By: Daniel House (@DanielHouseNFL)
Article Photo: Ben Blair
When P.J. Fleck arrived in Minnesota, he told fans recruiting was the blood line of every successful program. Since taking over as the Gophers’ head coach in 2017, Fleck has consistently injected talent into the roster. Upon his arrival, Minnesota clearly needed to add offensive line and wide receiver recruits. Within two years, he has completely flipped those positions. Wide receiver Rashod Bateman became one of the top pass catchers in the country. Bateman teamed up with Chris Autman-Bell (2017 class) and Tyler Johnson (2016 class) to create a dynamic wide receiver trio. The staff also went to IMG Academy and landed Daniel Faalele and Curtis Dunlap Jr. Each of those players, along with many others, have helped elevate the Gophers to new heights.
Every year, the program has emphasized different areas of the roster as they continue to build competitive depth. For example, in the 2019 cycle, the team laid a foundation at defensive tackle. Minnesota’s staff also dashed in team speed and athleticism at linebacker. Now, as P.J. Fleck embarks upon his third full class (fourth overall) with the Gophers, the next wave of depth is joining the program. It’s clear this class prioritized even more speed, athleticism and versatility at the linebacker position. The staff also continued to add more explosiveness in the secondary, especially at safety. Minnesota rounded out the class by bolstering defensive end depth. Fleck and the Gophers have consistently valued explosive pass rushers with wingspan and unique athletic traits.
Over the past two cycles, Minnesota’s defensive line has been building from the inside-out. When looking at the past two recruiting classes, I see this team continuing to get faster on defense. There is a tremendous amount of athleticism and versatility being added to each position group, including defensive back, defensive end and linebacker. It’s clear the defensive tackle position is building depth, getting stronger and developing. Players from the 2019 class, including defensive tackles DeAngelo Carter and Rashad Cheney, have spent time polishing technique and getting stronger. Not only that, but Micah Dew-Treadway and Keonte Schad will continue playing big roles. On the edge, 2019 defensive ends MJ Anderson and D’Vion Harris spent a full year in the system. Pass rushers Esezi Otomewo and Boye Mafe also benefited from rotational snaps this season. Now, the latest 2020 defensive end additions will pair up with players like Anderson and Harris. Minnesota fans also need to keep their eyes on linebacker James Gordon IV (2019 class). He is a very special player and may burst onto the scene in 2020.
Offensively, the Gophers continue to recruit an incredible amount of wide receiver talent. Wide receivers coach Matt Simon has made Minnesota a destination where pass catchers want to play. In this cycle, Daniel Jackson, Douglas Emilien, Justin Bellido, Jonathan Mann and Dakota Thomas will bring even more talent to the Gophers’ depth chart. When diving into film of this team’s recent wide receiver recruits, I notice a clear elevation in overall talent.
Finally, the team rounded out the cycle with one of the most dynamic running back prospects in Kansas. Ky Thomas shattered records and will be a player everyone remembers from this class.
Overall, I see the staff’s recruiting vision and competitive depth starting to take shape. Minnesota keeps bolstering the depth chart with more talent across position groups. A strong foundation has been laid and the 2020 class will continue elevating this program’s trajectory.
Before diving in, I would like to thank everyone who has supported my content this season, including the following project. Many of you helped provide valuable perspectives and insights for this guide! I can’t thank everyone enough for allowing me to pursue this passion. I couldn’t do it without all of your support and encouragement. You have no idea how much it means to me!
Without any further delay, here is analysis and information for every Minnesota recruit:
Itayvion Brown, OLB
6-foot-3, 218 pounds
Saint Louis, MO
Analysis: Linebacker Itayvion Brown is one of the top prospects in the state of Missouri. During high school, he aligned off the edge and as a pure outside linebacker. Brown also played wide receiver and shined in the red zone. On defense, he was a playmaker and showed off excellent skills against the run. Brown’s physical skills will allow him to fit at a couple positions, including outside linebacker, edge rusher or defensive end. From a testing standpoint, he falls in-between the linebacker and defensive end position. He has a lengthy wingspan and does an excellent job of bending around the corner out of edge alignments. This is another example of the staff finding a versatile player with traits that can be developed. When Brown potentially adds more weight and fine tunes the technical aspects of his game, he will be a big weapon in Minnesota’s defense. There is no doubt he has some very special athletic gifts and his celling will be high.
