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Allen visited Minnesota at the beginning of August

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Former Minnesota commit has been named the starting quarterback at Cal.

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From our friends over at InsideNebraska.com

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Joe Rossi on the list, to the surprise of no one

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Koi Perich checks in at No. 5...must have been checking out those dunking highlights

Picks Minnesota 3rd in the West. Iowa to win the West is interesting

Now the gambling scandal, Noah Shannon is suspended for the year.

With college football right around the corner, it also means that the August dead period is about to end. Entering this fall, Minnesota's 2024 recruiting class sits mostly full. The Golden Gophers hold 23 commitments in their recruiting class, leaving just a few spots for the next few months. P.J. Fleck and his coaching staff will surely want to save some room for the transfer portal next offseason.

With that, Gophers Nation goes position by position below to look at what is left to be done this cycle for the Golden Gophers on the recruiting trail.

QUARTERBACK​

The Gophers were only going to take one quarterback this cycle, and they landed their man in Fayetteville (AR)'s Drake Lindsey. They're one and done here.

Commitments: 1

Projected room left: 0

RUNNING BACK​

With a pair of running back commitments, Minnesota is unlikely to take any other tailbacks in their 2024 recruiting class. They're very happy with the duo of Jaydon Wright and Ohifame Ijeboi.

Commitments: 2

Projected room left: 0

WIDE RECEIVER​

Three wide receivers are currently committed to the Gophers Corey Smith, Dallas Sims, and Jalen Smith. There is definitely a chance this fall that the coaching staff looks to add one more wide receiver to the mix, but it is not a necessity either. We'd continue to keep an eye out on Alabama wide receiver Jonathan Bibbs. In statewide receivers, Khijohn Cumings-Coleman and Jurlad Hughes might be worth monitoring as well.

Commitments: 3

Projected room left: 1

TIGHT END​

The Gophers hold a pair of tight-end commitments in the class in Julian Johnson and Jacob Simpson. They won't be adding any other tight ends to their 2024 recruiting class.

Commitments: 2

Projected room left: 0

OFFENSIVE LINE​

Minnesota has three offensive line commitments: Nathan Roy, Brett Carroll, and Mauricio Hinds. I get the sense they would like to potentially add a fourth offensive lineman if possible, but they're not going to reach for one, either. They'll, of course, continue to pursue Minnesota native and Wisconsin commitment Emerson Mandell, but I wouldn't hold my breath on him yet. One name that I will be watching closely in the region is Brandon (SD) offensive guard Navarro Schunke, who has seen his recruitment tick up recently, including several SEC offers.

Commitments: 3

Projected room left: 1

DEFENSIVE LINE​

Minnesota has five defensive line commitments in the recruiting classes Riley Sunram, Jaylin Hicks, Jide Abasiri, Mo Saine, and Sam Macy. They're on the defensive line; in all likelihood, a few offered prospects remain uncommitted. That being said, they did lose a commitment from Adam Kissayi in this cycle, so there is still a good chance they look to add another defensive lineman to the class, in particular, an edge rusher. Nobody has emerged as a potential option to fill that option yet, but we will be paying close attention to the position this fall. Additionally, Wyatt Gilmore certainly has the ability to join the class at any point if he wants to back off his Oklahoma commitment.

Commitments: 5

Projected room left: 1

LINEBACKER​

The Gophers only handed out a handful of linebacker offers this cycle and walked away with two commitments at the position in Mason Carrier and Brady Pretzlaff. They haven't shown any interest in adding any more linebackers to the class. They may monitor a few players this fall as potential late additions.

Commitments: 2

Projected room left: 1?

CORNERBACK/SAFTIES​

With five commitments in the secondary, the Golden Gophers are likely done at the position unless they suffer any sort of surprise decommitments.

Commitments: 5

Projected room left: 0

Overall​

Overall, we look at the Gophers adding about 2-to-3 more players in their 2024 recruiting cycle. There may be a prospect or two that they feel they can't turn away that grows that number, but in all likelihood, we're looking at just a few more additions for the Gophers this cycle. Linebacker is a position it looks like they're comfortable with, so I don't anticipate any additions there, hence the question mark after the one. Notably, Sam Macy could play defensive end or linebacker at the next level. Players like Emerson Mandell and Wyatt Gilmore have open invitations to the class but remain long shots to be flipped.

With just over a week until the beginning of Minnesota's 2023 season, Gophers Nation looks at Minnesota's offensive line heading into this fall.
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STARTERS (LEFT TO RIGHT)​

Left Tackle: Aireontae Ersery (6-foot-6, 325-pounds)

Ersery played in 12 games for Minnesota last year and was overall solid for the Golden Gophers. The Kansas City, Missouri native saw nearly 400 snaps last season and graded out to be about an average pass blocker and run blocker last season. Across 290 pass-blocking snaps, he allowed ten total pressures, including two sacks. Ersery showed flashes of being able to be a dominant left tackle this year, and this fall, the Gophers will hope the 6-foot-6, 320+ pound tackle will be able to continue his development.

