Class of 2014 - Minnesota Preps Update

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vames

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With the Gopher Junior Elite Camp scheduled for Sunday the 22nd, I thought I would share an update on top rising juniors. Many of which are going to be attending the camp, which will allow the coaching staff a first hand look at the players for the Class of 2014. There are definitely some solid players in the class that have potential based on height/weight and performance as a sophomore. If I am missing any players that should be considered, please post accordingly or send me a note at [email protected]

Quarterbacks

Reid Travis, 6’6 190, QB, DeLaSalle – Received offer from Boston College. In 8 games, completed 107 of 206 passes for 1694 yards and 18 touchdowns.

Ricardo Johnson III, 6’0 170, QB, Cretin-Derham Hall – Received offer from Hawaii. Attended Cal and Minnesota junior day events. In 9 games for CDH JV, completed 292 of 347 (84%) pass attempts for 2137 yards and 27 touchdowns. Had 16 carries for 421 yards and 5 touchdowns.

Jacques Perra, 6’3 195, QB, Roseville Area – 2011 All-Pioneer Press. 2011 All-Conference. In 8 games, completed 115 of 248 passes for 1558 yard and 16 touchdowns. Recorded a 4.43 shuttle and max bench of 260. GPA is 3.85.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLQZObEl7dg

Carter Kirk, 6’7 220, QB, Mountain Lake-Butterfield-Odin – 2011 All Pioneer Press. Passed for 1500 yard and 20 TDs. Rushed for 500 yards and 6 TDs. In basketball, had 17.5 ppg, 10 rebounds per game, and 3 assists per game.

Travon Hearns, 6’4 210, QB/Athlete, Bloomington Kennedy - In 9 games, has completed 66 of 133 passes for 842 yards and 9 touchdowns.

Running Backs

Jeff Jones, 6’0 190, RB, Minneapolis Washburn – Received offer from Minnesota, Iowa, Michigan State, Illinois, and Wisconsin. 2011 All-Conference. In 9 games, has 141 carries for 1415 yards for 9.3 ypc and 28 touchdowns. Had 11 receptions for 75 yards. Had 11 receptions for 75 yards. In 10 games as a freshman, had 128 carries for 773 yards for 6 ypc and 8 TDs.

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1060518/#highlights/9831386

Chris Williams, 5’8 175, RB, DeLaSalle - In 9 games, has 145 carries for 1062 yards for 7.2 ypc and 10 touchdowns. Had 12 receptions for 112 yards receiving. On defense, had 27 tackles and 8 TFL. In 12 games as a freshman, had 22 receptions for 345 yards for 15.7 ypc and 4 TDs.

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/777773/chris-williams

Josh Parks, 5’10 185, RB, Chisago Lakes – 2011 All Conference. In 10 games, had 99 carries for 749 yards for 7.6 ypc and 9 touchdowns. Handheld 4.4 time in the 40, 31” vertical, 290 bench, 400 squat, 260 clean. 3.0 GPA. Recorded a 11.4 40 yard time in track.

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/486808/#highlights/11293377

Marcus Berg, 5’8 185, RB, The Blake – 2011 All-Conference and All-Section. Had 116 carries for 727 yards and 10 TDs. Had 15 receptions for 165 yards and 2 TDs.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tja0G17goc

Mitch Danner, 6’4 205, FB, Litchfield – In 8 games, had 86 carries for 385 yards and 2 TDs. At 2012 State Track, placed 8th in discus with a 140-11 throw. PR for the season was 150-0.

Wide Receivers/Tight Ends

Zack Melbostad, 6’2 170, WR, La Crescent - In 6 games, has 33 receptions for 577 yard and 3 TDs. Had 20 carries for 215 yards and 2 TDs. Averaging 14.8 PPG in basketball.

Michael Murray, 5’11 190, WR/RB/DB, Fridley – In 8 games, had 31 receptions for 547 yards and 3 TDs. Had 62 carries for 311 yards and 4 TDs.

