MN Daily: Jeff Jones says Kill's health impacts him; Ragnow says it does not

[BleedGopher]

Some interesting comments from Jones and Ragnow, this is the first time I've seen a recruit come out and say that Kill's health impacts him.

Jones said Kill’s battle with epilepsy affects his recruitment tremendously.

“You never know if [Kill’s] telling the truth or not, but I believe him,” Jones said. “I don’t believe he’ll be going anywhere any time soon, but it’s always in the back of my head when I’m looking at another school that has a coaching staff established.”

Jones said the uncertainty surrounding Kill’s health does concern him a bit, especially when he’s trying to make a career out of football.

“It does [scare me] — just the fact that it isn’t a small thing,” Jones said. “It depends on my career as a college player. Will he be my head coach or not? That’s significant to me.”

Ragnow, on the other hand, said seeing the things Kill has overcome in his career makes him want to play for the Gophers even more. He said he sees Kill’s health problems as temporary.

“He’s had epilepsy for a lot of years, and he’s been a real successful coach,” Ragnow said. “This is just a bump. I think he’ll be fine, [and] I respect him for it.”

Ragnow said he doesn’t have reservations about Kill’s health, but he said he’s concerned about the program’s ability to win.

“I love the coaching staff, [and] it’s close to home,” he said. “It’s just you’d love to see them win more.”

Ragnow said he doesn’t expect the Gophers to turn into a powerhouse program overnight and said he will keep Minnesota in the mix until he makes his final decision.

“This is a big year for the Gophers,” Ragnow said. “I’m really watching closely, because I want to see progress.”

Jones agreed with Ragnow and compared Minnesota’s on-field success to that of the other programs going after him.

“Missouri’s top 10 in the country right now,” Jones said. “You can’t beat that.”

The Gophers are a running football team — something that would make a Jones-Ragnow tandem ideal.

“That offense is a dream come true for a running back,” Jones said. “Kill loves to feed the ball to the running backs, and … it’ll be a perfect fit if that’s where I choose.”

Ragnow said he loves to run block and wants to play in an offense that runs the ball frequently.

Jones said he and Ragnow have entertained the idea of playing together but aren’t necessarily looking at being a package deal.

“We were saying if we both went there, it’d be significant for the Gophers,” Jones said.

http://www.mndaily.com/sports/football/2013/11/05/kill’s-leave-gophers’-wins-impact-recruiting

Go Gophers!!

 

[mnsports1]

Some interesting comments from Jones and Ragnow, this is the first time I've seen a recruit come out and say that Kill's health impacts him.

Jones said Kill’s battle with epilepsy affects his recruitment tremendously.

“You never know if [Kill’s] telling the truth or not, but I believe him,” Jones said. “I don’t believe he’ll be going anywhere any time soon, but it’s always in the back of my head when I’m looking at another school that has a coaching staff established.”

Jones said the uncertainty surrounding Kill’s health does concern him a bit, especially when he’s trying to make a career out of football.

“It does [scare me] — just the fact that it isn’t a small thing,” Jones said. “It depends on my career as a college player. Will he be my head coach or not? That’s significant to me.”

Ragnow, on the other hand, said seeing the things Kill has overcome in his career makes him want to play for the Gophers even more. He said he sees Kill’s health problems as temporary.

“He’s had epilepsy for a lot of years, and he’s been a real successful coach,” Ragnow said. “This is just a bump. I think he’ll be fine, [and] I respect him for it.”

Ragnow said he doesn’t have reservations about Kill’s health, but he said he’s concerned about the program’s ability to win.
“I love the coaching staff, [and] it’s close to home,” he said. “It’s just you’d love to see them win more.”

Ragnow said he doesn’t expect the Gophers to turn into a powerhouse program overnight and said he will keep Minnesota in the mix until he makes his final decision.

“This is a big year for the Gophers,” Ragnow said. “I’m really watching closely, because I want to see progress.”

Jones agreed with Ragnow and compared Minnesota’s on-field success to that of the other programs going after him.

“Missouri’s top 10 in the country right now,” Jones said. “You can’t beat that.”

The Gophers are a running football team — something that would make a Jones-Ragnow tandem ideal.

“That offense is a dream come true for a running back,” Jones said. “Kill loves to feed the ball to the running backs, and … it’ll be a perfect fit if that’s where I choose.”

Ragnow said he loves to run block and wants to play in an offense that runs the ball frequently.

Jones said he and Ragnow have entertained the idea of playing together but aren’t necessarily looking at being a package deal.

“We were saying if we both went there, it’d be significant for the Gophers,” Jones said.

http://www.mndaily.com/sports/football/2013/11/05/kill’s-leave-gophers’-wins-impact-recruiting

Go Gophers!!

Well then, you'll love Arkansas.

 

[matt]

Well then, you'll love Arkansas.

Haha nice.

 

[t-docious]

right? the hogs are 0 fer in the SEC this year are they not? Curious on the date of this interview... we certainly have been winning.

 

[wait!what?]

right? the hogs are 0 fer in the SEC this year are they not? Curious on the date of this interview... we certainly have been winning.

there is plenty in that article not to like.

