Coaches can start calling seniors weekly again starting tomorrow, so I'll try and recap the entire offensive recruiting picture heading into tomorrow. There are a bunch of new names!
Quarterbacks
The staff is all in with Tony Poljan and are excited for him to arrive on campus. However, with little depth at quarterback right now, it's possible that another quarterback is offered later in this recruiting cycle, although I'm not expecting that to happen.
If it does, I believe Keon Howard would be the recipient, as he's continued to hear from the staff despite committing to Memphis on August 8th. He told me that an official visit hasn't been discussed with the Minnesota staff yet, so that's pretty telling that the staff will wait to see how the rest of the class plays out to see if they even have room for another quarterback. Plus, maybe Streveler completely moves to H-Back by then. If Howard does end up landing a Minnesota offer, I'm confident that he'd flip pretty quickly, as the Gophers have always been his favorite.
Quarterback articles: Commit Catch-Up: Tony Poljan from late July, QB target gives a status update from July, Howard still hearing from Minnesota from late June
Quarterback highlights: Tony Poljan, Keon Howard
Running Backs
The skill positions are where this war room starts to get interesting. From the recent surge of offers to running backs over the last month, it's become clear that the staff plans to take one in this class.
I spoke to Martell Pettaway today, and didn't get the same vibe talking to him today that I did right after the offer. He sounded pretty set on West Virginia, and said he hadn't spoken to Dior Johnson or Ray Buford about Minnesota much. I just wasn't getting a maroon and gold vibe from him. He's taking an official visit here for the Michigan game, which should be a great weekend to visit, and everything could change then. Pettaway flipping does make sense -- we've had success at running back, he knows players here, Minnesota isn't any further away than WVU, etc. But for now, I think the Mountaineers have a fairly comfortable lead.
I spoke to South Plantation's (FL) Anthony Julmisse yesterday, and he said Minnesota has started to show serious interest. Earlier this summer he told me that Minnesota hadn't contacted him in a while, but things have definitely changed. Kill called and told him he's a big target for them at running back. Julmisse is still open and I don't think is planning to make a decision for a while, so it's fine that the Gophers are rejoining his recruitment this late. He's versatile (He played defensive end, defensive back, running back, and receiver for South Plantation in their first game.), so he could always change positions if there's too big of a log jam when he arrives on campus. I don't think every school is recruiting him as a running back.
The staff has talked with Boise State commit Damarea Crockett a little bit. The Little Rock Christian (AR) four star didn't have much to say when I spoke with him, but I imagine he gets a call from the staff tomorrow and starts to build a relationship with them and learn more about Minnesota. Nebraska is on him quite a bit and are trying to set up a visit with him, but for now, Crockett seems pretty solid to Boise State.
Other running backs to know about are Kene Nwangwu from the DFW area, Mike McCoy from Topeka, and Jeremy Lewis from Oklahoma. Nwangwu is a name I've mentioned before. There still hasn't been much contact between he and the staff, but I still believe there is some interest there. McCoy has been on my radar for about a month. He's heard from the staff a little bit, and maybe tomorrow gets a call from them and the recruiting process truly starts. Jeremy Lewis is an Arkansas State commit that has caught the staff's attention and will be evaluated this fall.
Running backs articles: Pettaway has Gopher connection, will visit from late July, Florida ATH talks Minnesota offer, potential visit from early June
Running backs highlights: Martell Pettaway, Anthony Julmisse, Damarea Crockett, Kene Nwangwu, Mike McCoy, and Jeremy Lewis
Wide Receivers
With Melvin Holland Jr., Jeff Jones, Isaiah Gentry, and Desmond Gant as redshirt freshman, plus Hunter Register and Rashad Still as true freshman, the idea was that one receiver would be taken in the 2016 class. Well, Phillip Howard was phenomenal in the slot at camp, Drew Hmielewski really came out of nowhere -- remember, he wasn't even invited to Junior Day -- and Dredrick Snelson was perhaps the most out of the blue commit from the Jerry Kill era.
