Topics covered on today’s Sports Huddle included recruiting quarterbacks and numbers for this year’s class, Claeys extension, location of bowl game, players coming back, Sid’s question about redshirts, and recruiting priorities (quarterbacks and running backs).
1) Sid opened the showing asking if Claeys knew where the Gophers bowl game will be played:
“No. We don’t know any more than what’s out there (speculations) . . . depends on how many Big 10 teams play on New Year’s Day,” Claeys said.
2) Sid wanted to know if Claeys had signed a new contract:
“I have not signed a new contract - been on the road recruiting . . . biggest priority (at this time) to see recruits,” Claeys replied.
3) Sid then asked if all of the coaches are coming back:
Claeys quickly answered Sid’s query: “I assume so.” He said a lot of coaching opportunities to coach elsewhere open up in the month of December. Claeys also said coaching at another school and having an opportunity to better one’s career is a personal, family decision.
4) Dave Mona wanted to know how many recruits they plan to sign in February:
“We’ll be in the low 20’s (possibly 22),” Claeys said. He hastened to add that they would “take care to reward some kids” (walk-ons). However, he didn’t indicate how many walk-ons will receive a scholarships.
5) Sid asked if all of the players on the current roster will be coming back in 2017:
Claeys said he didn’t know at this time, he’s been busy meeting potential recruits. The “dead period” in recruiting (on the road recruiting is prohibited) will began after this week. It is during that time that he’ll sit down with the players, individually, to discuss this past season. Claeys acknowledged that it’s not unusual to have some players transfer after the season.
While the coaches are on the road recruiting, the players are working out in the weight room and healing up their "bumps and bruises," according to Claeys.
6) Dave Mona mentioned Conor Rhoda’s plans to transfer, and he wanted to know if they’re considering recruiting a junior college quarterback or a graduate at another school:
Claeys said, “I feel good about kids in the program and the way recruiting is going.”
As to a graduate quarterback transferring to another school for one year, Claeys said you have to be careful when recruiting a graduate with a year of eligibility. It doesn’t help the player (being unhappy) or team if the quarterback ends up being a back-up player. However, he did cite the success Wisconsin had when Russell Wilson transferred to Madison. Also, imo, it sounded as though Claeys open to recruiting a juco quarterback.
7) Sid asked his weekly question about redshirts that could help the team next year:
Players Claeys cited in his response: defensive back Kiondre Thomas; offensive lineman Sam Schlueter; and at quarterback - Seth Green, Mark Williams, and Demry Croft.
In his comments about the redshirt quarterbacks, he said they’re learning and developing and spring practices will be helpful and critical in their development. Claeys sounded very positive when talking about the trio. He elaborated a little more, however, when talking about Mark Williams of Jackson, Alabama. Claeys talked about Williams’ athleticism, ability to run, and that he “throws the ball awfully well.” Because of his athleticism, Claeys said Williams could play a number of positions. IMO, it sounded as though Williams will see the field soon, if he isn’t playing quarterback.
8) Dave Mona wanted to know the status of tight end Brandon Lingen and his availability for the Gophers bowl game:
Claeys was succinct in answering Dave’s question, “He’ll be out of the bowl game.” He also said linebacker Cody Poock - shoulder injury - will not available for their upcoming bowl game. Claeys emphasized that they do not want rush their healing.
On a positive note: offensive lineman Jared Weyler will be available for their bowl game.
9) Sid asked if they’re recruiting any quarterbacks:
“Yeah, we’re recruiting one or two,” Claeys replied. He then added, that they’ll recruit a quarterback every year as well as a running back – “two positions we’ll recruit every year.”
Go Gophers!!
1) Sid opened the showing asking if Claeys knew where the Gophers bowl game will be played:
“No. We don’t know any more than what’s out there (speculations) . . . depends on how many Big 10 teams play on New Year’s Day,” Claeys said.
2) Sid wanted to know if Claeys had signed a new contract:
“I have not signed a new contract - been on the road recruiting . . . biggest priority (at this time) to see recruits,” Claeys replied.
3) Sid then asked if all of the coaches are coming back:
Claeys quickly answered Sid’s query: “I assume so.” He said a lot of coaching opportunities to coach elsewhere open up in the month of December. Claeys also said coaching at another school and having an opportunity to better one’s career is a personal, family decision.
4) Dave Mona wanted to know how many recruits they plan to sign in February:
“We’ll be in the low 20’s (possibly 22),” Claeys said. He hastened to add that they would “take care to reward some kids” (walk-ons). However, he didn’t indicate how many walk-ons will receive a scholarships.
5) Sid asked if all of the players on the current roster will be coming back in 2017:
Claeys said he didn’t know at this time, he’s been busy meeting potential recruits. The “dead period” in recruiting (on the road recruiting is prohibited) will began after this week. It is during that time that he’ll sit down with the players, individually, to discuss this past season. Claeys acknowledged that it’s not unusual to have some players transfer after the season.
While the coaches are on the road recruiting, the players are working out in the weight room and healing up their "bumps and bruises," according to Claeys.
6) Dave Mona mentioned Conor Rhoda’s plans to transfer, and he wanted to know if they’re considering recruiting a junior college quarterback or a graduate at another school:
Claeys said, “I feel good about kids in the program and the way recruiting is going.”
As to a graduate quarterback transferring to another school for one year, Claeys said you have to be careful when recruiting a graduate with a year of eligibility. It doesn’t help the player (being unhappy) or team if the quarterback ends up being a back-up player. However, he did cite the success Wisconsin had when Russell Wilson transferred to Madison. Also, imo, it sounded as though Claeys open to recruiting a juco quarterback.
7) Sid asked his weekly question about redshirts that could help the team next year:
Players Claeys cited in his response: defensive back Kiondre Thomas; offensive lineman Sam Schlueter; and at quarterback - Seth Green, Mark Williams, and Demry Croft.
In his comments about the redshirt quarterbacks, he said they’re learning and developing and spring practices will be helpful and critical in their development. Claeys sounded very positive when talking about the trio. He elaborated a little more, however, when talking about Mark Williams of Jackson, Alabama. Claeys talked about Williams’ athleticism, ability to run, and that he “throws the ball awfully well.” Because of his athleticism, Claeys said Williams could play a number of positions. IMO, it sounded as though Williams will see the field soon, if he isn’t playing quarterback.
8) Dave Mona wanted to know the status of tight end Brandon Lingen and his availability for the Gophers bowl game:
Claeys was succinct in answering Dave’s question, “He’ll be out of the bowl game.” He also said linebacker Cody Poock - shoulder injury - will not available for their upcoming bowl game. Claeys emphasized that they do not want rush their healing.
On a positive note: offensive lineman Jared Weyler will be available for their bowl game.
9) Sid asked if they’re recruiting any quarterbacks:
“Yeah, we’re recruiting one or two,” Claeys replied. He then added, that they’ll recruit a quarterback every year as well as a running back – “two positions we’ll recruit every year.”
Go Gophers!!