 

[Fuzzy Rumpton]

"but it’s always in the back of my head when I’m looking at another school that has a coaching staff established"

Hard to find a staff more loyal or established than ours. Not sure what he is thinking.

 

[Gopher Warrior]

That Kill's health issues are a recruiting issue has been obvious for years, but it's a bigger issue today than ever before for some (although there will continue to be those who insist it's a non-issue). If I'm Jerry I am hesitant to step on the sidelines again this season for fear of what another game day episode does for my future.

Rough situation. I do think if you create a 'special assistant' type position for Kill and give the keys to Claeys you can ride the current momentum a bit... otherwise the issue is at the forefront probably more than ever before.

The comments from Jones are reasonable and very understandable.

Jones said Kill’s battle with epilepsy affects his recruitment tremendously.

“You never know if [Kill’s] telling the truth or not, but I believe him,” Jones said.

 

[scools12]

"but it’s always in the back of my head when I’m looking at another school that has a coaching staff established"

Hard to find a staff more loyal or established than ours. Not sure what he is thinking.

I would assume he is talking about established at the AQ conference level.

 

[RodentRampage]

That Kill's health issues are a recruiting issue has been obvious for years, but it's a bigger issue today than ever before for some (although there will continue to be those who insist it's a non-issue).

"For some" is a cop-out. By objective standards, it's a less of an issue than ever before. The Gophers are 7-2, the predictions of disaster didn't pan out. No one has ever said it was a non-issue, but you already knew that. It's simply not as big an issue as you want it to be.

 

[Rescooter]

It sounds to me like other coaches are whispering in their ear or they're listening to KFAN. Either one will poison your mind.

I'd love to have them both, but only if their hearts are in. I'll take a lesser rated recruit (think David Cobb) over an Andre McDonald anyday. The days of picking a recruit based on his "Star Rating" closed with the Brewster era. That dumpster fire is in the past.

 

[beavergopher]

Ragnow seems to like having all the attention of being a mini sports celeb while the recruiting drags out and Jones seems to be looking for reasons to go elsewhere. It will be a big setback if they end up elsewhere. Need to keep the majority of the best in state players. We need a win against PSU!

 

[Dr.Don]

It sounds to me like other coaches are whispering in their ear or they're listening to KFAN. Either one will poison your mind.

I'd love to have them both, but only if their hearts are in. I'll take a lesser rated recruit (think David Cobb) over an Andre McDonald anyday. The days of picking a recruit based on his "Star Rating" closed with the Brewster era. That dumpster fire is in the past.

Then stop reigniting it.

 

[wait!what?]

Doc, how you been? Do you have to get on that scale every morning to monitor fluid weight? 'Please step on the scale!' you would think they would have a volume knob on that thing but i suppose it was made to get attention.

 

[Ole]

Really tough to read that and see either committing.
Deron Thompson and one of the other backs will probably commit if Jones takes off.
Too bad if that happens, he could be a star here. In the SEC he's probably a special teamer.
Ragnow I think at least has to look at our O and see how fun that it could be for an Olineman to play in that style.

This staff has made enough shrewd recruiting moves to believe they will have a good solid plan in place should we miss out on these guys.
They wipe their rears with recruiting services and star rankings.

Nevertheless let's hope Jones and Ragnow see how much success they could both have here and stay home to help Kill and Co elevate the U to a top 10 team.

 

[Old Cardinal]

It must be incredibly difficult for these teenagers to sort out all the information (propaganda) that they receive on a daily basis. Hopefully their parents and any other type of support system they might have in place, help them make sense of it and they make the best decision for him.

And at the end of the day, (or signing day), they make the choice that WE want and become a Golden Gopher!

 

[Bayfieldgopher]

Zip codes are over rated when it comes to recruiting. There are other similar talents out there but home town boys are good for the program and should be easier to recruit.

No matter who is considering the Gophers, the conditions have to be favorable for "them". These two have options to play for proven winning programs and or coaches who have had lots of success. Kids pay attention when the successful programs show interest.

Ragnow and Jones need to see them being a fit for the Gophers like Hageman, Olson's etc. If not, they will move on and our search will broaden which is not necessarlly a bad mark on the program as it happens all the time.

 

[dpodoll68]

In the SEC he's probably a special teamer.

Dude. He's a top 100 player in the country.

 

[GopherinPhilly]

Rough situation. I do think if you create a 'special assistant' type position for Kill and give the keys to Claeys you can ride the current momentum a bit...

You really are clueless as to what a Head Coach does at this level...Kill is the Head Coach because of what he does and who he is the 350 days per year his team isn't on the field as much as he is for the 12-13 days they are on the field.

I don't expect Kill to be on the sidelines until the bowl game, which is fine with me. If he can't continue as head coach, his staff is going to disperse and we will have to start over, again.

 

[Ole]

Dude. He's a top 100 player in the country.

As with all recruits we'll see.
i just think it's more likely he's a featured back here rather than a rotational guy at one of those Top 10 programs he mentioned. More due to the scheme than talent. Cobb got 29 carries Sat, Mizzou's top back got 16, 15 the week before in a double overtime game.

