2025 defensive tackle Abu Tarawallie, an intriguing in-state target out of Heritage Christian Academy (Minn.) picked up his second D1 offer from Minnesota this past February.
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The 6-foot-4, 260-pound defensive tackle out of Maple Grove, MN. sat down with
The Gopher Report to go in-depth on his interest in Minnesota's program.
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Tarawallie said that the Golden Gophers have been involved in his recruitment for about six months.
"It's great to have an offer from them," Tarawallie said. "I'm glad that they decided to give me a chance, especially since I'm so young and I'm hoping I can impress. I'd say we have been talking for about six months now. I really like the coaching staff and the recruiting staff and I've been talking to Coach Debo, he's a great guy."
Tarawallie said that he likes how genuine Coach Debo is and how much it feels like talking to a friend. He added that the Golden Gophers' coaching staff liked what they saw from his film.
"I just like how genuine he is," Tarawallie said. "It's not like you're talking to coach when talking to him. He's like one of my friends. And to my knowledge, they seem to like my film and what they saw from me."
Tarawallie said that he's certainly interested in the Golden Gophers' program as he has been on several visits already. With Minnesota being a great program, Tarawallie said that he's interested in going back.
"Yeah, I've had a couple of visits already, but I'd love to go on some more," Tarawallie said. "They have a really great program and I love the way they run things."
Tarawallie said that he's eager to meet some of the Golden Gophers' defensive linemen on his next visit to Minnesota. The in-state defensive talent added that he does not have any visits planned at the moment but is in the process of returning to Minnesota for another visit.
"I haven't really met any players but I would love to meet some of the defensive linemen," Tarawallie said. "And I have no visits planned but I'll probably get one soon or ask Coach Debo when they have an opening."
In addition to being offered by Minnesota, Tarawallie has also collected opportunities from Kansas and Iowa State.