Daniel Jackson, WR
5-foot-11, 185 pounds
Mission, KS
Analysis: Minnesota continues to show its program can develop wide receivers at a high level. This helped the Gophers land the second-best player in Kansas, according to 24/7 Sports. An electrifying wide receiver, Jackson stretched defenses vertically and displayed his dynamic playmaking ability. Last season, he posted a state record 27 touchdown receptions and accumulated 1,511 yards (74 receptions). Jackson runs sharp routes and took the top off defenses will double moves. From a testing perspective, his 4.26 shuttle and 38-inch vertical (the Opening Regional) are his most impressive traits. You quickly see his initial foot quickness and sharp movements in-and-out of breaks. Jackson’s yards after the catch ability may be the most impressive aspect of his game. He is dynamic and very difficult to bring down in the open field. Jackson is one of the best players in this class and will be another player for wide receivers coach Matt Simon to develop.
Ky Thomas, RB
5-foot-11, 185 pounds
Topeka, KS
Analysis: In 2019, Ky Thomas solidified himself as one of the most electric players in Kansas football history. Thomas posted a whopping 3,027 yards and 35 touchdowns during his senior season. He became Topeka’s all-time city rushing leader with 7,708 rushing yards. Thomas broke the previous record set by former Missouri Tiger Dan Davis (5,598 regular-season yards), according to CJ Online. He finished No. 2 all-time on the Kansas football rushing list behind DeAngelo Evans (8,472). Thomas was named the Gatorade Player of the Year in Kansas. He killed defenses with sharp cutbacks and frequently made the first defender miss. Thomas breaks a high volume of tackles and falls forward to get so much additional yardage. Thomas’ tremendous combination of balance, vision and patience are on display within his film. Out of all the Minnesota recruiting videos I’ve watched, Thomas’ film is certainly in the top tier.
Jonathan Mann, WR
6-foot-2, 190 pounds
Rosemount, MN
Analysis: In April of 2018, local product Jonathan Mann was the first player to commit to the Gophers’ 2020 class. Mann ranks No. 5 among 2020 in-state prospects, according to 24/7 Sports. He has the versatility to play both in the slot or outside for Minnesota. Mann created plays from both spots and continues to improve his overall skills each year. He is a big target, who adjusted and made 50/50 grabs in traffic. A large volume of his receptions came in the red zone and he made some nice plays when tasked with tracking the ball. Mann was successful via the intermediate game and popped off physical plays after the catch. He is another wide receiver the Gophers will develop in future seasons. I’ll be particularly interested to see him continue improving as a route runner in this system.
Douglas Emilien, WR
6-foot-0, 175 pounds
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Analysis: When the Gophers received a commitment from Florida wide receiver Douglas Emilien, they managed to fend off a long list of schools, including Miami and LSU. Emilien’s footwork stands out, especially his ability to suddenly release and gain separation. He displayed straight-line speed when tasked with running deep vertical routes downfield. In 2019, he hauled in 36 receptions for 595 yards and 12 receiving touchdowns. He averaged 16.5 yards per reception and was a big threat after the catch. I’m most impressed with his route running and quickness in-and-out of breaks. He is a very explosive player who has a knack for producing big plays downfield.
Martes Lewis, OT
6-foot-7, 320 pounds
Merrillville, IN
Analysis: One of the next phases in the development of Minnesota’s roster is to continue adding depth on the offensive and defensive lines. The Gophers’ staff has to be excited about the developmental potential of Martes Lewis. At 320 pounds, I’m impressed with how well he moves in his pass sets. He also does a nice job of getting to the next level and using his power in the ground game. Lewis is the perfect type of player for offensive line coach Brian Callahan to develop. He has the size, athletic traits and quickness to become a solid tackle in the Big Ten.
Jalen Logan-Redding, DE
6-foot-4, 243 pounds
Columbia, MO
Analysis: Jalen Logan-Redding, a 6-foot-4, 243-pound defensive end previously committed to Missouri on Sept. 2, but flipped to Minnesota last Saturday. Logan-Redding also held offers from Iowa, Iowa State, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Texas and others.
He posted 78 tackles (16 for loss), ten sacks and three fumble recoveries in 2019. Logan-Redding ran a 4.98 40-yard dash and posted a 4.59 shuttle at The Opening Regional. Again, this is an instance where technique and other circumstances can impact a testing time. He has a lengthy wingspan and will continue to add strength at the next level.
When rushing the passer, Logan-Redding bent/dipped around the corner for sacks and occasionally used a spin move. He played from multiple different alignments in high school and could do so at the next level. Logan-Redding has the potential to play four-technique, five-technique and possibly some edge alignments. He does an excellent job of getting low, dipping below the tackle and getting position against the run. I like the potential versatility and athletic skills that Logan-Redding can provide on the Gophers’ defensive line.