Left Guard: Tyler Cooper (6-foot-5, 315-pounds)

Cooper appeared in just five games last year for the Gophers at both left guard and right guard, totaling 54 snaps. There are still quite a few questions about what the Saint Croix Falls, Wisconsin native could bring on the field for the Gophers. Now entering year five of the program, he'll finally get his chance to be on the field routinely.

Center: Nathan Boe (6-foot-5, 300-pounds)

Most of the time, when you lose an elite center like Minnesota did with John Michael Schmitz, it's incredibly hard to replace. That being said, Minnesota might be okay in the middle of the offense line with Nathan Boe moving from guard to center this fall. Boe, last season, was a superb pass blocker for the Gophers and held his own in his run blocking as well.

Right Guard: Quinn Carroll (6-foot-7, 315-pounds)

The massive 6-foot-7 Quinn Carroll played in all 13 games for the Gophers last season, where he struggled in pass blocking but was a good run blocker. In the run game, Carroll often opened up holes for Mohamed Ibrahim and the Gophers' rushing attack to run through, but when it came to pass blocking, Carroll allowed 22 total pressures, including four sacks over the course of the season. He'll need to improve his pass blocking this fall.

Right Tackle: Martes Lewis (6-foot-7, 335-pounds)

Lewis is the projected right tackle heading into next week's season opener against Nebraska. Last season, Lewis played in nine games, totaling 69 snaps, a majority of them run-blocking snaps. When he was in there in pass-blocking opportunities last year (just 13), he showed promise, but it's hard to judge based on such a small sample size, especially considering the opposing talent (New Mexico State, Western Illinois, Colorado). Lewis is an x-factor on the offensive line for the Gophers this fall.

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BACKUPS / DEPTH (LEFT TO RIGHT)​

Left Tackle: Logan Purcell, (6-foot-7, 300-pounds) Tony Nelson (6-foot-6, 315-pounds)

Logan Purcell will likely be the second straight tackle for the Gophers. However, he's been challenged by Tony Nelson for the second-string spot. Purcell played in just one game for the Gophers last season and saw just five snaps. Nelson redshirted last fall as a true freshman.

Left Guard: Karter Shaw (6-foot-4, 305-pounds), Greg Johnson (6-foot-6, 320-pounds)

Karter Shaw will be a huge piece of the Gophers' offensive line this fall in the fact that he's likely going to be able to be their backup left guard and center. If the Gophers suffer an injury to Tyler Cooper or Nathan Boe, Shaw should be able to step right into a starting spot this fall. He played in five games last season and saw 66 total snaps. In his collegiate career, he's proven to be a quality pass and run blocker. The Gophers love what Greg Johnson could bring to them in the future but probably would prefer not to have to play the true freshman this fall.

Center: Karter Shaw (6-foot-4, 305-pounds), Cade McConnell (6-foot-5, 310-pounds), Jerome Williams (6-foot-4, 300-pounds)

We just discussed Shaw, but beyond him at center are two inexperienced pieces in redshirt freshman Cade McConnell and true freshman Jerome Williams.

Right Guard: Ashton Beers (6-foot-6, 315-pounds)

Beers is another redshirt freshman who is an injury away from seeing significant snaps this fall.

Right Tackle: JJ Guedet (6-foot-8, 315-pounds)

Gaudet is one of the few backup offensive linemen who have experience. The Illinois native has seen 89 snaps over the past four seasons.

Overall​

In an offense that is not only run-heavy but also has a younger quarterback under center this fall, the offensive line is going to play an even more important piece in the Gophers' success this fall. Replacing what the Gophers lost on the offensive line since last fall won't be easy, and there's still plenty of upside for the Gophers on the line and they'll be thrown into the fire right away against Nebraska.

A look at some true freshmen who could make an impact this season:

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Gophers Nation's 2023 positional previews continue today with the tight end position. The room is headlined by Brevyn Spann-Ford, one of the top tight ends in the nation, but the depth at the position has some quality upside itself.

Let's dive right in.

STARTER - Brevyn Spann-Ford (RS RS)​

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Spann-Ford has been receiving a ton of preseason honors ahead of this upcoming season, and rightfully so. The St. Cloud, Minnesota native is one of the best tight ends not just in the Big Ten but in the entire country. Spann-Ford will be one of the keys to the Gophers' offense this fall. and will be a primary receiving option for quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis.

Last season, Spann-Ford recorded 42 receptions, 497 receiving yards, and two touchdowns across 13 starts. He earned All-Big Ten Honorable Mentions for his efforts last season. This summer, he earned All-Big Ten honors from PFF, Phil Steele, and Athlon Sports while also being given Big Ten Preseason Honors and being named the No. 31 player in the country by PFF this offseason. Spann-Ford is also expected to be one of the Gophers' top NFL Draft picks next fall.