They're still talking to more, and here's why:
Tyler Johnson is the target that all Gopher fans know about. A decision didn't come on Thursday, so maybe he's set on taking all of his official visits, like he told Josh, after all. Tyler used to text me or message me on Facebook whenever he got as much as a letter from a power five school. He's at the peak of his recruitment now and is busy with football, so hasn't talked with reporters much recently, which I understand. All I was told was that his visit went well and he got to spend time with the coaches. Yes, his recruitment is dragging out longer than some thought it would, but I don't think Gopher fans should be worried. He has a top four of Iowa, Iowa State, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Blair Sanderson from Hawkeye Report thinks that there's room for Johnson at Iowa, but that he's never seemed interested in the Hawkeyes. Tyler gave Johnson a funny quote to Josh about Iowa State about how they told him he didn't have to come down to camp and for a visit because he already had an offer. And Jon McNamara from Badger Blitz told me that Wisconsin has one more spot for a receiver, but their targets already seemed to be picked out and are high on the Badgers. I'm confident he'll be a Gopher, just keep giving it time.
Bailey Edwards didn't list Minnesota when I asked who was recruiting him the hardest, so I think it's safe to say there's no longer a ton of interest on Minnesota's end. Miami of Ohio commit DeAndre Huff also told me that he hasn't heard from Minnesota in a while.
The new names are headlined by Velus Jones, a four star from Alabama committed to USC. Jones is hard to get a hold of, so I don't have anything too specific to report, but know he's heard from Minnesota recently, and I imagine will be getting a call tomorrow.
I had an update on Illinois receiver Roddrick Bryant on Tuesday, and said to keep an eye on him in my late July war room. I think Minnesota was the third school Bryant listed to me, and he also listed Minnesota to Brian Austin from our Missouri site. His comments about the Gophers have been pretty vague, but he did say that he's talked with the staff a little bit about setting up a visit. The visit would be pretty late, which works out well because all of the bulletpoints I listed a couple paragraphs up will be solved by then, so whether or not he's truly wanted will be known.
Jawun Ruffin from Baton Rouge has been hearing from Jay Sawvel, and the two have talked about a late November visit. Again, that works well from the Gophers side because that gives them more time to evaluate Ruffin, as well let the bulletpointed situations play out. He's being looked at as a slot receiver right now. Ruffin is a bit of a diamond in the rough, as right know his only offer is from Louisiana Tech, but he's talking to a lot of power five programs in the South.
The last receiver I'll mention is Huron (MI) slot receiver Marcus Edmondson. He's heard from Reeves a little bit, but I don't think for a while. Still, I think he's pretty interested in Minnesota, as he told me he and his family are hoping to take an unofficial on Halloween for the Michigan game. Edmondson is a new name and at least a preferred walk-on candidate, if nothing else.
Wide receiver articles: A Power Mizzou article on Roddrick Bryant from last week, Tyler Johnson update from last week, Minn. commit: "40% chance I'll be a Cane" from two weeks ago, Commit Catch-Up: Phillip Howard from two weeks ago, six articles on Hmielewski's commitment two weeks ago which are linked to his profile, seven articles on Snelson's commitment in early August which are linked to his profile, Latest Edwards talent talks Gopher interest from June
Wide receiver highlights: Phillip Howard, Drew Hmielewski, Dredrick Snelson first game senior year, Dredrick Snelson junior year, Tyler Johnson, Velus Jones, Roddrick Bryant sophomore year, Jawun Ruffin, and Marcus Edmondson
Tight Ends
Tight end recruiting has taken a turn. Minnesota wants a blocking tight end and might no longer take an H.