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/505591/#highlights/7296368

Cody Scherff, 6’6 205, WR, Albert Lea – 2011 All Conferece. All-Area First Team. Had 17 receptions for 318 yards and 1 TD.

Kolby Sieffert, 6’1 185, WR, Chaska - In 4 games has 17 receptions for 335 yards and 6 touchdowns. Recorded a 4.5 40 yard.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1y_qb4G8hpU

Zach Hovey, 6’4 220, TE, Eden Prairie – In 6 games, has 6 receptions for 154 yards and 1 touchdown.

George Behr, 6’5 235, TE, East Ridge – Had 8 receptions for 110 yards and 1 TD. Recorded a 4.27 shuttle, 32” vertical, 245 max bench, and 315 max squat.

Offensive Lineman

Frank Ragnow, 6’6 275, OL/DL, Chanhassen – Started all games on offensive line. In 6 games has 13 tackles (7 solo), 6 sacks, 5 passes blocked, and 3 field goals blocked.

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/757982/#highlights/10658380

Joe Wagner, 6’4 225, OL, Cretin-Derham Hall – Started 12 game as a sophomore.

Drew Trabing, 6’4 240, OL, Prior Lake – 2011 All Conference HM. Starting offensive lineman as a sophomore.

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/604409/drew-trabing

JC Hassenauer, 6’2 260, OL, East Ridge – Started on varsity. At 2012 NUC, recorded a 4.49 shuttle, a 24” vertical, and 20 reps at 185.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=xnqehmpNLgc#!

Jason Telin, 6’3 290, OL, Tartan – Started every game as a sophomore. 2011 State Qualifier in wresting and had 21-12 record.

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/792426/#highlights/1784415

Frederick Schroeder, 6’4 240, OL, Hopkins – Started every game as a sophomore.

Athletes

Michael Herzog, 6’0 200, RB/QB/DB, Detroit Lakes – 2011 All-Conference HM and All Section. Had 103 carries for 842 yards for 8 ypc and 8 TDs. Passed for 235 yards and 1 TD. Had 13 receptions and 2 TDs. Had 2 INTs. Had 28 yards per kick return.

Carlton Djam, 5’9 185, RB/DB, Totino-Grace – Had 13 carries for 139 yards and 9.9 ypc. Had 15 tackles, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery. Max bench is 275. Max squat is 405. GPA is 3.97.

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/443103/carlton-djam

Defensive Line

Preston Woods, 6’3 280, DT, South Saint Paul – Two way starter on 11-2 team as a sophomore. Had 16 tackles (14 solo), 9 TFL, 2 sacks, 3 knockdowns, 2 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery, 3 pass breakups, and 1 safety. 2011 State Qualifier in wresting and had 31-12 record. Max bench 379. Recorded 20 reps at 225. Max squat is 510.

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/748609/#highlights/7509414

Drew Greely, 6’3 220, DE, Wayzata – In 11 games, has 37 tackles (24 solo), 2 sacks, 8 TFLs, 1 INT, 2 hurries, 3 PBUs and 4 PD. Recorded a 4.7 40, vertical is 29.5”, max bench is 250, and max squat is 385. GPA is 3.5.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fmf-x8Dyt3c

Christian Triplett, 6’4 260, DT, Delano - In 10 games, has 57 tackles (36 solo), 3 sacks, 1 TFL, 1 fumble recovered, and 1 punt blocked. GPA is 3.2.

Frank Ragnow, 6’6 275, DT, Chanhassen – Two way starter for Chanhassen. In 6 games has 13 tackles (7 solo), 6 sacks, 5 passes blocked, and 3 field goals blocked.

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/757982/#highlights/10658380

Andrew Stelter, 6’4 240, DE, Owatonna – 2011 All Conference. All-Area Team. Recorded 39 tackles (20 solo), 6 sacks, 1 fumble recovery, and 1 pass defection. In track, recorded a 52’8” shot and 145’5” discus throws. Shuttle time was 4.51, max vertical is 32.5”, max bench is 290, and max squat is 525.