Michael Dixon, S
6-foot-1, 186 pounds
Statesboro, GA
Analysis: The Gophers are continuing to add depth and team speed to the secondary. Safety Michael Dixon was occasionally flexed into the box during his high school career. When tasked with blitzing, he was very disruptive and got after the quarterback. Dixon is a very physical player and fought through blocks to make run stops. I like his ability to come into the alley and tackle a playmaker in space. He reacts, puts his foot in the ground and makes a play across the field. When looking at Dixon’s athletic testing from The Opening Regional, he is in a high testing percentile for his vertical jump (36.4 inches). Within his junior highlight film, he was frequently making plays in coverage and thrived as a single-high safety. Dixon also played wide receiver and made several big plays after the catch.
Jaqwondis Burns, LB
6-foot-2, 205 pounds
IMG Academy
Analysis: Following a coaching change, Jaqwondis Burns recently decommitted from Ole Miss. The 6-foot-2, 205-pound linebacker also held offers from Colorado, Louisville, Texas, Utah, Arizona, Baylor, Purdue and others. Minnesota is continuing to look for versatile and disruptive athletes at the linebacker position. Burns certainly fits the above description and is a big addition to the 2020 class. He moves really well from sideline-to-sideline and created several pass breakups in coverage. Burns was frequently used in different blitz packages and caused disruptions. His range and ability to change direction on a dime really stand out. He is another player with above average athleticism that can be developed in Minnesota’s scheme.
Gage Keys, DE
6-foot-5, 255 pounds
Hilliard, OH
Analysis: Over the past two cycles, Minnesota has continued to add contributors to the defensive line. I came away extremely impressed with defensive end Gage Keys. He is powerful and has excellent size to play five-technique defensive end in the Big Ten. When watching Keys’ tape, there are so many plays where he is disruptive and impactful. He has the necessary athletic skills to be a pure defensive end in this defense. One of the big traits Minnesota continues to emphasize at the defensive end position is wingspan. They want a defensive end that can get inside, create space and establish position against offensive tackles. We don’t have testing numbers for Keys, but his athletic ability and strength stand out. He sets the edge very well and looked more physical during his senior season.
Lucas Finnessy, OLB
6-foot-3, 225 pounds
Sussex, WI
Analysis: The Gophers’ staff has consistently searched for linebackers with length, range and above average testing metrics. Athleticism jumps off the charts when you fire up Lucas Finnessy’s tape. His high school team took advantage of this by playing him at defensive back. He was a finalist for the Jim Leonhard Award, which is presented to Wisconsin’s top defensive back. Finnessy is a very quick and fluid mover, which allowed him to play in the secondary. I witnessed all of this athleticism in person during an on-field workout this summer. He is going to be a very rangy coverage linebacker that can be a threat because of his overall versatility. Finnessy will make a natural transition to the outside linebacker position in Minnesota’s defensive system.
Danny Striggow, DE
6-foot-4, 220 pounds
Orono, MN
Analysis: Defensive end Danny Striggow is another local product from Orono, Minn. There are no testing numbers available for Striggow, but my guess is he would test well in many key metrics, including the wingspan category. His traits align with the exact type of defensive line prospect Minnesota’s staff has consistently valued. He also was a high caliber wrestler and many of those skills will be valuable on the field. Teams often search for trench players with wrestling backgrounds because they have excellent technique. The stance, balance, leverage, flexibility and hand skills learned through wrestling, can transfer to the football field. In Week 9, Striggow earned the MSHSL Most Valuable Teammate Award for his leadership in the community. He is actively involved in the school’s Unified program, which encourages inclusion, acceptance and participation in athletic activities. This club is part of a partnership Striggow’s school has with Special Olympics Minnesota. Striggow made a profound impact through his involvement in this club.
Aireontae Ersery, OT
6-foot-5, 273 pounds
Kansas City, MO
Analysis: The Gophers continue to add offensive linemen with above average movement skills. Aireontae Ersery played defensive end in high school and displayed his agility and foot quickness. Those are two traits that are important in a tackle prospect. He was very physical in the ground game and had several reps where he sealed the edge to spark a big gain. Ersery finishes plays to the whistle and had several notable pancake blocks on his film. He didn’t start playing football until his sophomore season, but quickly became a difference maker. Ersery was also a shot put and discus thrower in high school. His size, athleticism and agility are all traits that will help him develop into a key contributor for the Gophers. He is another recruit for offensive line coach Brian Callahan to work with. Callahan has done a tremendous job of taking players like Ersery and turning them into future starters.