I've been told that Missouri is the definite leader for Albert Okwuegbunam, and that he wants to go there. Several things go into this:
Corey Rau was a big target, but committed to SMU in late July. I think he'd be a take because he's a good blocker. The Cinco Ranch (TX) two star really wanted to stay close to home though, and that's why he chose SMU. He liked everything about Minnesota, but was set on staying in Texas. If the staff is able to get him on a visit, I think he's flippable, but until then, I think we can forget about Rau.
It's a similar story for Kyle Fourtenbary, who committed to South Alabama because he wanted to stay close to home. Fourtenbary told me he's still talking to Minnesota and has talked about taking an official visit in the winter. He's set on South Alabama though, and told me he doesn't see himself changing his mind. I think things could change with Fourtenbary, especially if/when he takes an official, but right now distance is just too much of a deterring factor.
So which blocking tight ends are out there? Wake Forest commit Brandon Chapman and Richmond commit Hamilton Day have both heard from Minnesota a tiny bit, but not much. That could potentially change tomorrow, as I think both could get calls. Chapman didn't have much to say about Minnesota, as he hasn't heard much from them. Hamilton Day told me that he's familiar with Minnesota because of Maxx Williams and because his uncle grew up a Gopher fan.
Chapman and Day are the main two I'd keep an eye on. Amorama Noel from Houston is a name that I've brought up before that should also be kept in mind.
Tight end articles: Okwuegbunam returns to Mizzou from earlier this month, Okwuegbunam talks Gophers, MSU, and more from July, Fourtenbary talks Gopher interest, future visits from July, Rau names top five, talks Minnesota interest in-depth from June, Fourtenbary talks Gopher interest, potential July visit from June; Texas TE hearing from the Gophers from early June
Tight end highlights: Albert Okwuegbunam, Corey Rau, Kyle Fourtenbary, Kyle Fourtenbary blocking, Brandon Chapman, Hamilton Day, Amorama Noel
Offensive Line
O-Line recruiting hasn't changed all summer. The Gophers are set with their four commits -- Sean Foster, Matt Kegel, Conner Olson, and Sam Schlueter -- and won't take another unless it's a JUCO.
That JUCO target is Vincent Calhoun, and his situation hasn't changed either. Calhoun absolutely loved his visit here and has had Minnesota as his leader for a while, but has maintained that he'll take his other allotted visits. He still hasn't set up any other official visits, though. The only explanation for not having committed to Minnesota yet is that he's waiting for a "bigger" offer. Calhoun's commitment could come in several weeks if he hasn't picked up a ton of new interest after sending out his mid-season highlights. The fact that he hasn't set up any other officials means that Minnesota is still the clear leader. Even though he's taking a while, I'm still confident Calhoun will end up a Gopher. Right now, we're playing phone tag, but hopefully soon I'll finally get a hold of him and have a full update for you guys.
Trent Maynard told Josh Helmholdt that he really likes Minnesota and told Scout that Minnesota is his leader, but there's not room for Maynard in this class. I don't see him becoming a Gopher. Maybe if he wants to be an early enrollee, but I'm not sure if he'd even be a take then.
Offensive lineman articles: Maynard mulling his options from two weeks ago, Calhoun calls Minnesota visit "amazing" from late June
Offensive lineman highlights: Vincent Calhoun, Trent Maynard early senior season, Trent Maynard junior season
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I linked relevant articles, but for more context on recruits, you can find more stories on them on their Rivals page. There's also a lot of information about many of them in my June and July war rooms.
As always, let me know if you have any questions.
Quarterbacks
The staff is all in with Tony Poljan and are excited for him to arrive on campus. However, with little depth at quarterback right now, it's possible that another quarterback is offered later in this recruiting cycle, although I'm not expecting that to happen.
If it does, I believe Keon Howard would be the recipient, as he's continued to hear from the staff despite committing to Memphis on August 8th. He told me that an official visit hasn't been discussed with the Minnesota staff yet, so that's pretty telling that the staff will wait to see how the rest of the class plays out to see if they even have room for another quarterback. Plus, maybe Streveler completely moves to H-Back by then. If Howard does end up landing a Minnesota offer, I'm confident that he'd flip pretty quickly, as the Gophers have always been his favorite.
