Gophers Football
Q&A with recent commit Conor Rhoda - "I'm just ready to come and work hard."
Rhoda completed 86 of 141 passes for 1380 yards, 19 touchdowns, and only two interceptions. He ran the ball for 506 yards and 3 scores, making him Cretin Derham-Hall's second leading rusher. The 6-3 senior Quarterback was also being recruited by Division-I baseball programs.
Q: You visited last weekend. What did you enjoy most?
A: The coaches, and it just being local. I've visited quite a few times. But this time was just fun, though, getting to hang out with everyone. Just talking football, logistics, and all that. Get a chance to know them better. Feeling more comfortable.
Q: What other schools were you hearing from?
A: North Dakota offered me. With Wisconsin, I had the same situation as with Minnesota.
Q: What was the ultimate deciding factor? Why did you choose Minnesota?
A: The school itself. Even if I wasn’t playing football, it still probably would have been my #1 choice. I like the coaches, too. Also, just being so close to family, and friends. Coming from Cretin over to the U, my family and friends can come watch me play, instead of watching me on TV. A lot of my extended family attended my high school football games, and I wanted to make sure they could see my play in college.
Q: Prior to the staff recruiting you, were you familiar with the University? Had any of your family members attended the U of M?
A: Two of my uncles have, and I have a lot of friends that go there.
Q: When did the staff offer you a preferred walk-on spot?
A: I was officially offered a preferred walk-on spot in mid-December.
Q: How did you think your season went? You had a lot of success in the regular season, but ended up losing early in the playoffs.
A: Yeah. We had a really young defense with a lot of inexperience, so it kind of took a while. We just didn’t come out ready to play in that playoff game. It was still fun; it was a successful year. I got a lot better. Cretin really gets you ready to play college, because it’s one of the more complex offenses in the state. I think it’s the best school in Minnesota as far as getting quarterbacks ready to play. They have a lot of success with putting people in college.
Q: Are you working on anything right now to improve skill-wise?
A: Mainly just getting bigger and faster. I throw every once in a while. Just trying to put weight on. I’m playing baseball this spring. We have a pretty good shot at winning state this year.
Q: Historically, there’s been less top Cretin football student-athletes that end up at the U of M, then somewhere like Wayzata or Eden Prarie. Floyd, Onwualu, and more went or are going to Notre Dame. Why do you think that is? The familiarity with being in a private catholic school setting?
A: Yeah. I know James kind of went because he got really got really close with Floyd. They’re pretty good friends; they work out with the same trainer. James’ older brother is a year younger than Floyd, and they were also pretty good friends. I think that kind of swayed James in his decision. When I talked to him before the season, he said he was down to Minnesota, Michigan, and Notre Dame. After committing, he told me if he went anywhere else it would have been to Minnesota. I don’t know if there was any attraction with it being private and catholic, though.
Q: Anything else you want to say to Gopher fans?
A: I’m just ready to come and work hard. I want to help the team win.
Q&A with Jalen Myrick - "I just want to go there and try and make the Rose Bowl."
The Savannah, Ga native helped lead Savannah Christian to an 8-4 record this year. Myrick answered questions following his recent visit to Minnesota.
Q: You visited this weekend. What did you enjoy most?
A: The hockey game – it was my first one. It was crazy; I liked the atmosphere. I hope it’s just like that on game day, seeing that they get up that much just for hockey. The coaches said it was.
Q: What other schools were or are you hearing from?
A: Middle Tennessee. I’m going on that visit Friday.
Q: Are you fully committed to Minnesota? You’re visiting Middle Tennessee State. Are you just making sure you made the right decision?
A: I’m still committed, but I’m still going to go on the visit.
Q: What was the ultimate deciding factor? Why did you choose Minnesota?
A: When I went up there, the coaches were telling me about building the program back up. That’s what happened with our school. It wasn’t the powerhouse it is now. We got the right players and the program was built back up. That’s why I want to go there and try and make the Rose Bowl.
Q: I know you’ve visited Minnesota this fall, as well. Other than your two recruiting trips (one official, one unofficial), have you ever been to Minnesota before? Do you have any Minnesota connections?
A: No, those were my first two times coming to Minnesota. One of my dad’s close friends lives there; that’s my tie to Minnesota.
Q: When did the staff offer you a scholarship?
A: June or early July.
Q: How did you think your season went?
A: I thought it could have gone a lot better if I was able to touch the ball a little bit more. The way the triple option works is crazy. It’s difficult for everybody to get touches.
Q: What positions were you playing for Savannah Christian?
A: I was playing safety for my school, but I’ll be playing cornerback when I get to Minnesota.
Q: Are you working on anything right now to improve skill-wise?
A: Yeah, I’m playing basketball right now and running track. I’m planning on running track for the U.
Q: The Gophers had a lot of depth at cornerback this year, but they’re losing two starters in Troy Stoudermire and Michael Carter. Are you expecting or wanting to play right away? Would you be okay with redshirting?
A: I’m expecting to play right away.
Q: Anything else you want to say to Gopher fans?
A: I’m ready for this season. I’m excited.
Q: I know you missed your junior year with an injury. What happened?
A: In my sophomore year, in one of the first games I played, I ended up tearing both my labrums in both shoulders. I had labral tears, and I played with that through my whole sophomore season and summer going into my junior year. In the summer going into my junior year, I ended up not getting surgery. The surgeon thought I could do therapy, so I did therapy. But it just work out the way we all hoped it would.
Q: Are you 100% now?
A: I’m on my way. I had surgery in mid-October and mid-November. I’m about 3 months out and should be healthy at 5-6 months.
Q: Have you heard from any schools yet, or has your recruitment been pretty hard because of the injury?
