After watching film cuts on every player and talking to people associated with a few players, I have compiled notes on every single player in the Gophers 2018 recruiting class. Come back later today for quotes from P.J. Fleck on each player:
The class currently ranks No. 27 nationally, which is second-highest rating in school history, according to 24/7 Sports:
Quarterbacks (1):
Vic Viramontes, 6-foot-2, 234 pounds
Hometown: Norco, CA
JUCO transfer from Riverside City College (Riverside, Calif.)
Analysis: The top-ranked JUCO school quarterback in the country joins the Gophers after spending a season at Riverside City College in California. An intriguing prospect with dual-threat ability, Viramontes gashed defensive units with 26 total rushing touchdowns and another 19 through the air. He’ll join a Minnesota offense which features run-pass option looks to capitalize upon his unique athleticism. According to his trainer, Viramontes was clocked at 4.5 in the the 40-yard dash during his senior season. He’ll need to become more oriented as a passer, while cleaning up his mechanics and becoming more polished in the passing game. However, he is an extremely intriguing prospect, who is highly-regarded by his coaches and trainers in California. In case you missed it, here’s my feature with Vic from last week.
Running Backs (2):
Nolan Edmonds- 5-foot-10, 206 pounds
Hometown: Atlanta, GA
Analysis: After de-committing from the class on June 23 to explore other options, running back Nolan Edmonds announced his commitment to P.J. Fleck and the Gophers in late July. There are a few attributes which stand out in Edmonds’ skill-set. He is a very patient runner with excellent vision to read his blockers. He will set defenders up with a strong jump-cut or a spin move to create additional yards. Edmonds is more of a methodical runner and has an explosive first step. When he reaches the open field, he doesn’t have an impressive second gear, but picks up an extensive amount of yards after contact. This is especially the case within the first five yards of most plays. When he is caught in the second level, he has the ability to make a move and gain additional yardage. The main area he must improve is his pad level as a runner. He has a tendency to lose a split second of speed when he doesn’t stay low. If I was going to compare his skill-set to a current NFL player, I would choose Indianapolis Colts running back Marlon Mack.
Bryce Williams, 5-foot-11, 180 pounds
Hometown: Sarasota, FL
Analysis: The key aspect of Bryce Williams’ film that stands out is his above average agility and ability to find cutback lanes. He runs with great pad level and stays low to make a cut. Williams is quite elusive and it allows him to get into the second level, which is where he thrives. His open field speed provides an explosive spark plug out of the backfield. Williams’ elusiveness makes him difficult to bring down. It’s especially apparent when you watch his quick first step and ability to run into tight creases at the line of scrimmage. For a player with his speed, he sometimes could be more patient and less decisive as a runner. He will also need to add additional weight through the strength and conditioning program. However, he provides a really unique skill-set an an explosive complement to Nolan Edmonds, who is a more methodical and physical runner.
Wide Receivers (3):
Rashod Bateman- 6-foot-3, 175 pounds
Hometown: Tifton, GA
Analysis: I can use one word to describe Rashod Bateman: playmaker. The Gophers were very fortunate to add an exceptional talent like Bateman in this recruiting cycle. After putting together an impressive senior season, Bateman drew late interest from SEC powers like Georgia and Tennessee. The early signing period definitely was an advantage for Minnesota in this instance. Bateman has extensive experience as a basketball player at Tift County High School and received a few power-five offers for the sport.
Bateman consistently wins with his starts and strong footwork off the snap. When he runs outside release to the sideline, he can get separation and make a tough contested grab with defenders nearby. Bateman is a player that needs to get the ball in space because of his ability to create plays after the catch. Not to mention, he can get open off a double move to stretch the field vertically. He has a great head fake and doesn’t sell his routes, which is another great attribute to have. Bateman also flashed an ability to adjust to balls that were thrown erratically. It would be nice to see him add more bulk to his frame, but he is an impressive athlete with every attribute a coach is looking for in a young pass catcher.
Bateman will be an immediate impact player and could receive a similar comparison to 2017 first round draft pick Corey Davis, an NFL player P.J. Fleck and Matt Simon produced at Western Michigan.