Quarterback articles: Commit Catch-Up: Tony Poljan from late July, QB target gives a status update from July, Howard still hearing from Minnesota from late June
Quarterback highlights: Tony Poljan, Keon Howard
Running Backs
The skill positions are where this war room starts to get interesting. From the recent surge of offers to running backs over the last month, it's become clear that the staff plans to take one in this class.
I spoke to Martell Pettaway today, and didn't get the same vibe talking to him today that I did right after the offer. He sounded pretty set on West Virginia, and said he hadn't spoken to Dior Johnson or Ray Buford about Minnesota much. I just wasn't getting a maroon and gold vibe from him. He's taking an official visit here for the Michigan game, which should be a great weekend to visit, and everything could change then. Pettaway flipping does make sense -- we've had success at running back, he knows players here, Minnesota isn't any further away than WVU, etc. But for now, I think the Mountaineers have a fairly comfortable lead.
I spoke to South Plantation's (FL) Anthony Julmisse yesterday, and he said Minnesota has started to show serious interest. Earlier this summer he told me that Minnesota hadn't contacted him in a while, but things have definitely changed. Kill called and told him he's a big target for them at running back. Julmisse is still open and I don't think is planning to make a decision for a while, so it's fine that the Gophers are rejoining his recruitment this late. He's versatile (He played defensive end, defensive back, running back, and receiver for South Plantation in their first game.), so he could always change positions if there's too big of a log jam when he arrives on campus. I don't think every school is recruiting him as a running back.
The staff has talked with Boise State commit Damarea Crockett a little bit. The Little Rock Christian (AR) four star didn't have much to say when I spoke with him, but I imagine he gets a call from the staff tomorrow and starts to build a relationship with them and learn more about Minnesota. Nebraska is on him quite a bit and are trying to set up a visit with him, but for now, Crockett seems pretty solid to Boise State.
Other running backs to know about are Kene Nwangwu from the DFW area, Mike McCoy from Topeka, and Jeremy Lewis from Oklahoma. Nwangwu is a name I've mentioned before. There still hasn't been much contact between he and the staff, but I still believe there is some interest there. McCoy has been on my radar for about a month. He's heard from the staff a little bit, and maybe tomorrow gets a call from them and the recruiting process truly starts. Jeremy Lewis is an Arkansas State commit that has caught the staff's attention and will be evaluated this fall.
Running backs articles: Pettaway has Gopher connection, will visit from late July, Florida ATH talks Minnesota offer, potential visit from early June
Running backs highlights: Martell Pettaway, Anthony Julmisse, Damarea Crockett, Kene Nwangwu, Mike McCoy, and Jeremy Lewis
Wide Receivers
With Melvin Holland Jr., Jeff Jones, Isaiah Gentry, and Desmond Gant as redshirt freshman, plus Hunter Register and Rashad Still as true freshman, the idea was that one receiver would be taken in the 2016 class. Well, Phillip Howard was phenomenal in the slot at camp, Drew Hmielewski really came out of nowhere -- remember, he wasn't even invited to Junior Day -- and Dredrick Snelson was perhaps the most out of the blue commit from the Jerry Kill era.
They're still talking to more, and here's why:
- The staff obviously won't turn away a "can't miss" talent.
- Cane Sport, Rivals' Miami site, reported that Snelson will be deciding between Minnesota and Miami on December 3rd. While he's still committed to Minnesota and I think the Gophers have the best chance to land him, I think we all know that Snelson's recruitment is far from over
- Right now, Drew Hmielewski is set on playing football in college, and still deciding on baseball. He has an offer from the Gophers. Maybe he gets picked high in the MLB Draft and goes to the minors. Maybe he gets picked high enough that he decides he wants to play baseball in college instead. I haven't researched Hmielewski's draft position, but my point is "who knows what could happen."
