Sheldon Richardson

[Golden22]

Sheldon Richardson took a visit to the University of Miami on Friday. In an interview with allen Wallace on scout.net http://minnesota.scout.com/a.z?s=176&p=2&c=834866

He says the following about Minnesota:

While Richardson may not have a preference between defensive end and tight end, he says he doesn’t want to play defensive tackle and that’s why Minnesota didn’t make his final cut. Richardson visited the Gophers on Nov. 7, but cut them from his favorites after learning they wanted him to bulk up to play defensive tackle.

I find this hard to believe or tend not to want to believe it. This type of prospect and talent, you let him play DE or TE. Having this guy to come here, no matter where he plays would have been a real coup for the Gophers. I can see coaches suggesting DT for him, but willing to give him the chance of DE or TE.

 

[gopher7]

If Sheldon can make it as a Tight End, he will re-define the position. The three sites I checked had his weight listed between 270 and 292 pounds. I don't know how he expects he will be able to play this position in college, unless he loses weight.

We had a nice luxury of having Hageman commited to us, so we were not desparate to take Richardson as a TE. It's too bad he doesn't want to play on the DL though - that's where we need the most help.

 

[oleboy41]

A kid that talented should get a shot at TE or DE. I'd tell him he can play whichever position he'd like

 

[MilesTones]

Taking the opposing point of view...

I think it sets a bad precedent if you allow a recruit to dictate where they will play in order to get their signature on an LOI. If the coaching staff is willing to consider him at his desired position (TE), that's one thing. (In our case, we already have two TE recruits in Hageman and Gregory-McGhee.) But if you're targeting a kid for a specific position or two, and he doesn't want to play there, I think we're asking for trouble if we essentially agree to his demands. We add a player in a spot we didn't need to recruit. If we change positions on him, he justifiably claims we lied to him, and leaves the program, tarnishes the reputation of the program, or both. And if word gets around, the expectation of other recruits becomes "Minnesota will play me where I want", instead of where we need. IMO, Brew & Crew played this one correctly.

 

[grunkiejr]

Taking the opposing point of view...

I think it sets a bad precedent if you allow a recruit to dictate where they will play in order to get their signature on an LOI. If the coaching staff is willing to consider him at his desired position (TE), that's one thing. (In our case, we already have two TE recruits in Hageman and Gregory-McGhee.) But if you're targeting a kid for a specific position or two, and he doesn't want to play there, I think we're asking for trouble if we essentially agree to his demands. We add a player in a spot we didn't need to recruit. If we change positions on him, he justifiably claims we lied to him, and leaves the program, tarnishes the reputation of the program, or both. And if word gets around, the expectation of other recruits becomes "Minnesota will play me where I want", instead of where we need. IMO, Brew & Crew played this one correctly.

KGM will more likely play defense. He'll liekly be a DE but could play LB if he can't put on the weight.

 

[FiveStarFan]

If this article is true then you can't blame Brew for wanting him to play the position that fits him the best. With his size and speed he would be a top 10 lock at DT for the 2012 draft. At almost 300 pounds mark my word...he WILL NOT change the TE position. Goodluck Sheldon we would have enjoyed another DT dominate here in the TC.