Justin Bellido, WR
5-foot-10, 180 pounds
Brooklyn, NY
Analysis: The Gophers have quickly become a destination for wide receivers. Position coach Matt Simon has done an excellent job of elevating and developing talent. Justin Bellido’s footwork and agility stood out on film. He runs a variety of different routes and got separation due to his initial foot quickness. When Bellido needed to adjust and track the football, he made some very difficult catches. This was particularly evident in the red zone or during 50-50 contested situations. Bellido is a threat out of the slot because of his quickness and ability to make plays after the catch. He stretched defenses vertically by running double moves and suddenly changing direction at the top of his route. Over the past three cycles, Minnesota’s wide receiver classes have been really impressive.
Abner Dubar, S
6-foot-0, 176 pounds
Anna, TX
Analysis: Safety Abner Dubar brings more speed, versatility and physicality to the backend of Minnesota’s defense. In high school, he was also a dynamic running back and showed off his athleticism in this role. Dubar ranks above average in many of the testing metrics among players at his position. He posted a 38.9-inch vertical at The Opening Regional, which showcases his pure athletic ability and explosiveness. This is the type of trait to look for within safeties because it often signals positional flexibility, explosiveness and short-range quickness. Dubar also posted a 4.21 shuttle and 4.51 40-yard dash, which are strong testing numbers among safeties. When evaluating the metrics of these type of athletes, it’s important to balance the results with what you see on tape and in person. The fundamentals and technique of these workout drills often skew the results, producing metrics that don’t truly reflect a player’s pure performance ability.
On tape, he lined up in the box occasionally and can be used as a blitzer because of his quickness and physicality. Dubar could be flexed all over the field, including to single-high because of his athletic skills. When coming into the box or playing the middle, he had several big hits and displayed his range by chasing down plays in the flat.
Dylan McGill, WR/QB
6-foot-1, 194 pounds
Mesquite, TX
Analysis: Dylan McGill has the versatility and athleticism to play multiple positions. In high school, he was a quarterback, but will likely shift to wide receiver at Minnesota. McGill posted some impressive stats last season. He passed for 1,199 yards, 12 touchdowns and five interceptions. On the ground, McGill also rushed for 936 yards and 12 scores. He was a threat with his legs out of pistol and zone read looks. This is another example of the staff adding a player with athleticism and positional versatility. McGill could potentially help in a few different ways as the coaches continue to work with him.
Jalen Glaze, DB
6-foot-0, 185 pounds
Tallahassee, FL
Analysis: In pursuit of additional team speed and versatility in the secondary, the Minnesota staff landed safety Jalen Glaze. On film, his speed, quickness and fluid movements stand out. The Gophers have mixed up the style of defensive backs they recruit. Minnesota clearly wants a variety of physical and shifty defensive backs to match up against different wide receiver skill sets. Glaze was deadly in a blitzing role and rushed off the edge frequently. He also created some explosive plays in the return game. Glaze has the versatility to potentially line up at cornerback, nickel back or safety. He frequently played the backend and consistently flashed his range in this capacity. Over the next couple seasons, it will be fun to watch Rod Chance and Joe Harasymiak develop Glaze.
Cody Lindenberg, OLB
6-foot-2, 205 pounds
Anoka, MN
Analysis: I had the opportunity to watch Cody Lindenberg in an on-field workout this summer. I left very impressed. The 6-foot-2, 205-pound linebacker from Anoka has above average athleticism. He stood out in coverage drills and has the sideline-to-sideline speed to run down plays. Lindenberg’s 4.22 shuttle (The Opening Regional) is the most impressive metric and places him in the top range among athletes at his position. He moves really well and fought through some blocks to make plays against the run. With his length and athleticism, there are many creative ways the Gophers’ defensive staff can use him.
Miles Fleming, ATH
5-foot-10, 170 pounds
Columbus, OH
Analysis: Miles Fleming will be another player that coaches can develop in the secondary. Fleming is an excellent athlete and was the starting quarterback for his high school team. He also saw action at defensive back in 2019. When looking at the film and testing metrics, it’s easy to see him transitioning well to the cornerback position. He posted an impressive 4.19 shuttle time at The Opening Regional. He has excellent agility, which is a key trait for illustrating the transition quickness of a defensive back. On some of his senior film, he displayed this by moving quickly out of his back pedal and opening his hips. When doing this, he often got into a passing lane to create a breakup. Fleming is another player who could play a few different positions in the secondary. The Gophers’ staff obviously noticed all of his athletic upside and will find ways to take advantage of those skills.
