Big Ten West recruiting off to a hot start in 2021
With most of the 2020 class signed, most of the focus now turns to the 2021 cycle.
As of Jan. 3, there are four Big Ten West programs ranked in the top-15 nationally in the 2021 class, according to 247Sports.
While it's still early, and the rankings will change as schools in the SEC and other national powers like Clemson, Oklahoma, and more will get four/five-star prospects in the fold, the Big Ten West has surely gotten off to a hot start, and have good momentum in the early stages of the cycle.
Wisconsin is the top dog at No. 5 nationally, Iowa is at No. 9, Nebraska at No. 13, and Minnesota at No. 14.
To get an in-depth look at each of these classes, we caught up with Evan Flood of Badgers247, Mike Schafer of Huskers247, and Ryan Burns of GopherIllustrated to talk about the respective recruiting classes that they cover.
The guys give a great breakdown in detail of where the class stands, how these classes formed, the remaining needs for the class, and what other targets are still left on the board.
Let's get into it.
Minnesota:
After an 11-2 season that ended with a victory over Auburn in the Outback Bowl, Minnesota has a lot of momentum in the program.
PJ Fleck has things going in the right direction, and it's fascinating to see what he's done in his three years at Minnesota.
The Gophers have four commits in the 2021 class, but it's a strong group.
Four-star quarterback
Athan Kaliakmanis is the headliner for the Gophers in this cycle.
Minnesota beat out the likes of Iowa, Tennessee, Virginia Tech, and others for Kaliakmanis while Purdue is the most recent offer. The signal-caller from Antioch, Illinois up near the Wisconsin/Illinois border is still solid with the Gophers.
"Huge," Burns said of how big Minnesota landing Kaliakmanis is. "Being able to lock up the "Greek Rifle" this past spring gave PJ Fleck a huge win in recruiting over schools like Iowa and Kaliakmanis is a very talented signal-caller. He's got the ideal size and arm strength you want in a Big Ten quarterback."
The most recent pickup for Minnesota was in-state three-star defensive end
Deven Eastern. Nebraska was the other offer for Eastern, and the Gophers were able to get him in the boat before more schools came calling.
Eastern has great size (6-foot-6, 265-pounds), and moves well for his position. He's described as tenacious, and very quick out of his stance. Trieu said that there's a chance Eastern could earn a fourth-star down the line.
Athan's twin brother, Dino, is the third hard commit in Minnesota's 2021 class. Dino, an athlete, had mid-major offers along with a Kansas offer, but could play multiple positions in college. He'll likely play slot due to his size, but he has speed and soft hands. Helps to have a brother quarterback and wide receiver connection.
Naperville (Ill.) Central 2021 three-star athlete
Sam Jackson is committed to Minnesota, but is listed as a soft commit. Wisconsin and Illinois are among some of Jackson's offers that he's considering, and more could jump in. He can play both quarterback and wide receiver.
A look at the Big Ten West's 2021 recruiting rankings.
247sports.com
Go Gophers!!