2012 MN Recruits

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Yeah, this is what I was talking about in a different thread last week. The 2012 class is the best MN class in a very long time. It is deep at some tough positions to fill (DT, QB, WR) in state and there are still plenty of really good OL prospects and LB prospects (the standard for MN).

The OL prospects are a little different in this class in that they are ENORMOUS and kind of more project type of lineman who could have really high upsides. There are like 4 OL who could go D1 that are in the 6'7" to 6'9" range (kid from Blue Earth, kid at Holy Family, a mountain of a man at Hill Murray (like 6'9" 335lbs).

It'll be a really interesting class.
 

I know the kid at Hill-Murray started as a Freshman. Most of them play basketball also, which is a good measure of agility.
 


MaxyJR1 said:
I know the kid at Hill-Murray started as a Freshman. Most of them play basketball ball too, which is a good measure of agility.
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The kid at Hill Murray is the biggest project of them all but he isn't just a massive chubby kid. He has good feet (for his size) and has an enormous frame. The kid kind of reminds of Seantrel (in body size), where he will be able to hold 335-340 lbs and not be in serious need of conditioning.

I think we could legitimately come away with a class of 10 MN kids next year coming to the U.
 


What would be of value in evaluating a combo basketball/football player is vertical leap. Why? It is a measure of explosion. And to say if he plays basketball he is in condition is false. See Jake Kupke. And the conditioning we need is 40 yard sprint time, 10 yard sprint. Not how many minutes of a basketball game does he play.
 

husker70 said:
What would be of value in evaluating a combo basketball/football player is vertical leap. Why? It is a measure of explosion. And to say if he plays basketball he is in condition is false. See Jake Kupke. And the conditioning we need is 40 yard sprint time, 10 yard sprint. Not how many minutes of a basketball game does he play.
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I don't think anyone said that because someone plays basketball that they are automatically in great condition, I think they are saying that playing basketball often helps with footwork.

The Jake Kuppe comparison is kind of a tough one for me though. He was a big guy who needed more conditioning, but for his size, he was pretty athletic. The guy started three straight years on a good MN O-Line and he was Hon All Big 10, and 2nd team all Big 10.

If the future of these massive O-Lineman that I have been talking about is similar to that of Jake Kuppe's it would be an undeniable success.
 

I just watched that Webb's highlight tape. I've seen him play once and he was impressive and his highlight tape is as impressive from Dback as i've ever seen in MN.

He might end up a 4star caliber player as well.
 

Harden is not real tall is he? Pretty impressive video though.
 




Love the depth and variety of this class, hopefully they'll become hometown heroes.

Webb- looks like a solid candidate, nice ball skills and body control, solid looking speed against top MN HS competition.

Rallis-Bone jarring safety, nice prospect, typical MN tough guy safety, looking forward to his career here.

Dunbar-LSU bound by MV's account, too bad, seems like a blue chipper at a position of need

Mollberg- Watched his video for a while, athletic and with a really good arm, definitely dominated at a lower level of competition, but he's got the tools.
Don't kill me when I say this, he reminds me of Adam Weber when he was in HS, maybe a touch faster and with a more accurate arm, but a very scarily similar playing style IMO. Also not a bad thing, Weber had a really great career, but I was so struck by the similarity I thought I'd comment on it. Maybe he can develop in a system like Weber was never allowed to.

Pirisig- Unreal size for a football prospect, gotta think he's a tough road grader, interesting kid to watch go through the recruiting process.

Ford- Wasn't real impressive to me, he's 5'8'' 180 lb power back, nice toughness and ok speed, but I think he's going to struggle to be a big time runner in FBS.

Wells-I've seen the kid on the track scene, he a legit athlete, I didn't know he had the ball skills he showed in his video though. He's got good speed and is a taller, lankier kid so there's room to grow and add strength.

Roullier has got great technique and getoff, adding size should be no problem if he can keep his quickness, like his explosion from the C position.

Nelson-is supposedly a BADger at heart so no need to mention him, gotta love the transplants our state fosters when the sconnies and piglovers realize there are no jobs in wisky or iowee.

Harden's been discussed before, he's a legit D1 caliber NT missing a few inches on top, it'll be very interesting to see what kind of offers he gets. 5'9 300 lbs that can move is a unique body type. I'd love to hear what Kill thinks of his potential.

Montero- I've seen him play a bit, nice big kid with good hands and body control, could be a nice Hback in Kill's offense.

Hayes- Has a cool name:D

Brewster- Not super impressive, but most CDH starters deserve a look.

Arends-Seems like a good overall football player, maybe he could add weight and find a place at FB or H-Back?

A. Mcdonald-seems like a smart and polished WR with ok speed, worth a look, nice height.

B. Mcdonald-I'm sure he's a tough LB, but he's a step slow in the video I saw, Kill is going to want more speed than he has, maybe he can play special teams or find a place on the Dline?

Anyone have any further insight on these kids?
 

