. Once you give up your seat, there is no guarantee that you will get it back.
When were you on an unofficial visit to UCLA?
Tuesday. I had a Redeye flight and got back on Tuesday evening.
You said UCLA gave you priority. Did you feel like Wisconsin didn’t make you their priority?
I think Wisconsin did a great job on that. It’s also more of a casual thing. UCLA (close to the bottom) actually hasn’t offered any children in the country. They told me I was their husband. Obviously we had two tight ends. Or we did it with me and Grant (Stec) for Wisconsin. I love Grant more than anything. That’s my type. But I want to thrive on the next level. I honestly think it’s for the best for both of us, especially for me of course.
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It sounds like you want to go somewhere where you could be the only tight end. Is that correct?
A little bit. Not as much. Obviously I signed up after Grant, so I knew what I was getting into from the start. But after some deliberation, and during my official visit, (tight ends) coach (Nate) Letton discussed how many tight ends would be on the roster. He sort of said it to me without really telling me that it would be a while before me, Grant and I, would play because we have so much depth in that position that I don’t shy away from the competition. I just think from a chance standpoint, I love Chip Kelly’s offense as well. Both attacks are awesome. But I just think it’s best for me and for my family to have a chance.
When did you start thinking about entertaining other schools?
I’d say probably about two weeks into my commitment. Not that I went exploring, but that’s when schools really started following me. They said, “Hey, what’s up, Rob?” Texas A&M followed me. Texas A&M (Tight Ends) coach (James) Coley followed me on Twitter the day after I signed and said, “Hey man. I wish you weren’t obligated. I love your band.”
Schools would just text me stuff like that and I would say, ‘Well, it’s a bit late now. I signed up yesterday. But I appreciate that.” So, quite a few stopped by and yes, of course, I followed some maintainers and tight end coaches on Twitter. You will report. So I would say I wasn’t really entertaining. Most schools knew I was pretty locked down. It was more the schools that really said, ‘Okay, this boy is worth taking care of, even if he’s committed.’ So I thought, ‘Okay, if this school wants me, of course I’ll listen. “
Who else has reached out to you?
Texas A&M, Tennessee, Alabama, Illinois, Georgia Tech, Auburn, Missouri. There were probably two others. Most of them eventually offered. But out of respect, I didn’t want to post anything on social media because then people would obviously know I was exploring other options and listening. That’s why I didn’t want to bring this story to the public.
Which of these schools actually offered you?
Auburn, Texas A&M, Illinois and of course UCLA.
Who at UCLA reached out to you, and how did those conversations evolve so quickly?
(Tight Ends) Coach (Jeff) Faris held out his hand. But I do know one of the commits, Mark Schroller. UW actually recruited him. Basically we’ve been talking since spring practice because he was at the same spring practice I was at in April. He sort of asked me. He said, “Hey, I know you’re a midwestern kid. Would you even be interested in speaking to our tight end coach?” I thought, “Yeah.” Because UCLA doesn’t recruit east of Colorado.
So they brought my film to them or whatever. He got back to me and he’s probably called me about twice a week for the last month and a half I’d say. So the relationship with Coach Faris was strong there. And then Coach (Tim) Drevno, the O-Line coach there, came to see me personally in May when the coaches were out.
Did Wisconsin know Coach Drevno visited you in person?
They asked me if the schools were still getting in touch and I told them yes. When coaches were out, they would ask if any schools would come and talk to me. Schools did. Or a few. Actually more for my teammates. So schools came and they knew schools were talking to me too. But even I didn’t think it would end up being so serious.
So the Badgers didn’t know that Coach Drevno came specifically to speak to you?
NO.
Did they know you went to UCLA, or did they only find out afterwards?
They only found out afterwards. But I told them after backing out over the phone.
Who did you call from Wisconsin?
Coach Letton. And then our recruiter Max (Stienecker).
What was their reaction or message to you?
They were pretty disappointed if I’m going to be honest. And they were shocked too. They really have said that over and over again. Rather, coach Letton said: “I respect your decision. I’m glad you were honest.” Max, as a recruiter, it’s his job to recruit me, so he told me he was concerned about that decision and that they didn’t want something like that to happen. There were a lot of phone calls.
Rob Booker II is the only tight end player in UCLA’s class of 2024. (Courtesy of Rob Booker II)
Have you spoken to Luke Fickell at all?
Yes. He called my father. We spoke to both of us on the phone.
How did the conversation with coach Fickell go?
It was cool. He was also quite disappointed, which is understandable. He also called my head coach, Coach (Pat) Rice, and kind of asked him about it. Because originally I didn’t really want to tell anyone where I was going because I knew it would come out. Most people already know what’s behind the scenes.
