Gopher portal visits and signings




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FWIW DT Chapman is the highest rated transfer 92 followed by WR Thompson 90 both 4 star. DE Bush, OT Warren and DB Ayden West are next but 3 star at 87. Not all of transfers have been rated
 





This is always the case for good teams, but Miami and IU have absolutely dominated the trenches on both sides throughout the CFP. They’re good at every position group, but they’re especially good rushing the passer, running the ball, and giving their QBs time to throw.

I’m super excited about how the DL is shaping up for MN next year and can honestly see that group — especially at DE — being one of the best in the nation. I’d feel a LOT better with 1-2 more impactful additions on the OL. They had a LONG way to go, especially in the running game, and it’s hard for me to envision them being a top group nationally just based on improvement of returning players.
So you’re predicting a top DL in the country? Like by PFF ratings? Honestly curious.
 










So you’re predicting a top DL in the country? Like by PFF ratings? Honestly curious.
I really believe that's possible. Smith is clearly one of the top DE in the country and will be drafted next year. Bush has produced at a high level over multiple P4 seasons. I think Menz is a future All B1G player. Howard improved and is a great athlete. They're likely to work Karmo into the pass rush regularly. So at DE, I'd be surprised if there's 20 teams with a better rotation.

DT is clearly another story, but I do like the players they've added and am cautiously optimistic. Either way, I love the commitment to DL generally and pass rush specifically in recruiting and think they'll be improved next year.
 

I really believe that's possible. Smith is clearly one of the top DE in the country and will be drafted next year. Bush has produced at a high level over multiple P4 seasons. I think Menz is a future All B1G player. Howard improved and is a great athlete. They're likely to work Karmo into the pass rush regularly. So at DE, I'd be surprised if there's 20 teams with a better rotation.

DT is clearly another story, but I do like the players they've added and am cautiously optimistic. Either way, I love the commitment to DL generally and pass rush specifically in recruiting and think they'll be improved next year.
The DT position will definitely make or break the D-Line next year but if the new faces and developing players on the roster are able to hold up the ends should be some of the best we have had in quite some time. Could be a ton of fun to watch if it all comes together the way it looks like it could.
 

I sure hope the WR from Auburn, the RB from Purdue, and the OT from Tenn turn out or this offensive haul looks pretty underwhelming as far as upside as well as even a baseline. Maybe we don’t have the budget, but would be nice to focus on more productive lower level guys if we can’t get productive P4 guys, or guys that were rated high as high schoolers and are still young. It’s going to be hard to take a step forward if we are just adding guys for depth. We need to look to improve the starters. Again if the budget is what it is I get it, but seems like we’re stuck treading water if that’s the case.
 

That’s hard to believe watching his highlights. Granted this is high school… https://m.youtube.com/results?sp=mAEA&search_query=t.j.+thomas+elon#bottom-sheet.

That said speed isn’t everything. That highlight shown in the twitter post was against Duke, so we see he can make p4 guys miss.
Marcus Sherels had a great career as a punt return man for the Vikings and he was more quick than fast. Great open-end speed is obviously valuable, but being able to cut and accelerate quickly out of the cut is what usually makes a great return man.
 

I sure hope the WR from Auburn, the RB from Purdue, and the OT from Tenn turn out or this offensive haul looks pretty underwhelming as far as upside as well as even a baseline. Maybe we don’t have the budget, but would be nice to focus on more productive lower level guys if we can’t get productive P4 guys, or guys that were rated high as high schoolers and are still young. It’s going to be hard to take a step forward if we are just adding guys for depth. We need to look to improve the starters. Again if the budget is what it is I get it, but seems like we’re stuck treading water if that’s the case.
You are not wrong but we do have quite a bit coming back on offense as well. 4 of the 5 starters along the O-Line (at the end of the year) are back. And there are a number of guys in the system. Given the lack of O-Line transfers they may feel pretty good about what is in house with another off season of development.

DT and Turner are back at RB (injuries are certainly a concern but healthy those two make a nice 1-2 punch). RB is a spot where a freshman can potentially make an impact and there are a couple transfers.

At TE there are some guys like Walsh, Johnson, and Simpson plus the new guy from Oklahoma and can't count out Voss forcing his way onto the field in year 1.

WR is a bit of a question mark after the top 2 of Smith and Tracy. This is one spot on offense where we really need a transfer to make an impact probably (hopefully Thompson) but there are also guys like Martino and Hayes in the system and a number of freshman coming in.

And obviously QB is good to go with Drake back for another year.

So on paper it may not look like many potential impact transfers on offense but we may not need them to be.
 




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