Jornell Manns- 5-foot-10, 187 pounds
Hometown: Mansfield, OH
Analysis: The Gophers lacked dynamic weapons in the passing game last year. They need to find a gadget player in their offense and Jornell Manns might be the player. Minnesota beat out Wisconsin and Penn State, landing him in mid-April. Manns can be placed in the slot to run crossers or plays which isolate him in space. He’ll be especially effective in bubble or flare screen looks, along with jet sweep action. Manns is very dynamic and was often used out of the backfield during his high school career. He has 4.3 speed and will fit very well in an RPO system at Minnesota. He’ll need to fine tune his route running, but can win right now off shear athleticism. An underrated aspect of Manns’ skill-set is his intelligence. He was one of eight students at Mansfield High School to finish with a 4.0 GPA. This is an important trait to pair with a unique athlete at a major position of need.
Erik Gibson, 6-foot-2, 195 pounds
Hometown: Detroit, MI
Analysis: When you watch the tape of Erik Gibson, you’ll see a very physical player with above average ball skills. His ability to adjust in traffic and make difficult grabs is very underrated. Gibson is effective in the red zone and can win with a fade to the back corner of the end zone. His film also features physical traits as a run blocker. He will get out to the edge and block to the whistle, often sparking big gains on the edge. Gibson only played six games in his senior season due to injury, which allowed him to fly under the radar more. He will make contested grabs in traffic with physicality at the catch point, but will need to work on the details, including route angles to translate at the next level. However, his frame, ball tracking, and reliable hands are all traits that can definitely be molded around.
Offensive Line (7):
Curtis Dunlap, 6-foot-4, 368 pounds
High School: IMG Academy, Bradenton, FL
Analysis: Curtis Dunlap, a four-star recruit, de-committed from Florida on Dec. 5 and held his official visit 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. He chose Minnesota over a long offer list, including Florida, Oklahoma, Miami and USC, which is a testament to his upside as a player.
Daniel Faalele, 6-foot-9, 400 pounds
High School: IMG Academy, Bradenton, FL
Analysis: The Gophers landed perhaps one of the most intriguing developmental offensive line prospects in the country. Three-star IMG Academy offensive lineman Daniel Faalele chose Minnesota over offers from a long list of schools, including Alabama, Georgia, Arkansas, Auburn and Florida State. Faalele measures in at 6-foot-9, 400 pounds and hails from Australia. He journeyed to the United States to play football at IMG Academy.
He was receiving extensive interest from power programs like Alabama, Arkansas, LSU, Miami and Michigan. He is currently ranked as the 29th offensive tackle in the country, according to 24/7 composite rankings. He will be able to enroll for the next semester to get familiar with the playbook and coaching staff. His massive frame is definitely the storyline, but his agile feet will make him intriguing. He has experience playing both rugby and basketball, which has helped him develop athletically. When you see his frame, there isn’t a lack of bend and that’s encouraging with the length he possesses. Faalele is the type of freak specimen every coach gets excited about. He’ll need to be coached extensively to develop technique because of his inexperience at the position. However, he is one of the nation’s most coveted developmental offensive lineman and coach Ed Warinner has to be excited to work with him.
Jason Dickson, 6-foot-7, 309 pounds
JUCO School: Diablo Valley College
Analysis: Jason Dickson wrapped up an impressive recruiting haul for P.J. Fleck and his staff at the offensive line position. Dickson committed to UCLA this summer before opening up the recruiting process in mid-October. He drew extensive interest from Arizona State, but the Gophers managed to emerge as the winner. According to 24/7 Sports rankings, Dickson was the seventh-best JUCO offensive tackle in the country. Considering his experience at the position, he could emerge as the leading candidate to win the right tackle job in camp. Within his film, his fundamentals as a pass protector stand out, as he is willing and able to redirect pass rushing moves. He works with a strong base and often finishes players to the ground. Dickson will need to stay low and drive through blocks in the running game, but his size and early signs of fundamental development leave many excited.
Austin Beier, 6-foot-5, 285 pounds
Hometown: Toledo, OH
Analysis: Austin Beier had offers from Indiana, Ohio University, Cincinnati, Boston College and Northwestern, so why Minnesota? Beier was in love with Coach Fleck’s vision and wanted to join the University of Minnesota’s engineering program. His grandpa played at Michigan and great uncle, Tom, was with the Dolphins in the NFL. On the field, Beier possesses above average length for a guard. When he pulls, Beier drives through defenders in the second level and displays a strong base. His fundamentals and footwork are two of his most impressive attributes. He is always looking for work and shows off his awareness to find defenders. Beier will continue to improve under the instruction of Ed Warinner and has immense upside within the interior.