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/644893/andrew-stelter

Tyus Deboer, 6’4 245, DT, Marshall – In 10 games, had 36 tackles (22 solo) and 1 sack.

Joshua Pantoe, 6’3 250, DT, Hopkins – Started on varsity.

Matthew Juneau, 6’4 225, DE/TE, Champlin Park – In 9 games, had 32 tackles and .5 sacks.

Jake Busse, 6’3 220, DE, Waseca - In 10 games, has 52 tackles (31 solo), 3.5 sacks, 2 fumbles recovered, and 1 hurry.

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/551831/#jake-busse

Clayton Burton, 6’2 250, DL, Minneapolis Washburn - In 6 games, has 17 tackles (6 solo).

Linebackers

Payton Jordahl, 6’3 200, LB, Perham – 2011 All-Conference. In 12 games, recorded 96 tackles (53 solo), 4 TFLs, and 2 fumbles recovered.

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/758746/payton-jordahl

Ejodamen Ejiya, 6’3 180, LB, Spring Lake Park – 2011 All-Conference. In 9 games, has 89 tackles (62 solo), 3.5 sack, and 3 INTs. Recorded a 43’2 triple jump in track and a 4.57 40.

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/627451/ejodamen-ejiya

Isaac Weber, 5’11 205, LB, Mankato West – 2011 All-Conference. In 12 games had 105 tackles (22 solo), 2 sacks, 1 fumble recovery, and 1 INT. Recorded a 4.75 40, 4.4 shuttle, 5 reps at 225 for bench, and 5 squats at 370.

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/463586/#highlights/10133372

Steele Berg, 6’0 190, LB, Wayzata – In 9 games, had 37 tackles (31 solo), 4 TFL, 1 sack, and 4 QB hurries.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hkM5GQq6oU&feature=plcp

Defensive Backs

Kyle Kalivoda, 5’10 170, DB, Wayzata – In 13 games, had 58 tackles (41 solo), 3 TFL, 3 INTs, 7 PD, and 4 PBUs.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGIm5xXNXuM

Blake Banham, 5’8 160, DB, Cretin-Derham Hall – 2011 All-Pioneer Press. All-Conference HM. On offense, had 10 carries for 124 yards. In track, recorded a 11.2 100m.

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/804098/#highlights/10317433

Graham Fritz, 5’11 180, DB/Athlete, Minneapolis SW – Had 79 tackles, 3 INTs, and 2 forced fumbles.

Adam Kraft, 6’2 190, DB, Delano - In 10 games, had 39 tackles (23 solo), 4 INTs, and 2 fumbles recovered.

Sam Johnson, 6’0 170, DB/Athlete, Monticello – Had 65 tackles, 1 INT, and 2 blocked punts. Recorded a 4.5 40. Varsity hockey player since 8th grade.

Zach Martin, 6’1 180, DB, Dassel-Cokato – In 6 games, had 39 tackles (16 solo), 2 INTs, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 recovery.
 

Thankes Vames - You like DL65 add a lot to this blog with your reporting. The good news is that it sounds like the 2014 class could be pretty solid. We also will have more scholarships to give that year so the timing could be excellent.
 

Ricardo Johnson III averages 26 yards per carry?

Does high school count sacks against the passing game or against the running game? Either way, that seems a little ridiculous--- I've got to believe he ran at least a couple of 1-2 yard quarterback sneaks.
 

vames, love your posts. Great stuff
 



Great update. Hopefully whoever lands Jeff Jones teaches him to run with the ball closer to his body. Great offer list on him though.
 


I echo the statement that vames and DL65 are the best things about this board.


It's nice to see some city kids doing well and getting offers. It would be a great thing for many reasons if some of the inner city schools could start producing more college talent.
 

