If we can count on Minnesota to provide our TE and OL (guessing four scholarships per year) and four other recruits, then we’re left to fill the other nine (assuming we can redshirt everyone and class sizes are equal) scholarships from outside the borders. Defensive end and defensive back are most likely to be filled elsewhere as are running back and linebacker.
Let’s look at the upcoming class of 2012 for an example:
From my count, we have 17 scholarships to give out this year assuming there are no transfers, no academic casualties and allow existing walk-ons to keep their scholarships. From what I said above we’ll likely sign approximately eight recruits from Minnesota. Here is how the 2012 in-state class appears to project:
QB – Philip Nelson (committed), Joe Mollberg (not likely to be offered by MN)
RB – Antonio Ford (possible offer), Kendrick Brewster and Andrew Larson (not likely to get an offer)
TE – Maxx Williams (committed), Will Johnson (offered), Taylor Montero (not likely)
OT – Jonah Pirsig (offered), David Simmet (possible offer), Ben Lauer (not likely)
OG/OC – Isaac Hayes (offered), Sam Lee (possible offer), Chase Roullier, Bryson Johnson and Jesse Hein (not likely)
DT – Jon Harden and Karmichael Dunbar (possible offers)
LB – Drake Michaelson, Ben McDonald and Shawn Willis (not likely)
S – Nick Rallis and Adam Bungum (likely offers) and Nate Howard (not likely)
CB – Charles Webb (likely offer) and Tavaughn Blair (possible offer)
We already have Philip Nelson (QB), Andre McDonald (WR) and Maxx Williams (TE) committed and I have a good feeling about Will Johnson, Isaac Hayes, Sam Lee, Jon Harden and Nick Rallis. That would leave us with a two DB prospects, two DE’s, RB, WR, OT and two LB’s. This doesn’t seem like an extraordinary scenario any given year. This means we have to go shopping.
What we should be looking for:
QB – It sounds like Kill is pretty enamored with Marqueis Gray so my guess is that he’ll try to bring one of him in every year. So a dual threat QB rated in the top 25 or so. Dallas and Houston are great places to find a QB. North Florida is pretty stacked as well. Alabama, South Florida and Central Texas average around two QB’s per year that would suffice for us.
RB – From the looks of who we have offered so far in the class of 2012 it’s smaller, explosive guys. This sounds like it has South Florida written all over it but North Florida actually produces more RB’s. Add in the Metroplex and Houston for quantity and Atlanta averages 5 RB’s that could be had by the Gophers per year.
WR – Just like anyone else, Kill wants playmakers at WR and I don’t think size matters too much. Just get them where ever you can.
TE – These are going to be more blocking type TE’s rather than pass catching TE’s. There is probably a better chance of finding someone will to fill this role north of the Mason-Dixon line than below it. Ohio is a great place to find them and New Jersey does as well. Surprisingly South Florida, Metroplex and Pennsylvania do not produce many TE. Houston has a few as does North Florida.
OL – Just like with TE we’re as likely to find a quality OL up north as down south. Plus the northern guys are more likely to pick Minnesota based on proximity and already being acclimated to the weather.
DE – Long and fast. That’s what will work the best for Coach Claeys’ defense. Best place to find those guys are in Florida. There are some in Texas but they are snapped up by the in-state schools. There also is a chance that Ohio could produce some that could slip through the cracks to us.
DT – I think we’re looking for what everyone is looking for from their DT’s. We may be able to convert thicker DE’s into DT as well. Just take the best ones you can get and they can come from anywhere.
LB – Speed is a common theme in what Kill wants from his players and LB is no exception. It appears that Kill is willing to sacrifice size for speed. Places like Alabama, Florida and Texas are where we should want to grab players from.
DB – Atlanta has quite a few players at DB, but not nearly as many as Florida. Texas produces many as well but they appear to be recruited by helmet schools. Louisiana also produces a fair share but SEC schools seem to recruit almost exclusively within SEC territory.
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