- These receivers are versatile. Many of the targets could play different positions, even if wide receiver is where they'll start. I think Phillip Howard's best position is without a doubt in the slot, but he also looked better in coverage than Amani Hooker. Drew Hmielewski could also play safety.
Tyler Johnson is the target that all Gopher fans know about. A decision didn't come on Thursday, so maybe he's set on taking all of his official visits, like he told Josh, after all. Tyler used to text me or message me on Facebook whenever he got as much as a letter from a power five school. He's at the peak of his recruitment now and is busy with football, so hasn't talked with reporters much recently, which I understand. All I was told was that his visit went well and he got to spend time with the coaches. Yes, his recruitment is dragging out longer than some thought it would, but I don't think Gopher fans should be worried. He has a top four of Iowa, Iowa State, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Blair Sanderson from Hawkeye Report thinks that there's room for Johnson at Iowa, but that he's never seemed interested in the Hawkeyes. Tyler gave Johnson a funny quote to Josh about Iowa State about how they told him he didn't have to come down to camp and for a visit because he already had an offer. And Jon McNamara from Badger Blitz told me that Wisconsin has one more spot for a receiver, but their targets already seemed to be picked out and are high on the Badgers. I'm confident he'll be a Gopher, just keep giving it time.
Bailey Edwards didn't list Minnesota when I asked who was recruiting him the hardest, so I think it's safe to say there's no longer a ton of interest on Minnesota's end. Miami of Ohio commit DeAndre Huff also told me that he hasn't heard from Minnesota in a while.
The new names are headlined by Velus Jones, a four star from Alabama committed to USC. Jones is hard to get a hold of, so I don't have anything too specific to report, but know he's heard from Minnesota recently, and I imagine will be getting a call tomorrow.
I had an update on Illinois receiver Roddrick Bryant on Tuesday, and said to keep an eye on him in my late July war room. I think Minnesota was the third school Bryant listed to me, and he also listed Minnesota to Brian Austin from our Missouri site. His comments about the Gophers have been pretty vague, but he did say that he's talked with the staff a little bit about setting up a visit. The visit would be pretty late, which works out well because all of the bulletpoints I listed a couple paragraphs up will be solved by then, so whether or not he's truly wanted will be known.
Jawun Ruffin from Baton Rouge has been hearing from Jay Sawvel, and the two have talked about a late November visit. Again, that works well from the Gophers side because that gives them more time to evaluate Ruffin, as well let the bulletpointed situations play out. He's being looked at as a slot receiver right now. Ruffin is a bit of a diamond in the rough, as right know his only offer is from Louisiana Tech, but he's talking to a lot of power five programs in the South.
The last receiver I'll mention is Huron (MI) slot receiver Marcus Edmondson. He's heard from Reeves a little bit, but I don't think for a while. Still, I think he's pretty interested in Minnesota, as he told me he and his family are hoping to take an unofficial on Halloween for the Michigan game. Edmondson is a new name and at least a preferred walk-on candidate, if nothing else.
Wide receiver articles: A Power Mizzou article on Roddrick Bryant from last week, Tyler Johnson update from last week, Minn. commit: "40% chance I'll be a Cane" from two weeks ago, Commit Catch-Up: Phillip Howard from two weeks ago, six articles on Hmielewski's commitment two weeks ago which are linked to his profile, seven articles on Snelson's commitment in early August which are linked to his profile, Latest Edwards talent talks Gopher interest from June
Wide receiver highlights: Phillip Howard, Drew Hmielewski, Dredrick Snelson first game senior year, Dredrick Snelson junior year, Tyler Johnson, Velus Jones, Roddrick Bryant sophomore year, Jawun Ruffin, and Marcus Edmondson
Tight Ends
Tight end recruiting has taken a turn. Minnesota wants a blocking tight end and might no longer take an H.