BACKUP: Nick Kallerup (RS SR)​

Login to view embedded media Kallerup won't be a receiving threat for the most part but will still be a quality backup tight end for the Gophers. A great pass and run blocker, Kallerup, will be a key part of the Gophers' run and pass blocking. With Spann-Ford and Kallerup as rather elite blockers at the tight end position, the Gophers should once again have one of the best rushing attacks in college football this fall.

DEPTH: Jameson Greers, Nathan Jones, Pierce Walsh, Sam Peters​

Jameson Greers - As a redshirt freshman last season, Geers saw his first time on the field for the Gophers, playing in nine games and recording two receptions for 12 yards. He'll likely be the third tight end for the Gophers this fall but could end up being their No.2 receiving tight end. Expect a slightly bigger role for the Illinois native this fall.

Nathan Jones - As a true freshman last season, Jones had a complete redshirt season, not appearing in any games for the Beavers. The Texas native will likely see the field this fall, but barring injury won't have a huge impact on the field.

Pierce Walsh and Sam Peters - It's unclear if Walsh or Peters will see playing time for the Gophers this season, but their overall impact should be a rather minimal one. Both tight ends are physically there, Walsh at 6-foot-4 and 260 pounds while Peters currently stands at 6-foot-5 and 235 pounds. While they likely won't have notable impacts this fall, starting next fall, both should be competing for bigger roles.

Additional depth: Wyatt Schroeder, Jack DiSano, Frank Bierman

Maybe somebody could interview Fleck about what he liked and didn't like. I've been looking for something.

On today's episode of Locked On Golden Gophers, I discuss if Brevyn Spann-Ford is a top 3 tight end in the nation. We then discuss the TEs on the Gophers' depth chart for 2023 and the future. We wrap it up by ranking all the TEs in the Big Ten and how they finish for the 2023 season.

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We continue to look at Minnesota's 2023 opponents for this upcoming season. Today's opponent preview features the Michigan Wolverines. The Wolverines are coming off a 13-0 regular season, winning a second-straight Big Ten championship last season. They would fall in the College Football Playoffs semifinal to the TCU Horned Frogs 51-45.

OFFENSE​

Last season, this Michigan offense was one of the best in the country, averaging 40.4 points and 458.8 total yards per game, including 238.9 rushing yards per game. The Wolverines returned eight of their 11 starters on the offensive side of the ball last year, including quarterback J.J. McCarthy and running back Blake Corum. Also returning in the backfield is Donovan Edwards, who rushed for 991 yards and seven touchdowns of his own last season.
This offense will be built around the Wolverines' rushing attack. The combination of Corum and Edwards is likely the best in all of college football. Combined, the two rushed for 2,454 yards and 25 touchdowns. Corum is coming off a season-ending injury from last fall but should be ready to go to start the season.
They also return their top two wide receivers from last season, Roman Wilson and Cornelius Johnson, giving them a considerably dangerous wide receiver room. Tight end Colston Loveland is a breakout candidate on the offensive side of the ball.
Notably, the Wolverines' offensive line has been the best in the country in the last two seasons, and it would be surprising if they weren't the best offensive line again this fall. Three of five starting offensive linemen return, but there is talent all up and down their depth chart on the offensive line.
Overall, the Wolverines' offense will remain one of the best in the country, thanks to their rushing attack, with a quality passing attack supplementing that rush offense.

DEFENSE​

Defensively, the Wolverines are even better than they are offensively. Last season, they allowed just 16.1 points and 292.1 yards per game. Their defense was nearly impossible to run the ball on, and their pass defense was routinely smothering opponents on a weekly basis.
Seven of 11 starters from a year ago return for Michigan this fall, with most of them among their front seven. Their secondary lost a few pieces, but the depth at the position, thanks to the Wolverines' recruiting over the last few years.
This will be a challenging matchup for Athan Kaliakmanis from a passing standpoint, and the Gophers' offensive line is going to be tested more than they have been in recent memory in trying to contain this Michigan front seven.

SPECIAL TEAMS​

On special teams, Michigan is returning both their starting kicker and punters from last season. James Turner, a transfer from Louisville, will take over the place-kicking duties. While he won't be able to replace Jake Moodie completely, he should be a reliable kicker week in and week out for the Wolverines. Punter Tommy Doman will take over the punting duties after being a backup each of the last two seasons.

OVERALL​

Overall, the Michigan Wolverines are well deserving of their presson ranking as the country's No. 2 team. This is one of the most complete teams in the country and will be incredibly hard for the Gophers to knock off. It will take a perfect game from P.J. Fleck and the Gophers coaching staff in order to win this one in October.

LOCKED ON GOLDEN GOPHERS: Do the Gophers have a top 3 WR room in the B1G?


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