Jack York, 6-foor-5, 270 pounds
Hometown: Dallas, TX
Analysis: Jack York, a 6-foot-5, 270-pound offensive lineman chose the Gophers over offers from Harvard, San Diego State, and Southern Mississippi. York was previously committed to San Diego State, but flipped to Minnesota. York wins with a strong base and has great footwork coming out of his stance. He finishes to the whistle, mauling defenders on a consistent basis. He wins the leverage battle by getting inside hand position and using his lower body strength to stay engaged. York has a tendency to play tall, but it isn’t a frequent occurrence. His most impressive attribute is his ability to move well up the field with his size. York can change direction quickly with speed rushers when he keeps his feet light. An underrated component of his game coaches have talked about is his intelligence. He has a high level of awareness and understands the tendencies of his opponents. This is important to pair with a frame that is still being developed through the strength and conditioning program.
Grant Norton, 6-foot-8, 255 pounds
Hometown: Camdenton, MO
Analysis: There is nothing more intriguing than adding a player with a 6-foot-8 frame into the offensive line room. Norton has impressive length, but will need to fill out his frame with strength and conditioning work. He plays with an intense motor and flashes a mean streak to the whistle. Norton moves very well and gets into the second level to find defenders. His footwork could use more polishing, but he exhibits a strong base and utilizes his hands well. Norton is more developed as a run blocker and needs to refine his stance as a pass protector. He sometimes leans as a pass protector, which gets him into trouble against power pass rushers. However, Norton has all the tools to be successful and can develop into a serviceable offensive tackle for the future. Wisconsin had offered Norton, so the Gophers managed to fend off a rival to bring him to Minnesota.
Nathan Boe, 6-foot-4, 250 pounds
Hometown: Lakeville, MN
Analysis: A local product, Nathan Boe is proof that P.J. Fleck will find and add talent inside the borders of Minnesota. Boe is a very physical offensive lineman who plays through the whistle on a consistent basis. His mean streak comes through on tape, especially in the running game. He is most successful when he stays low and is exploding with high hands to get inside position. He doesn’t have the lightest footwork and struggles more with speedy interior defensive lineman. This can be addressed as he focuses on the small details at the next level, such as hand technique and footwork. At 6-foot-4, 255 pounds, Boe has perfect size to play inside and I see him being a developmental project for the future as he continues to evolve from a fundamental standpoint.
Tight End (1):
Brevyn Spann-Ford, 6-foot-7, 233 pounds
Hometown: St. Cloud, MN
Analysis: If you love a tight end with athleticism that may have the ability to flex out in a hybrid type role, local product Brevyn Spann-Ford is the tight end for you. One of the top-ranked players in Minnesota for the 2018 class, Spann-Ford is an intriguing player due to his size and ball skills. He is a difficult matchup for linebackers because of his catch radius and quickness. There is even more room for Spann-Ford to expand his frame through strength and conditioning work, too. He can make a variety of grabs in traffic and can be flexed into the slot in the red zone to pose a threat. Spann-Ford will be one of the most interesting players to watch in this class because of his unique skill-set.
Defensive Ends (3):
Alex Reigelsperger, 6-foot-4, 247 pounds
Hometown: Dayton, OH
Analysis: Alex Reigelsperger measures in at 6-foot-4, 240 pounds and has a quick first step off the edge. He wins with physicality and light feet to finesse opposing offensive tackles. He is not a freaky athlete with major size, but he is a tough and physical player. Reigelsperger plays through the whistle and often wins with his first step and an occasional spin move or long arm jab. He also has shown an ability to find his pass rushing angles and win by setting up his moves methodically. At the next level, it’s clear he’ll need to add more weight to stack up against the quality offensive tackles in the Big Ten. He doesn’t possess a ton of bend off the snap, which is something he’ll need to add at the next level. However, the potential tools are available to further craft his pass rushing arsenal under the instruction of defensive line coach Bryce Paup. I can see him being a very solid and reliable 4-3 defensive end in this system.