I've been told that Missouri is the definite leader for Albert Okwuegbunam, and that he wants to go there. Several things go into this:
- Missouri is telling him they want him as an "inside receiver", and tight ends always perk up when someone wants them as a receiver. However, one person I talked to said that his offer is actually at tight end. I'm assuming that Missouri actually wants him as a tight end, might use him as an inside receiver in some situations like most offenses do, but told him that he'll have the chance to start out at receiver if he wants.
- Minnesota doesn't really want a receiving tight end in this class anymore, like I said above.
- Okwuegbunam currently has an issue he needs to address.
Corey Rau was a big target, but committed to SMU in late July. I think he'd be a take because he's a good blocker. The Cinco Ranch (TX) two star really wanted to stay close to home though, and that's why he chose SMU. He liked everything about Minnesota, but was set on staying in Texas. If the staff is able to get him on a visit, I think he's flippable, but until then, I think we can forget about Rau.
It's a similar story for Kyle Fourtenbary, who committed to South Alabama because he wanted to stay close to home. Fourtenbary told me he's still talking to Minnesota and has talked about taking an official visit in the winter. He's set on South Alabama though, and told me he doesn't see himself changing his mind. I think things could change with Fourtenbary, especially if/when he takes an official, but right now distance is just too much of a deterring factor.
So which blocking tight ends are out there? Wake Forest commit Brandon Chapman and Richmond commit Hamilton Day have both heard from Minnesota a tiny bit, but not much. That could potentially change tomorrow, as I think both could get calls. Chapman didn't have much to say about Minnesota, as he hasn't heard much from them. Hamilton Day told me that he's familiar with Minnesota because of Maxx Williams and because his uncle grew up a Gopher fan.
Chapman and Day are the main two I'd keep an eye on. Amorama Noel from Houston is a name that I've brought up before that should also be kept in mind.
Tight end articles: Okwuegbunam returns to Mizzou from earlier this month, Okwuegbunam talks Gophers, MSU, and more from July, Fourtenbary talks Gopher interest, future visits from July, Rau names top five, talks Minnesota interest in-depth from June, Fourtenbary talks Gopher interest, potential July visit from June; Texas TE hearing from the Gophers from early June
Tight end highlights: Albert Okwuegbunam, Corey Rau, Kyle Fourtenbary, Kyle Fourtenbary blocking, Brandon Chapman, Hamilton Day, Amorama Noel
Offensive Line
O-Line recruiting hasn't changed all summer. The Gophers are set with their four commits -- Sean Foster, Matt Kegel, Conner Olson, and Sam Schlueter -- and won't take another unless it's a JUCO.
That JUCO target is Vincent Calhoun, and his situation hasn't changed either. Calhoun absolutely loved his visit here and has had Minnesota as his leader for a while, but has maintained that he'll take his other allotted visits. He still hasn't set up any other official visits, though. The only explanation for not having committed to Minnesota yet is that he's waiting for a "bigger" offer. Calhoun's commitment could come in several weeks if he hasn't picked up a ton of new interest after sending out his mid-season highlights. The fact that he hasn't set up any other officials means that Minnesota is still the clear leader. Even though he's taking a while, I'm still confident Calhoun will end up a Gopher. Right now, we're playing phone tag, but hopefully soon I'll finally get a hold of him and have a full update for you guys.
Trent Maynard told Josh Helmholdt that he really likes Minnesota and told Scout that Minnesota is his leader, but there's not room for Maynard in this class. I don't see him becoming a Gopher. Maybe if he wants to be an early enrollee, but I'm not sure if he'd even be a take then.
Offensive lineman articles: Maynard mulling his options from two weeks ago, Calhoun calls Minnesota visit "amazing" from late June
Offensive lineman highlights: Vincent Calhoun, Trent Maynard early senior season, Trent Maynard junior season
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I linked relevant articles, but for more context on recruits, you can find more stories on them on their Rivals page. There's also a lot of information about many of them in my June and July war rooms.
As always, let me know if you have any questions.
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