Florida (IMG Academy) guard Curtis Dunlap commits to the Gophers

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The Gophers have received a commitment from IMG Academy (Bradenton, FL) guard Curtis Dunlap. He chose Minnesota over a long offer list, including Florida, Oklahoma, Miami and USC.

Dunlap, a four-star recruit, decommitted from Florida on Dec. 5 and held his official visit this weekend during the Gophers’ “eLITe18Palooza” recruiting event on campus. The one aspect of his game that really stands out is his athleticism for a player with a 6-foot-4, 368-pound frame. He finishes his blocks to the whistle and can get to the second level and finish off defenders. I would compare him to a heavier version of former NFL player Andre Gurode. There is definitely room for him to get strong physically, specifically in his upper frame. He has a tendency to trip or stumble out of his stance as he backpedals. This is particularly the case if he gets long-armed inside and gets slightly off balance. He is a rock inside in the running game and drives blocks hard downhill. With more development, he has the chance to be a future NFL prospect because of his underrated athleticism, overall frame, and evolving technique.

The Gophers needed to add offensive line talent and Dunlap is literally and figuratively a huge commitment to land. If you pair the commitment of Daniel Faalele with him, the Gophers are going to need to build a bigger boat.

Learn more about Daniel Faalele, who committed tonight as well: http://www.forums.gopherhole.com/boards/showthread.php?80186-IMG-Academy-OL-Daniel-Faalele-commits-to-the-Gophers
 

We need an LST M Boat!

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Craig Haubert, ESPN Staff Writer

Minnesota secured a pair of key commitments Saturday along the offensive line in Curtis Dunlap Jr. and Daniel Faalele. Below, see why Dunlap is likely to make an early impact for the Gophers:

What he brings: Dunlap is a big, physical and continually improving O-lineman. The four-star player has excellent height, carries a great deal of bulk on his frame and possesses good functional strength. He is capable of being a road grader in the run game with his big frame and lower-body power. Can move deceptively well for his size and be effective when asked to pull and work to the second level. Can deliver a good punch and lock out in pass pro and can maintain a good base and balance to control and stay in front of rushers. The ESPN 300 big man has played both guard spots and also worked at center and is a prospect that has demonstrated a positive attitude and desire to get better and try to maximize his abilities.

How he fits: The Golden Gophers made two big additions to their O-line both literally and figuratively with teammates Dunlap and Daniel Faalele. Led by Dunlap, who is better equipped to more quickly contribute, he's a prospect that has shown a lot improvement over the last two seasons and with each opportunity to evaluate he has continued to be a little better than the last time. The top-10 guard's demeanor and ability to be coachable should allow the Gophers' offensive staff to get the most out of him and potentially allow him to grow into a leader and anchor among that unit. He also possesses some versatility with experience at guard and center and should at least initially be able to offer good depth, as three of the four interior offensive linemen who saw significant time this season were two seniors and red-shirt junior. While Conner Olson returns, he also brings some versatility; with Dunlap now in the mix, the Minnesota coaches can play them where they can best help the unit.

Their other pick-up, Faalele, is more of a developmental prospect, but he is a monster-sized one with outstanding strength and upside. Listed as an OT, we would not be surprised if he initially starts out at guard as he continues to develop and gain further experience.

Reminds us of: Dunlap reminds us of recent IMG grad and 2017 Michigan signee Cesar Ruiz. The reason for this is that Ruiz, also an ESPN 300 prospect, was arguably one of the most improved players in the nation from his sophomore to his senior season and developed into one of the premier interior offensive linemen in the class because he had a competitive demeanor and worked hard to maximize his ability. Dunlap has followed some in his former teammate's footsteps and shown similar growth and promise as a player.

How the class is shaping up: P.J. Fleck has the Golden Gophers climbing on the recruiting trail with his latest pick-ups on the O-line. Along with ESPN 300 defensive end and Kentucky flip Alex Reigelsperger, the class is now led by two ESPN 300 prospects and features four, four-star commits. Defensive line is a key position of need in 2018, and Reigelsperger joining three-stars Elijah Teague, end Abi Okonji, tackle Logan Richter and Mayan Ahanotu have more than filled needs. The state of Georgia has been attacked by the staff with the returns netting four-star receiver Terrell Smith, three-star pass catcher Rashod Bateman, three-star running back Nolan Edmonds and linebacker Braelen Oliver. Three-star receiver Jornell Manns was also a key grab out of Ohio.
 




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