Abi Okonji, 6-foot-2, 238 pounds
Hometown: Snellville, GA
Analysis: Abi Okonji is a speed rusher and won’t win off length or size. I could see him projecting as a stand up edge rusher because of his quick first step and athleticism. Okonji will benefit from learning more pass rushing moves at the next level. He also can get physically stronger via the strength and conditioning program. Okonji has speed and versatility which are two intriguing traits that can be used in unique ways. He added 25 pounds dating back to 2015 and started to draw more interest as he became more refined over the final two years of his high school career. Okonji can be placed in a variety of different roles on defense, which is important when trying to gameplan with different wrinkles.
Mayan Ahanotu, 6-foot-4, 250 pounds
Hometown: Tampa, FL
Analysis: Mayan Ahanotu is the son of 12-year NFL veteran Chidi Ahanotu, who compiled 46.5 career sacks at defensive end. He most notably played under former Gopher quarterback Tony Dungy with the Tampa Buccaneers. At 6-foot-4, 250 pounds, Ahanotu has a nice blend of length and explosion to play inside. He will be able to add more bulk and upper body strength to take his game to the next level. More importantly, Ahanotu’s great set of pass rushing moves allow him to win consistently. He has experience playing both on the outside and inside. I see him being a player that could easily play three-technique inside on pass rushing downs. Ahanotu is a finesse style player that has an impressive motor. He uses his hands very well to win against offensive lineman by exploding out of his stance and ripping through with a push-pull or spin move. Not to mention, he’s light on his feet for a player with his size, which will allow him to be effective inside on pass rushing downs. Defensive line coach Bryce Paup will only take this to the next level with more coaching.
Defensive Tackles (2):
Elijah Teague, 6-foot-2, 289 pounds
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Analysis: Out of all the defensive players in this class, fans should be really excited to watch Elijah Teague. His tape shows a player with an intense motor and physicality. He wins with an extremely quick first step and light feet. More importantly, he can shed blocks and often gets offensive lineman off balance by using his footwork to make an explosive move. Teague possesses nice length for an interior player and is very tough to handle when he stays low. He finishes off running backs and creates consistent tackles for loss because he never quits on the play. He is a rather polished player and will only continue to develop fundamentally under defensive line coach Bryce Paup.
Logan Richter, 6-foot-4, 291 pounds
Hometown: Perham, MN
Analysis: A hidden gem in northern Minnesota, Logan Richter is a player to keep a close eye on. He has continually gotten bigger and will flourish in a college conditioning program. At 6-foot-4, 291 pounds, Richter has excellent size, but is above average athletically. I was most impressed with his ability to stay low and fully utilize the blend of power and light feet he possesses. He’ll need to tighten up fundamentally from a footwork and hand technique standpoint, but he has an intriguing skill-set. He played in a small town, which allowed him to fly under-the-radar in the recruiting process. Bryce Paup has to love the potential of this in-state product. He has all the intangibles coaches look for in a player and this staff will have the chance to transform his skill-set.
Linebackers (3):
Braelen Oliver, 6-foot-1, 218 pounds
Hometown: Douglasville, GA
Analysis: Braelen Oliver flies to the football and creates plays at the linebacker spot. He had an impressive offer sheet, featuring Indiana, Iowa State and West Virginia. This guy has one of the more intriguing film cuts of the entire group. He has experience on offense, as a returner and running back. Oliver is a very physical and explosive player. He is instinctive and can close on plays from sideline-to-sideline. The athleticism, versatility, and diagnosis skills stand out throughout his film cuts. He is a playmaker when he is on the defensive side of the ball and made plays when the ball was in his hands on offense. Oliver is the type of player that can be used creatively on defense to create mismatches.
Thomas Rush, 6-foot-3, 209 pounds
Hometown: Marysville, OH
Analysis: Thomas Rush was once a running back at Marysville, notching 1,400 yards and 12 touchdowns during his junior year. He is quick and moves well in space with patience, and vision. At 6-foot-3, 209 pounds, he will have enough size and athleticism to play linebacker at the next level. He looks like he will be an effective downhill run stopper with the ability to move well sideline-to-sideline as a tackler. Rush also has excellent length to be rangy and effective as a rusher or nickel down coverage player. It’s also impressive to note Rush received offers from two competitive academic institutions (Dartmouth and Brown) that require above average academic performance. His intelligence will be a great asset, which fits the mold of players head coach P.J. Fleck is looking for in the new culture. He performed very well on the camp scene this summer and caught the eye of Minnesota coaches at the Pro Football Hall of Fame satellite camp in Canton.