A lifelong native of Minnesota, Ragnow is quite familiar with the program in Minneapolis.
"Yeah," he admitted. "I grew up following the Gophers."



Let's keep it that way!
 



wels0081 said:
Ricardo Johnson III averages 26 yards per carry?

Does high school count sacks against the passing game or against the running game? Either way, that seems a little ridiculous--- I've got to believe he ran at least a couple of 1-2 yard quarterback sneaks.
Click to expand...


Be careful with his stats. I am not sure the accuracy of stats.

He didn't play varsity, his stats are with the 10th grade team (Cretin doesn't play QBs until they are JRs). He probably won't be the starter next year either.
 

Regarding stats, I will contact to clarify. I have always clarified they were CDH JV. I am not sure there is a 10th grade team, but you attended hence would know more than I would. Agree the YPC does seem out of wack. I didn't do the math. For most players, I can validate their stats on the 3 websites that post stats for the season.

For CDH this year, it is going to be interesting who will start between Rhoda and Johnson. Both have been putting in the off season work. No doubt about that. Interesting last year, Miley threw for 2000 yards as a junior but had significant challenges last year and lost out to Rhoda after 4-5 games.
 

vames said:
Regarding stats, I will contact to clarify. I have always clarified they were CDH JV. I am not sure there is a 10th grade team, but you attended hence would know more than I would. Agree the YPC does seem out of wack. I didn't do the math. For most players, I can validate their stats on the 3 websites that post stats for the season.

For CDH this year, it is going to be interesting who will start between Rhoda and Johnson. Both have been putting in the off season work. No doubt about that. Interesting last year, Miley threw for 2000 yards as a junior but had significant challenges last year and lost out to Rhoda after 4-5 games.
Click to expand...

Thanks for clarification and sorry for my horrendous grammar in the previous post!
 

It was JV I believe

wels0081 said:
Ricardo Johnson III averages 26 yards per carry?

Does high school count sacks against the passing game or against the running game? Either way, that seems a little ridiculous--- I've got to believe he ran at least a couple of 1-2 yard quarterback sneaks.
Click to expand...
 



Christian Triplett, 6’4 260, DT, Delano - In 10 games, has 57 tackles (36 solo), 3 sacks, 1 TFL, 1 fumble recovered, and 1 punt blocked. GPA is 3.2.

He is of the Nate Triplett school of football.
 

vames said:
Regarding stats, I will contact to clarify. I have always clarified they were CDH JV. I am not sure there is a 10th grade team, but you attended hence would know more than I would. Agree the YPC does seem out of wack. I didn't do the math. For most players, I can validate their stats on the 3 websites that post stats for the season.

For CDH this year, it is going to be interesting who will start between Rhoda and Johnson. Both have been putting in the off season work. No doubt about that. Interesting last year, Miley threw for 2000 yards as a junior but had significant challenges last year and lost out to Rhoda after 4-5 games.
Click to expand...


I actually don't know if it was JV or B-Squad and I've never seen him play. I was just pointing out to the one poster that his stats are guady but they are pre-varsity football.

Also, I want to echo the sentiments of everyone else, you do an awesome job.
 

Bob, Thanks for the comments. This is a pretty fun hobby to be honest. Upon my return to Minnesota in Nov 2000, one of the first things I did was watch the Prep Bowl Finals, which was CDH vs Eden Prairie. You probably were there. I remember of course Joe Mauer, who I believe had committed to Florida State at the time, and Rashon-Powers Neal, who went to Notre Dame, along with Mark Levoir, who went to Notre Dame. I remember thinking Minnesota definitely has some talent. If they had stayed to play for the Gophers, how different might the Gophers have been. A couple of years later Ryan Harris, Trevor Laws, and John Carlson all headed to Notre Dame. Up until last year, we have had a mixed bag of BCS recruit years averaging between 6-8 roughly.