I've seen the Cretin kids play a ton, so here is my assesment of them:

Harden: In my opinion, he is the real deal. I realize that he is a bit shorter than ideal, but keep in mind that his height is one of the only ones on here that is a measured height and everyone else's is listed. What I mean is that, before the NBA draft comes out and the guys are actually measured without shoes on, we find out that almost every player is shorter (considerably) than they are listed. So, a lot of these guys who are 6'0" DT aren't really 3" taller than him.
-He absolutely causes havoc. He is so quick off the ball, has a low center of gravity, he is tough and plays smart. He doesn't have the ideal size of some of the others, but I have never seen a DT prospect in MN dominate his gap more than Harden. If I was Brew, I would offer the kid today.

Brewster:
I am not really sold on him. He is a smart runner, makes good cuts and does most of the little rights. I don't think he would be a super productive starting Big 10 RB. I will say this, the intangibles...he's got him. He's a leader, smart, etc., etc.. In many ways, he reminds me of Shady in that he a really good kid and smart, but he might not be quite good enough to be a starter in the Big 10. Shady's career might have been different if he had been switched to S from day 1 and RS, but I kind of doubt it. He kind of reminds me of Marcus Binns as well (who is now a walkon at Iowa).

Montero:
He's pretty good. He is a tall and big kid who is relatively athletic. His future is at TE and he is a tough enough kid that he doesn't mind mixing it up a little bit. I think he is kind of a project but he has a perfect frame for Big 10 TE, he's tough and athletic. I think he could very well be deserving of an offer.
 

Another thing Ole,

The similarities between Mollberg and Weber really struck me as well. I kind of wanted to avoid the Weber debate by saying it (you know, me saying he looks like Weber, and then.....blah blah blah, ending with a 4 page paragraph by Wren about how good Mason was).

But no, he is a big strong kid who can run decent and has a big arm. He has similar size and i'd imagine speed and strength to Weber.
 



Any potential longsnappers in this group?
 



I wish that I felt that the Gophers could land any of the CDH or SPA kids.

Even if they verbally commit, I wouldn't believe it until I saw them
 

Ewert86PC said:
I wish that I felt that the Gophers could land any of the CDH or SPA kids.

Even if they verbally commit, I wouldn't believe it until I saw them
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The U has signed a couple kids from CDH who could easily have gone elsewhere. Shady had an offer from Missouri and would have gotten more (he committed early).

CDH has been odd the last few years because they've only had really top end recruits (Floyd and Henderson) and than a bunch of guys who are borderline D1 (Binns, Mottla, Nance).

As far as St. Thomas, what has there been in the last few years, maybe 2 players? Hayes and who else?
 

Ole said:
Love the depth and variety of this class, hopefully they'll become hometown heroes.

Webb- looks like a solid candidate, nice ball skills and body control, solid looking speed against top MN HS competition.

Rallis-Bone jarring safety, nice prospect, typical MN tough guy safety, looking forward to his career here.

Dunbar-LSU bound by MV's account, too bad, seems like a blue chipper at a position of need

Mollberg- Watched his video for a while, athletic and with a really good arm, definitely dominated at a lower level of competition, but he's got the tools.
Don't kill me when I say this, he reminds me of Adam Weber when he was in HS, maybe a touch faster and with a more accurate arm, but a very scarily similar playing style IMO. Also not a bad thing, Weber had a really great career, but I was so struck by the similarity I thought I'd comment on it. Maybe he can develop in a system like Weber was never allowed to.

Pirisig- Unreal size for a football prospect, gotta think he's a tough road grader, interesting kid to watch go through the recruiting process.

Ford- Wasn't real impressive to me, he's 5'8'' 180 lb power back, nice toughness and ok speed, but I think he's going to struggle to be a big time runner in FBS.

Wells-I've seen the kid on the track scene, he a legit athlete, I didn't know he had the ball skills he showed in his video though. He's got good speed and is a taller, lankier kid so there's room to grow and add strength.

Roullier has got great technique and getoff, adding size should be no problem if he can keep his quickness, like his explosion from the C position.

Nelson-is supposedly a BADger at heart so no need to mention him, gotta love the transplants our state fosters when the sconnies and piglovers realize there are no jobs in wisky or iowee.

Harden's been discussed before, he's a legit D1 caliber NT missing a few inches on top, it'll be very interesting to see what kind of offers he gets. 5'9 300 lbs that can move is a unique body type. I'd love to hear what Kill thinks of his potential.

Montero- I've seen him play a bit, nice big kid with good hands and body control, could be a nice Hback in Kill's offense.

Hayes- Has a cool name:D

Brewster- Not super impressive, but most CDH starters deserve a look.

Arends-Seems like a good overall football player, maybe he could add weight and find a place at FB or H-Back?

A. Mcdonald-seems like a smart and polished WR with ok speed, worth a look, nice height.

B. Mcdonald-I'm sure he's a tough LB, but he's a step slow in the video I saw, Kill is going to want more speed than he has, maybe he can play special teams or find a place on the Dline?