Mariano Sori-Marin, 6-foot-3, 223 pounds
Hometown: New Lenox, IL
Analysis: Mariano Sori-Marin missed parts of his first three high school seasons with injuries. It allowed him to be an under-the-radar style player the coaches found in Illinois. He is a very athletic player and I wouldn’t be opposed to taking a look at him as a rangy safety. Sori-Marin could be flexed into the box in certain sets and the Gophers could play single-high safety. It also wouldn’t be surprising if he was tested as an edge rusher, too. There is plenty of flexibility with him, but he will need to become reactive as a player to diagnose certain plays. However, you can’t beat the measurables, including his speed, size, and agility.
Cornerbacks (3):
Terell Smith, 6-foot-, 170 pounds
Hometown: Snellville, GA
Analysis: The key takeaway from watching Terell Smith play is his athleticism. In high school, Smith ran a 10.32 100-meter dash and was a track star. He is a gifted athlete and moves extremely well. When he gets into his backpedal, he can redirect quickly, displays impressive awareness and often read plays or route concepts. Smith is a solid tackler in space and will play very physically in run support. He will need to play more physicality at the next level. In most of his clips, he is playing seven to ten yards off wide receivers and is reacting. It shows how gifted he is athletically, but he’ll need to develop more physicality against Big Ten wide receivers. I think the ability is there and Minnesota’s system will fit him well. Smith’s ball skills allow him to make difficult plays when he reacts to the receiver’s route. With some coaching, Smith has the chance to be a solid player and the Gophers edged a late recruiting surge by Notre Dame to land him.
Benny Sapp III, 6-foot-0, 183 pounds
Hometown: Eden Prairie, MN
Analysis: The son of former Minnesota Vikings cornerback Benny Sapp, Benny Sapp III, was one of the first players to express his commitment to P.J. Fleck in February. After playing high school ball in Florida, Sapp III transferred to Eden Prairie for his final two seasons. However, he suffered knee ligament tears in each of those campaigns. The biggest question surrounding Sapp III is his health following three knee surgeries. He received a recent offer from Nebraska, but turned them down to stay committed to Minnesota. As a freshman in Florida, Sapp III was receiving major offers from the likes of Alabama and Clemson. An impressive athlete with above average ball skills, Sapp III shows off his fundamentals and footwork on the field. If he can stay healthy, Sapp III has all the skills to be an active contributor in the secondary.
C.J. Smith, 6-foot-1, 175 pounds
Hometown: Neptune Beach, FL
Analysis: C.J. Smith has played safety and cornerback in high school and his tape is rather impressive. He possesses plenty of length at 6-foot-1, but he’ll need to add a little more weight. He plays with impressive physicality to deliver hits in the backend. Smith is also a very fundamentally sound tackler against the run. He plays reactive and is in position to knock passes away at the catch point. When he is at cornerback, he opens his hips swiftly and stays tight to the wide receiver to tally pass breakups. He moves really well when routes are broken off at the stem and can get his hands into passing lanes. I see him playing at nickel cornerback in this defense and his versatility will be a major asset. His run support skills and coverage fundamentals would suit him well in that spot. Smith also has experience in the return game, which will be a nice perk.
Utility Player:
Josh Aune, 6-foot-1, 201 pounds
Hometown: St. Paul, MN
Analysis: Josh Aune is the complete package as a player. He is a superior athlete, an impressive student and displays above average awareness on the field. Aune had a top-ten Sparq rating at the Nike Opening Event in Chicago. There is the added bonus of versatility with Aune, as he could play either linebacker or safety on defense. He is the first St. Paul public school player on scholarship at Minnesota since Thomas Tapeh in 2003. Aune slid under the radar by electing to stay at a high school program with less exposure. He is an excellent student, compiling a 3.8 GPA, while making his mark in the local community. On the field, Aune is one of the best overall athletes in this region. He is extremely physical and rangy as a player. He could be placed in the box or cover ground as a single-high safety. His versatility and unique skill-set will allow defensive coordinator Robb Smith to be ultra-creative with him.