The state of Florida continues to be a hot spot in recruiting for the University of Wisconsin football program.

The Badgers received a verbal commitment this week from linebacker Conor O'Neill of Fort Lauderdale. He joins David Gilbert, a defensive end from Oakland Park, Fla., who committed last week.

UW also recently landed a player from closer to home -- linebacker Tyler Dippel of Hartford.

Assuming they follow through with their commitments and sign letters of intent in February, all three players would be members of the Badgers' 2009 recruiting class.

Don't be surprised if UW lands more players from Florida considering the program's success there in recent years.

Here's a list of players the Badgers have signed from Florida since 2005:

2008 - defensive linemen Eriks Briedis and Anthony Mains, defensive back Kevin Claxton and cornerback Antonio Fenelus, who has seen time as a true freshman this season.

2007 -- cornerback Aaron Henry, tailback Zach Brown and defensive tackle Jasper Grimes.

2006 -- wide receiver Xavier Harris, linebacker Culmer St. Jean and cornerback Josh Nettles, who is no longer with the program.

2005 -- linebackers Jaevery McFadden and Elijah Hodge.        

UW coach Bret Bielema got the ball rolling in Florida when he joined the staff as an assistant in 2004. When he became head coach, he handed off recruiting duties in the state to assistant Dave Doeren, who got off to a strong start by signing Henry and Brown in the 2007 class.

And now the Badgers have another recruiter on the staff -- first-year defensive line coach Charlie Partridge -- with strong ties to Florida. Partridge is a native of Plantation, Fla.

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