University of Wisconsin football coach Bret Bielema has been successful in keeping the top high school players in the state, signing every state player he's offered a scholarship in the past three years.

And Bielema is off to a good start for the 2009 class, picking up oral commitments from three top juniors, including two-way lineman Ryan Groy of Middleton.

Groy, 6-foot-5 and 285 pounds, started the past two seasons at right tackle for the Cardinals on offense and played a lot at defensive end last season.

"I think (the Badgers) like him because of his versatility; he can play either way," Middleton coach Tim Simon said. "They like him because he's a big, strong, explosive, athletic kid. But in terms of a specific position, I don't know if they have anything pegged for him yet."

UW also has received commitments from Waupun lineman Jordan Kohout and Mequon Homestead defensive tackle Shelby Harris.

Simon is a fan of early commitments because he saw how that decision helped former Middleton wide receiver Nick Toon, who committed to UW before his senior year in high school. Toon was redshirted with the Badgers last season.

"Nick will tell you that, too; you just come into your senior season like a normal senior, 'I'm going to come in, have fun, play with my guys and try to win the conference,''' Simon said.

"You don't have to worry about personal stats or 'What happens if I get injured my third game and (sit) out a couple games?' It just makes it so much easier to play and have fun."

Simon has no doubt Groy, who attended UW's football camp last summer, will be one of the highest-ranked seniors in the state next season.

"Some of my assistant coaches have been doing this longer than I have and they said (Groy) will be one of the best linemen we've seen in a while," Simon said.

"Obviously, Ryan's extremely happy; we as a staff are very happy, his parents are as well. It just speaks volumes to his ability, what he's been able to do the last couple years. He has such a tremendous upside. I think they see that at Wisconsin."

Simon praised Groy's work ethic, leadership and devotion to weightlifting.

"He really is a nice kid," Simon said. "I know all coaches say that, but he really is. I tell you what, does this kid have a work ethic. He is a leader in the weight room. ... If it were up to him, he'd have a key to the weight room."

On signing day two weeks ago, Bielema praised offensive line coach Bob Bostad's recruiting efforts in the state, saying he "has probably done as good a job as I've ever witnessed, as an in-state recruiter, any place I've ever been."

"In the state of Wisconsin, which is our No. 1 priority, we get every kid we offer," Bielema said at the time.

Simon said prep coaches in the state appreciate that commitment to state players.

"All football coaches in Wisconsin, I think we're all Badger fans," Simon said. "We like to see that, that's a good thing, when a new coach comes in and he shows he wants to get the talent from the state of Wisconsin first."