Dec. 12, 2021: The Gophers made a splash with their first addition from the transfer portal, adding Abilene Christian CB Ryan Stapp.
–> Follow @Tony Liebert on Twitter
The transfer portal taketh and the transfer portal giveth. After adding LB Jack Gibbens from Abilene Christian last offseason, the Gophers went back to the Wildcats’ well, this time adding CB Ryan Stapp. At 6-foot, Stapp was highly recruited in the portal after playing three seasons at the FCS level. He chose the Gophers over offers from Mississippi State, Nebraska, Louisville, Washington State and Northwestern. He should now have every chance to play a large role in the Maroon & Gold in 2022, with two seasons of eligibility remaining.
First off I would like to thank God, my family, and the entire Abilene Christian coaching staff and community for helping me get to this point. With that being said I am 110% committed to The University of Minnesota!! RTB!! pic.twitter.com/sVlod4xCEH
— Ryan Stapp 🌴 (@ryanstapp2) December 11, 2021
Who is Ryan Stapp?:
- Scouting Report:
At 6-foot, 175 pounds, Stapp has prototypical size at the CB position. He has above-average athleticism and a great feel for the CB position. At only 175 pounds, he is still tough enough to make plays in the run game. What I notice most when watching that film is that he has that “dawg” in him, he plays with an aggressiveness that you just can’t teach. In the passing game, he flys around and make plays at a high level, there was a reason why he was one of the most sought-after CBs in the transfer portal.
**Football Hudl Highlights:
Officially in the transfer portal ACU Game film: pic.twitter.com/9g5XIwy6DW
— Ryan Stapp 🌴 (@ryanstapp2) November 22, 2021
Instant Reaction:
Ryan Stapp is a MASSIVE addition for the Gophers and a statement for their first move from the transfer portal. Cornerback was one position, that I thought was a major question mark heading into the offseason for Minnesota. With Coney Durr, Justus Harris, and Phillip Howard likely all gone, they were lacking serious depth behind Justin Walley.
As for Stapp’s talent, this guy is not a normal FCS football player. There is a reason why 247sports ranked him as the No. 41 transfer in the entire country, this guy knows how to play football. This is a huge move for a defense that will be losing a lot of production heading into next season. Stapp will likely start right away and will have a big role on this defense next season.
What is next?:
The Gophers’ offseason is just getting started, there will be plenty of more additions from the transfer portal and with National Signing Day coming up on Dec. 15 it will be a busy month in Gophers land. As for the immediate impact from Stapp’s addition, Minnesota’s CB room gets a dramatic upgrade and now looks great heading into the next few seasons.
CB Depth Chart:
- 1.) SO Justin Walley
- 2.) RS-JR Ryan Stapp
- 3.) RS-JR Solomon Brown
- 4.) RS-FR Steven Ortiz
- 5.) RS-SO Miles Flemming
The transfer portal is here and it’s here to stay. No matter if you like it or not, Michigan State and Mel Tucker just proved how valuable it can be this season, and it is really going to be adapt or die. Ryan Stapp is a big-time addition and hopefully, it sets the tone for what should be a busy offseason.