Pennsbury offensive lineman J.J. Denman chooses Wisconsin for football

Last weekend's visit to the University of Wisconsin to see the Badgers take on Big Ten rival Indiana changed J.J. Denman's mind about committing to Penn State for football.

"I had been [to Wisconsin] in the spring and watched their offensive linemen," the Pennsbury center said. "When I went back, I could see how much those guys had improved. That told me that I would get the most out of playing at Wisconsin."

Sunday, on his way home from Madison, Wis., the 6-foot-6, 310-pound senior let Wisconsin's coaches know of his decision to play for the Badgers. He later spoke with Penn State assistant and recruiting coordinator Mike McQueary, who was in town Friday to watch Denman and the Falcons play at Abington.

"It was tough to let the people at Penn State know about it," Denman said. "They're good people. I just had to do what's best for me."

Denman, projected to be an offensive tackle in college, made an oral commitment to Penn State in May. He also visited Boston College, Connecticut, Michigan, Notre Dame, and Rutgers.

"I think I jumped the gun when I committed to Penn State," the Yardley resident said. "In the back of my mind, I think I knew all along that I wanted to go to Wisconsin."

Denman, a four-year starter, is ranked No. 117 overall and 18th among offensive tackles in the Class of 2012 by Scout.com.

Contact staff writer Rick O'Brien at 610-313-8019, robrien@phillynews.com, or @ozoneinq on Twitter. Read his blog, "The O'Zone," at www.philly.com/ozone