Dakota Thomas, WR
6-foot-0, 160 pounds
Snellville, GA
Analysis: Dakota Thomas could turn out to be one of the most underrated players in this class. Thomas is a detailed route runner and was very sudden out of breaks. He’s dynamic in the open field and glides between tacklers in space. Thomas is an explosive playmaker on tape and displayed some impressive releases/footwork in the red zone. He has reliable hands in the intermediate passing game and popped off many impressive plays after the catch. Thomas posted 34 catches for 501 yards and seven touchdowns in 2019. He missed his junior season with an injury, so there was less film available for teams to see. The Gophers again utilized a satellite camp to evaluate Thomas, which speaks to the value of these workouts. Minnesota has done an incredible job of adding wide receiver talent in recent recruiting cycles.
Ali Saad, DT
6-foot-4, 255 pounds
Dearborn, MI
Analysis: When I first watched Ali Saad, I came away very impressed. In June, I became even more intrigued when I found out he was only 16 years old. His tape is not reflective of a player in this age group. The trait that really stands out with Saad is his quickness and ability to get off the ball quickly. He plays with low pad level and can slide between blockers to cause run stops or quarterback pressures.
Saad does a nice job of taking on contact at the point, getting vertical, shedding and splitting blockers. He could play a few different techniques inside because of his athleticism and size. He will likely continue to add weight and projects perfectly at three-technique defensive tackle. The quickness, leverage and hand technique are all traits that make him a future candidate to play this position. During high school, he was rotating all over the defensive line to take advantage of his skills. He will continue to develop physically, which leaves me intrigued to see what he looks like in about two years.
Victor Pless, DB/ATH
5-foot-10, 175 pounds
Kennesaw, GA
Analysis: Victor Pless is another player who shatters the short shuttle metric. He posted a 4.12 shuttle at The Opening Regional, which speaks to his ability to change direction. It’s clear the staff values this metric and added several shifty defensive backs in 2020. The goal is to have a variety of different skill sets that can be deployed against specific wide receivers. Pless does a nice job of playing physical, jamming defensive backs and redirecting them at the top of routes. He had several dynamic interception returns and was actively making plays on the ball. There were several plays where he backpedaled, turned his hips quickly and got into a passing lane.
Austin Henderson, TE
6-foot-5, 221 pounds
Nashville, TN
Analysis: At 6-foot-5, 221 pounds, Henderson’s body type currently fits the mold of a mismatch tight end. However, he has room to grow and develop in the strength program. He is the type of player that could be flexed into the slot and out-wide because of his body control, size and quickness.
Henderson will need to improve his run blocking skills if he wants to adequately possess the necessary versatility at the next level. I’m not sure how much he’ll be used in-line during college because of his body type. I think it’s really dependent upon how much weight and strength he can add. It’s clear his run blocking technique must be refined to stay low and not get pushed around.
I had the chance to watch one of his on-field workouts and was impressed with his route running. When using out-breaking routes to the sidelines, he is very smooth and can swivel his hips quickly to get separation at the top of his routes. The fluidity he has at the top of his routes is something that really jumps out, especially when you watch him drop his hips, plant and drive.
Body positioning in traffic, overall strength and run blocking, are all areas he will continue to improve. However, Henderson has intriguing upside due to his athletic skills, size and quickness out of breaks. There is plenty of potential available within Henderson’s skill set.
Melle Kreuder, DE
6-foot-3, 235 pounds
Germany
Analysis: International players are often the most difficult to evaluate on film because of the varying competition levels. Minnesota’s coaches had a chance to see Melle Kreuder at a camp and left impressed. I simply wanted to put his testing metrics into perspective. Kreuder has a 10-foot-2 broad jump, which would have ranked No. 1 among all defensive line prospects at last year’s NFL Scouting Combine. His broad jump is two inches better than Rashan Gary and Ed Oliver’s. His 37-inch vertical also ranks in the top percentile among defensive linemen. He has some eye-popping testing numbers and will be an interesting player to watch in this system.
Tyrell Lawrence, OT
6-foot-7, 344-pound
Ontario, Canada
Tyrell Lawrence chose Minnesota over offers from Massachusetts, Indiana, Tennessee and Howard. Lawrence is a powerful offensive lineman with a 6-foot-7, 344-pound frame. There are several plays on film where he gets inside hand position and drives a defensive end to the turf. Lawrence is a force in the ground game and helped pave the way for numerous explosive runs. He plays with excellent strength, leverage and power. He’ll need to polish up his pass protection sets, but he’s another offensive lineman with unique traits that can be developed.
(Testing Data Courtesy of the The Opening Regional and offer lists provided by 24/7 Sports rankings)