Vames,
Thanks. I always look forward to your nice summations.
Thanks!
You are the man with the inside track into the State's talent pool.
Like many, I follow Burnsie, Goblirsch, and others as well. Plus I do get some inside scoops before them.
I don't get that the U did not offer the speedster Amani Hooker, and with a need for DTs they never offered Jamahl Johnson. JoJo Garcia was their first choice, but he imploded with unforeseen transfers/graduation requirement issues until late in the game. By then, Jamahl have already committed to ISU. Was it potential admission issues, player profile, that kept them from offering Jamahl? Or where they only going to fill one DT slot in the 2016 Class?
I think the Gophers waited on Hooker and were too late to the game for him. He had one heck of a year as a senior. Regarding Jamahl, I guess he did not impress at camp. Hard to overcome that evaluation even though he had a very solid senior season. And you mentioned below, Minnesota does not have many D1 defensive lineman.
JC Merrick Jackson was a coup to fill in depth and class balance I think. DTs don't grow on trees even in the Minnesota tundra.
For all the effort to lock down the borders, we let a few good ones get away. Disappointed that Matt Kegel flipped to Okie State, although I hear there is family ties to the school. Overall it was a very good season for shutting down borders.
With the head coaching change, The Gophers are fortunate they did not have a huge blood-letting. Credit goes to Coughlin and his Empire Posse, and the Gopher Recruiters/Coaches for keeping it all together. We want players that want to be here.
Coughlin definitely was key for holding class together. He has a bright future in what ever he does down the road!
For some, it seems like they were firm about going elsewhere - Kasl, Ramaud C-Bowman, and Spielman.
Yeap. I would agree.
Is Tracey Claeys going to continue the outreach to outstate MN and the inner city schools like Coach Kill did? Previous coaches either didn't make valiant efforts to make inroads to develop and continue relationships with MN HS coaches, or they are oblivious to whatever talent we have instate that HS coaches end up funneling their players elsewhere. We don't want to miss out on the next Eric Decker.
I sure hope so. I know Sherels covered Minnesota the past few years and did a great job. I think he might be picking up a new territory thought.
Cretin seemed to be a pipeline for Notre Dame. I hope that there are cracks in that relationship.
It has been five years now since last CDH player went to ND. Onuwalu. Other than Cornell, they have been a little light on D1 talent lately. Although if Bollinger can do there what he did at HM a few years ago, they may have talent to watch. Hopefully the U can tap into that talent.
Tracey Claeys will be tested in his ability to recruit instate soon enough.