Did you have reservations about going all the way to UCLA and not telling anyone from Wisconsin?
I knew I was going to commit to UCLA, and I knew I was going to call Wisconsin and break the commitment. What wasn’t on my agenda was telling them where I was going. But they kept asking me, “There has to be a school.” They wouldn’t just reopen your job posting.” Because I wouldn’t. They told me that it was very risky just to resume recruitment because all those schools that offered you in the past might still not have that spot. And I knew that. But I already had a place at UCLA, and that’s where I wanted to go.
Why do you think UCLA is a better fit for you?
I’ve seen both presentations of both offenses in Wisconsin and UCLA. I’d say the main thing that really got me hooked is that Coach (Phil) Longo does put some distance for tight ends on the Air Raid offense. It’s like the first thing Max told me on the phone was that his tight ends led the country in receiving yards last season, or something like that. But Coach Kelly has an NFL offense. He coached Zach Ertz. He has scored three tight ends in the NFL in the past five years. And I think my play style fits in well with that.
You are in Waunakee, about 20 minutes from Camp Randall Stadium. How do you think the reaction will be from people you know and Badgers fans?
I already know some people are pretty upset. I would too. It had nothing to do with Wisconsin. I love Wisconsin fans with all my heart because they welcomed me and made me feel welcome. It really has always been a dream of mine. But you must do what is best for you.
My mom is a die-hard Badgers fan. When I told her I wanted to make that decision, she honestly wasn’t happy. She’s happy for me, but she grew up a Badger fan, so you can only imagine what it’s like for her. I definitely noticed it. She’s just worried that maybe I won’t like it out there and I’ll get homesick. So I’m aware of how feelings are portrayed. But at the end of the day, it’s my choice, and not many people are in the position I’m in right now.
Just to be clear, you said it wasn’t a goodbye because when you called to let Wisconsin know, had you already told UCLA you were committed?
I’ve been personally involved with UCLA. And then I called Wisconsin, Coach Letton, and told him I was going out of business. And then they said, “Oh, why?” Originally, I didn’t tell them what school I went to, but I said I was going somewhere else. Just for me it’s a better opportunity.
How do you rate the way these personnel recruited the state of Wisconsin?
I think this staff did an incredible job of recruiting. I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t, at least for me. I think these people can recruit in the state. Obviously, behind the scenes, I don’t know what’s going on between these relationships. But they can recruit in the state. It wasn’t a recruiting mistake. You have done a fantastic job. That was simply because I wanted what was best for me.
How much, if at all, did NIL play a part in your decision?
Actually not at all. For me, no man in my family has a college degree. The fact that I get paid for my studies is a zero point for me. I don’t care how much money I get. If I go to school for free, sign me up. I don’t really care how much money comes in, and neither does my family.
Have you reached out to Wisconsin’s volunteers in your class?
Definitive. During the official visit we had about six of our assignments there. The official visit was a lot of fun. We really are like family. I’ll still talk to these guys. We have a group chat and I told them before announcing it. I was like, “Hey guys, this is where I’m going. I will do that. I love you guys.” And they all texted back too because they care about me and I care about them. I want them to be successful. You want me to be successful. It’s really like a brotherhood.
I also texted (quarterback) Mabrey (Mettauer) because he sent me a long message. I told him: “Represent the state well, brother. I know you will.” It’s a family. We really love each other, and it sucks that I had to say goodbye to these guys after the chemistry was built between us, because the chemistry between us was really good. But ultimately it is, and they understand that.
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When did UCLA invite you to visit?
Probably a week ago. They waited with the offer until I got there. They basically told me that if you got out of here, they would. You had already seen me, the O-Line trainer, in person. But they wanted to see me and talk to me all day.
Finally, do you have any regrets about how the whole thing went?
Obviously I feel like shit. I’m obviously going to sound hypocritical when I say that. But when I saw boys leaving their school, I would ask myself, ‘Why? What was the point of committing anyway?” And now I’m obviously the guy to do it. Of course, doing this feels like shit to me, especially for the Wisconsin fans. Because they really gave me a lot of love and I can’t put into words how grateful I am for that.
My mom is still heartbroken over the decision and most of my family are Badger fans. So it wasn’t easy to tell them. But they all understand and I really hope the fans can understand that my family are still Badger fans. I’m a badger at heart. But as far as opportunities go, I just couldn’t pass this up.
(Top Photo: Courtesy of Rob Booker II)
Information about Ignatius. Photo: Twitter.
