BROOKFIELD, WI (WSAU) Alec James is not going anywhere. The state high school defensive player-of-the-year from Brookfield East has re-affirmed his verbal commitment to Wisconsin next fall – even though the coach who recruited him, Bret Bielema, bolted for Arkansas.

Bielema made a late effort to steal James from the U-W – and the senior also considered Michigan State and Oregon during the past few weeks. James’ high school coach Tom Swittel said Wisconsin has always had the inside track – but he needed to get to know new coach Gary Andersen and his staff.

Swittel said James respects and likes the new coach – and he remains comfortable at Wisconsin. James had 11 sacks last fall at Brookfield East, and 97 total tackles.