Hopefully the efforts to identify juniors and sophomores with potential (height/weight) or athletic ability will motivate them to get into weight room, train accordingly, and attend off-season combines/camps in order to elevate Minnesota a little higher on the football map and be a good source of local talent for the Gophers and regional schools. Although I think it is safe to say Minnesota football players are heavily represented on Dakota school rosters, but it would be nice to see more players pick up BCS offers.
 

vames said:
Bob, Thanks for the comments. This is a pretty fun hobby to be honest. Upon my return to Minnesota in Nov 2000, one of the first things I did was watch the Prep Bowl Finals, which was CDH vs Eden Prairie. You probably were there. I remember of course Joe Mauer, who I believe had committed to Florida State at the time, and Rashon-Powers Neal, who went to Notre Dame, along with Mark Levoir, who went to Notre Dame. I remember thinking Minnesota definitely has some talent. If they had stayed to play for the Gophers, how different might the Gophers have been. A couple of years later Ryan Harris, Trevor Laws, and John Carlson all headed to Notre Dame. Up until last year, we have had a mixed bag of BCS recruit years averaging between 6-8 roughly.

Hopefully the efforts to identify juniors and sophomores with potential (height/weight) or athletic ability will motivate them to get into weight room, train accordingly, and attend off-season combines/camps in order to elevate Minnesota a little higher on the football map and be a good source of local talent for the Gophers and regional schools. Although I think it is safe to say Minnesota football players are heavily represented on Dakota school rosters, but it would be nice to see more players pick up BCS offers.
Click to expand...

Yeah, that was the year after I graduated HS and I was at the game as well. I think some people don't realize how much talent is really in the state (including a lot of coaches). Sites like yours really do a big time service to these kids (and football throughout MN) in just getting the names out there.

I absolutely agree with you on your overally point. I have always been amazed at the amount of talent that goes to NDSU or even UMD. I don't even mean that from a "the U should have offerred this guy" sort of argument, but it would be nice to see a few more of these kids getting MAC offers (that's picking up as well).

So yeah, you do an awesome service and your updates are one of the best things about gopherhole.
 

Vames Although I think it is safe to say Minnesota football players are heavily represented on Dakota school rosters, but it would be nice to see more players pick up BCS offers.

Bob. Ndsu destroyed the MAC champ central mich 36-14 and Ball State, don't say that the MAC is better.

NDSU has proven to be better than mid level FBS teams, wouldn't you say? Plus it looks like ndsu is going to Wisconsin kids in 2013, then back to Minnesota kids in 2014. This strategy works for them. However it would be much better for the "state of Minnesota for more high profile recruits"
 

ndsugopherfan said:
Vames Although I think it is safe to say Minnesota football players are heavily represented on Dakota school rosters, but it would be nice to see more players pick up BCS offers.

Bob. Ndsu destroyed the MAC champ central mich 36-14 and Ball State, don't say that the MAC is better.

NDSU has proven to be better than mid level FBS teams, wouldn't you say? Plus it looks like ndsu is going to Wisconsin kids in 2013, then back to Minnesota kids in 2014. This strategy works for them. However it would be much better for the "state of Minnesota for more high profile recruits"
Click to expand...

What is this NDSU? Is it some sexually transmitted disease or is it a internet virus? I am not taking any chances and therefore I am running virus software now.
 

Admin: Please move the NDSU post to bisonville.
 

ndsugopherfan said:
Vames Although I think it is safe to say Minnesota football players are heavily represented on Dakota school rosters, but it would be nice to see more players pick up BCS offers.

Bob. Ndsu destroyed the MAC champ central mich 36-14 and Ball State, don't say that the MAC is better.

NDSU has proven to be better than mid level FBS teams, wouldn't you say? Plus it looks like ndsu is going to Wisconsin kids in 2013, then back to Minnesota kids in 2014. This strategy works for them. However it would be much better for the "state of Minnesota for more high profile recruits"
Click to expand...