Anyone have any further insight on these kids?
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That video was from his sophomore year. He's faster now
 

Bob_Loblaw said:
The U has signed a couple kids from CDH who could easily have gone elsewhere. Shady had an offer from Missouri and would have gotten more (he committed early).

CDH has been odd the last few years because they've only had really top end recruits (Floyd and Henderson) and than a bunch of guys who are borderline D1 (Binns, Mottla, Nance).

As far as St. Thomas, what has there been in the last few years, maybe 2 players? Hayes and who else?
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Most of the STA top talent the last few years has ended up Ivy it seems like. There have been a few who probably could have played BCS, but none that really jumped out at you as no brainers. I think the McManus kid could have played at the Big 10 level, but not as a QB. He's a heck of a punter and is probably fast enough to see time at WR or DB. To be honest, there hasn't been a bona fide, can't miss, most of the country wants player out of STA since the mid 90s in Javiar Collins. CDH has had what, 6 or 7 of those in that time frame?
 

MinnySunDevil said:
Most of the STA top talent the last few years has ended up Ivy it seems like. There have been a few who probably could have played BCS, but none that really jumped out at you as no brainers. I think the McManus kid could have played at the Big 10 level, but not as a QB. He's a heck of a punter and is probably fast enough to see time at WR or DB. To be honest, there hasn't been a bona fide, can't miss, most of the country wants player out of STA since the mid 90s in Javiar Collins. CDH has had what, 6 or 7 of those in that time frame?
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If you are going all the way back to J. Collins time, they have probably had closer to 15 heavily recruited Division 1 kids (more than 1 BCS conference offer).

I actually think Fritz Waldvogel could play a lot for the Gophers at WR. But yeah, I can't think of many guys that were succesful at other Division 1 programs.
 

Bob_Loblaw said:
If you are going all the way back to J. Collins time, they have probably had closer to 15 heavily recruited Division 1 kids (more than 1 BCS conference offer).

I actually think Fritz Waldvogel could play a lot for the Gophers at WR. But yeah, I can't think of many guys that were succesful at other Division 1 programs.
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I was thinking more than 2 offers, but we're more or less agreeing.

Waldvogel was good, but awfully small. Him at the BCS level would have been interesting, but I'm not so sure he'd have ever done much more than special teams.

There were a few others in that time frame that went to BCS schools but none that really stand out that I can think of. I know one went to Duke probably 6 or 7 years ago. A couple guys from one of the late 90s teams were at Wisconsin and Iowa but never really played much. I seem to recall one of Bob Slater's boys wound up at Boise, but I think he was gone from STA by then and I assume the kid finished up high school elsewhere.

I'm sure STA has nice facilities these days and seems to always have a pretty good (or this last year a very good) team, but the cost of admission really prices out a lot of would be Division 1 players.
 

MinnySunDevil said:
I was thinking more than 2 offers, but we're more or less agreeing.

Waldvogel was good, but awfully small. Him at the BCS level would have been interesting, but I'm not so sure he'd have ever done much more than special teams.

There were a few others in that time frame that went to BCS schools but none that really stand out that I can think of. I know one went to Duke probably 6 or 7 years ago. A couple guys from one of the late 90s teams were at Wisconsin and Iowa but never really played much. I seem to recall one of Bob Slater's boys wound up at Boise, but I think he was gone from STA by then and I assume the kid finished up high school elsewhere.

I'm sure STA has nice facilities these days and seems to always have a pretty good (or this last year a very good) team, but the cost of admission really prices out a lot of would be Division 1 players.
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I think a guy named Joe Keller (something like that) went to Air Force as well.

Yeah, Fritz is/was a little smaller.
 

Charles Webb: "I am from Minnesota, but I'm trying to get away, a lot of it is cause of the weather. I want to go somewhere warm where I can workout for football year round outside."
 

Plinnius said:
Charles Webb: "I am from Minnesota, but I'm trying to get away, a lot of it is cause of the weather. I want to go somewhere warm where I can workout for football year round outside."
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Sounds mentally soft and Kill will see it. Has he ever seen a Minnesotan ride bike or running outside in the winter? I can't think of a better workout than running the shuttle run in two feet of snow. Must not have aspirations of playing in the NFL because many games are played outside in December and January.

16-17 years old and has a lot to learn. That is why we have college.
 

MaxyJR1 said:
Sounds mentally soft and Kill will see it. Has he ever seen a Minnesotan ride bike or running outside in the winter? I can't think of a better workout than running the shuttle run in two feet of snow. Must not have aspirations of playing in the NFL because many games are played outside in December and January.

16-17 years old and has a lot to learn. That is why we have college.
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This is a joke, right?

Running the shuttle in 2 feet of snow will not make you better at football. Outdoor games of pass skeleton will make you better at football. You can't really do that in MN.
 

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