Cornell attended the recent Minnesota-Iowa game.
Jashon Cornell, a 6-4 junior defensive end from St. Paul (MN) Cretin Derham Hall, is ranked as the country’s top player in the Class of 2015. Cornell attended the Minnesota-Iowa game and GopherHole.com caught up with him to learn more about his junior season and recruitment.
Gopher Hole: You were out for the game versus East Ridge with a concussion, but you got a big win against the number two in the state. A little bit of a mixed emotion, but how pleased are you that the team was able to step up and get a big victory?
Jashon Cornell: I am pleased with the team’s overall win. The defense stepped up without me and I feel good about their play.
Gopher Hole: How about your own individual play so far this season?
Jashon Cornell: I think that I have played good, but I can play better.
Gopher Hole: You are ranked #1 in the country. Have you noticed the other teams or other players that you go up against that know your ranking and are giving you their best possible effort?
Jashon Cornell: I think that they give me all that they have.
Gopher Hole: I see that you are doing for a blog for USA Today. How did that come about and do you like doing things like that?
Jashon Cornell: I forgot how it came about, but I am liking it so far.
Gopher Hole: I think that you have done one blog so far. How long did it take you to come up with that much material?
Jashon Cornell: About 15 minutes.
Gopher Hole: What is the latest on your recruitment? Any new offers?
Jashon Cornell: I think that Texas is going to offer soon.
Gopher Hole: How many offers are you up to right now? Do you still keep track or is hard?
Jashon Cornell: I have 24 or 25.
Gopher Hole: Have you had a chance to go to any other college games this fall?
Jashon Cornell: I went to Michigan-Notre Dame and this one.
Gopher Hole: Have you even thought about camps for next year yet or have you even thought that far?
Jashon Cornell: I have not thought that through yet?
Gopher Hole: I know that your basketball team is playing at the Target Center in the Timberwolves Shootout. I know that it is hard to do much basketball-wise, but how excited are you about the upcoming season with you, Sam Neumann and Joe Rosga all returning after starring as sophomores last season?
Jashon Cornell: I am excited about the season.
Gopher Hole: What things have you been working on to continue to improve yourself as a football player?
Jashon Cornell: I am trying to work on getting bigger and still staying fast and quick.
Gopher Hole: A lot of Gopher fans would love to see you play here. What would it mean to maybe play for the home state school?
Jashon Cornell: Just be the hometown hero.