Hold on a minute............*VOMIT* Ok better.
 

ndsugopherfan said:
Vames Although I think it is safe to say Minnesota football players are heavily represented on Dakota school rosters, but it would be nice to see more players pick up BCS offers.

Bob. Ndsu destroyed the MAC champ central mich 36-14 and Ball State, don't say that the MAC is better.

NDSU has proven to be better than mid level FBS teams, wouldn't you say? Plus it looks like ndsu is going to Wisconsin kids in 2013, then back to Minnesota kids in 2014. This strategy works for them. However it would be much better for the "state of Minnesota for more high profile recruits"
Click to expand...

Wow. . .there was nothing on this thread that even began to mock NDSU, in fact, they were getting praised. Yet the insecure Bison fan feels the need to come here and cry.

Of course any kid would prefer a BCS offer to a FCS offer. I know that Bison fans are incredibly leary of feeling slighted, but it's true. A MAC offer is worth a lot more than an NDSU offer. That's not to take anything from NDSU. It's a pretty simple concept, regardless of the fact that Boise St has a great record against Georgia or VA Tech over the last few years, an SEC offer is still worth more than a Mountain West offer. There is a certain hierarchy that plays out in football recruiting. The good programs (NDSU, Boise St., UW- Whitewater, UMD) are able to find ways to win a lot with kids that higher rated programs missed out on. It's safe to say that almost every kid at NDSU would have chosen the U if the U offered, that's despite the fact that you've had much more success than the U. Do you see the point? Or is it still way over your head?

If you feel the need to respond, please answer this question - - "How many of the kids on NDSU would have chosen the Bison over the Gophers if they received an offer?" If your answer is "very few/none", then you understand the point.
 

Bob_Loblaw said:
: If you feel the need to respond, please answer this question - - "How many of the kids on NDSU would have chosen the Bison over the Gophers if they received an offer?" If your answer is "very few/none", then you understand the point.
Click to expand...

The correct answer is 0, or possibly -5 - -10. What I mean by this is that there are probably 5-10 players on NDSU that would have accepted a preferred walk-on at the U over an NDSU scholarship, similar to what Heifort did.
 

Over at GI, Ryan Burns is reporting that Eastridge OL JC Hassenaer (6'2 270) looked very good at the camp and peformed well against DL Enoch Smith, who has an offer from a number of BCS schools to include Notre Dame. Owatonna DE Andrew Stelter (6'4 240) stood out on the defensive line dominating offensive lineman he went up against and had some extenisve time with Coach Kill. South Saint Paul OL/DL Preston Woods (6'3 280) is built pretty solidly and displays raw talent that can developed. In addition I confirmed Chanhassen OL Frank Ragnow (6'6 285) received some one-on-one time with Coach Kill as well.

Nice to see the foundation for the Class of 2014 starting to come together.
 


I think Jeff there was watching. With an offer in hand, I am guessing he didn't plan on participating to "wow" the coaches.
 

Lucas Trickle ‏@LucasTrickleGI
I have confirmed that 2014 OL Frank Ragnow has picked up an offer from Minnesota. Thanks for the heads up @MVofDT. #Gophers
 

Gopher Gold said:
Lucas Trickle ‏@LucasTrickleGI
I have confirmed that 2014 OL Frank Ragnow has picked up an offer from Minnesota. Thanks for the heads up @MVofDT. #Gophers
Click to expand...

This kid's recruiting really seems to be picking up steam. I hope he picks the U and shuts it down.
 

Watching the Class of 2014 this season will be interesting on top players that establish themselves with BCS potential.
 

vames said:
Watching the Class of 2014 this season will be interesting on top players that establish themselves with BCS potential.
Click to expand...

Yeah, it's starting to look like a really deep class. It's always interesting at this time because it's hard to tell the difference between a kid who is really good who could end up with a BCS offer, from a kid who could get multiple BCS offers, from a kid who goes FCS.

Some of them are obvious (Jeff Jones) but some of them it's difficult to tell.
 

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