 

[RodentRampage]

I think that if Kill can't continue as head coach, the job is Claeys. I think we don't start over from square one.

 

[ruppertflywheel]

I think that if Kill can't continue as head coach, the job is Claeys. I think we don't start over from square one.

Agree...Give Claeys a 5 year contract at Kill's salary. So that the ass'ts stay, give each position coach a 30,000 raise and give Limey the title of ass't HC/OC and a 50,000.00 raise.

 

[GophersInIowa]

I've had a feeling for awhile that Jones is going to Missouri.

 

[mnsports1]

I think that if Kill can't continue as head coach, the job is Claeys. I think we don't start over from square one.

Really hard to say. I've heard all the coaches get along. But it seems that they are "loyal" to Kill, tough to say if they would feel the same about Claeys.
Also, I don't know that the job would just go to Claeys. In my opinion we don't know if he is Head Coach material. I don't know what he has done during this 3 game win streak that is so different from normal. He is following Jerry's script, he is still D-coord., Matt handles all the O. He has done interviews, stood on the sideline, handled a few in game decisions, all under Jerry's umbrella.
I certainly don't want to lose any of them, but I think "Claeys for Coach of the Year" (I know you didn't say that) or assuming the job is his is premature.
Anyway, I hope nothing has to change and Kill is back soon for a long time!

 

[MaxyJR1]

Dude. He's a top 100 player in the country.

Guy probably said the same about Nate Andrews when he chose FSU over MN. Kid has played in all 8 games, has 14 tackles, 2 ints. and 1 pbu.

Not bad for a true freshman.

 

[50PoundHead]

Really hard to say. I've heard all the coaches get along. But it seems that they are "loyal" to Kill, tough to say if they would feel the same about Claeys.
Also, I don't know that the job would just go to Claeys. In my opinion we don't know if he is Head Coach material. I don't know what he has done during this 3 game win streak that is so different from normal. He is following Jerry's script, he is still D-coord., Matt handles all the O. He has done interviews, stood on the sideline, handled a few in game decisions, all under Jerry's umbrella.
I certainly don't want to lose any of them, but I think "Claeys for Coach of the Year" (I know you didn't say that) or assuming the job is his is premature.
Anyway, I hope nothing has to change and Kill is back soon for a long time!

I've been very impressed with Claeys, but if he becomes the head guy, will all the assistants be as loyal to him as they are to Kill? I don't know the answer to that (I don't think anyone does). I just don't want another Gutekunst situation if Kill has to leave his position as HC.

 

[WarriorGopher]

That Kill's health issues are a recruiting issue has been obvious for years, but it's a bigger issue today than ever before for some (although there will continue to be those who insist it's a non-issue). If I'm Jerry I am hesitant to step on the sidelines again this season for fear of what another game day episode does for my future.

Rough situation. I do think if you create a 'special assistant' type position for Kill and give the keys to Claeys you can ride the current momentum a bit... otherwise the issue is at the forefront probably more than ever before.

The comments from Jones are reasonable and very understandable.

Sure, the comments are understandable from an 18 year old who maybe doesn't fully understand epilepsy and how it can be treated. It's why coaches have been using the illnesses of other coaches against them for years. Is it an issue? Maybe. Is it something that Kill and company haven't had done to them for years? Nope. And these guys seem to have an ability to get kids who want to play for them. Let's hope these two are. If not, they will find someone who isn't swayed by this type of recruiting tactic.

 

[highwayman]

1) GW is clueless about a lot of things. "Real life" included.
2) So you'd rather play for a coach that has gained 80 pounds in a little over a year? That's healthy. I would guess chicken fried steak three times a day can do that.

 

[Gopher Warrior]

Sure, the comments are understandable from an 18 year old who maybe doesn't fully understand epilepsy and how it can be treated. It's why coaches have been using the illnesses of other coaches against them for years. Is it an issue? Maybe. Is it something that Kill and company haven't had done to them for years? Nope.

You're not understanding the issues or what is happening behind the scenes.

Crazy to think a kid is open and honest when he says he doesn't know if he can believe what Kill says (about his health) and that Kill's health is a big consideration re: Minnesota... yet you still say "maybe" it's an issue.

The future is in limbo and many people don't like uncertainty. I think the sooner Minnesota makes the right decision, the better. They finally took a temporary stand, but when will a difficult decision come?

 

[Bayfieldgopher]

The team I am worried about is Wisconsin especially if we can't compete with them on 11/23. They have offered both Jones & Ragnow.

They both want to play for a solid program and one that pounds the rock. Who does that better than Becky? Plus they run 69% of the time versus 61% for the Gophers and their three main RB's average 7.5yds a pop versus our three at 5.0.

 

[MadtownGopher]

Kind of surprised at how arrogant both of those guys come off in the article. I doubt either one ends up with us. I'm extremely confident in our ability to run the ball even if we don't land either of them. If they were a QB/WR/defensive player then it would be a bigger hit in my opinion. We are going to end up being a plug and play program at the RB position.