A: Yeah, it obviously has dropped off because of the injury. Just recently, I got a letter from the U inviting me to their Junior Days. I also got a letter from UND inviting me to their Junior Days. I got a hand-written note from VCSU (Valley City State University, NC).
Q: Have you ever talked with Coach Kill or a member from the Minnesota staff?
A: I’ve never really talked with anyone in person. The first time I’ll do that is when I go to the Junior day next weekend.
Q: Have you thought much about what you’re looking for when making a college decision?
A: It’s early, but my dream and goal has always been to go D1. That’s what I’ve been focusing on after my sophomore year. After my sophomore year is when schools started looking at me and recruiting me, it kind of helped me in believing that I could actually do that. I’ve always shot for going D1. I haven’t thought about any specific school yet, I’m just waiting to see where my senior year will take me and go from there.
Q: Would it mean a lot to play in-state at Minnesota?
A: Yeah, it definitely would. I’ve always really loved the Gophers and their program. With all the athletes that I’ve played with in prior years that our now committing to the U, I really think that would be a really fun place and a great spot for me. I’ve always wanted to play for the U.
Q: Are you good friends with Chris Wipson?
A: Yes. My sophomore year, Wipson and I were the inside linebackers. Ever since then, he kind of took me under his wing and helped me out.
Q: Have you thought about a potential major?
A: I have been thinking, or now solidified, Kinesiology or Physical Therapy.
Q: Are you working on anything to improve skill-wise?
A: It’s rehab right now, but as I advance I have things that are laid out for me. I’ll be going to a training program and a guy that helps with football agility and top speed. So I’ll do that along with my therapy. And I’ll be getting a trainer to help gain weight. I’ll be putting on weight, so I’ll definitely be improved from my sophomore year.
Q: I know you played MLB and some SS as a sophomore. What position do you think you’ll play in college?
A: I think I’ll be playing Strong Saftey. The coaches moved me back there, because they thought it would be a better fit for me especially with my size. I can add a lot of weight, but I’m really not going to be getting a lot taller. Playing that position would give me more opportunities to go D1.
Q&A with Steele Berg - "I've always wanted to play for the U."
Q: How do you think your season went?
A: I think it went pretty well this year. It started off kind of slow but heated up at the end.
Q: Who else were you hearing from?
A: I was hearing a lot from West Point and North Dakota State. I had preferred walk-on offers from Wisconsin and Oregon, and a scholarship to UMD.
Q: Why did you ultimately decide to commit to Minnesota? What was the deciding factor?
A: I got along with the coaches on my visit. I felt very welcome, had a great time, and we got to know each other well.
Q: When did the staff offer you a preferred walk-on spot?
A: We had been talking about it for a couple of weeks and then it was confirmed on my visit in the second weekend in January.
Q: Have you thought about a potential major?
A: I’m looking to go into engineering, but I haven’t really decided what field yet.
Q: Are you working on anything to improve skill-wise?
A: I usually work out after school in the weight room, and I train with Bill Welle.
Q: Anything else you want to tell Gopher fans?
A: Be excited for the next couple of years. The coaches definitely know what they’re doing and will turn around the program.
After 37 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, and a sack while starting for Wayzata as a sophomore, Berg sat out all of his junior year with a shoulder injury.
Q&A with PWO commit Jeff Borchardt - "Be excited for the next couple of years."
The two-time All-Conference receiver ran the ball 92 times for 641 yards and 9 touchdowns as well as caught 15 passes for 260 yards and 4 touchdowns.
Q: How’s your knee doing?
A: Pretty good. It’s been about 2 months since surgery, and rehab’s been going really well.
Q: How do you think your season went before the injury?
A: Really well. I was our leading tackler before I got hurt.
Q: Who else were you hearing from prior to your commitment to Minnesota?
A: I heard from Air Force, Wisconsin, Iowa, Iowa State, a bunch of Ivy League schools, and a little bit from Stanford. I had offers from Air Force and some Division 1-AA schools.
Q: Why did you decide to commit to Minnesota? What was the deciding factor?
A: I kind of wanted to stay home, and I just really liked the coaching staff, facilities, and academics.
Q: Were you a Gophers fan growing up?
A: Neither of my parents were huge Gopher fan.. I wasn’t a really strong Gophers fan growing up, but I still rooted for them because they were my hometown team. I rooted for them over other teams.
Q: Have you thought about what you want to major in?
A: Not really. I either might want to do business or education.
Q: Are you able to work on any football-related activities? I know you’re going through rehab.
A: I’m doing rehab. That’s going really well. I’ve also been doing some upper body lifting and watching film.
Q: Are you pretty good friends with Jeff Borchardt? It must be cool to have a high school teammate committed to the same school.
A: Jeff and I are real good friends. We’ve played together since elementary school. I’m really happy to hear that he committed.
Q: Have you been in contact with any of the other commits?
A: It’s been kind of tough, because they’ve been all out-of-state guys. I’ve met a couple of them, and I’m looking forward to meeting the rest of them.
Q: Anything else you want to tell Gopher fans?
A: This team’s moving in the right direction, and I’m excited to be a Gopher.
Q&A with Chris Wipson - "I really liked the coaching staff, facilities, and academics."
Wayzata's defensive field general had 45 tackles before tearing his ACL. The speedy Minnesota commit's playing style is the perfect fit for Tracy Claey's defense.
Q: What schools are you hearing from?
A: Michigan, Michigan State, Oregon, South Dakota State, North Dakota State, Ole Miss, Florida State, Minnesota, and Ball State. I met with the Ball State coaches.
Q: Do you have any offers?
No, sir. Not yet.
Q: What Junior Days have you been invited to?
A: Minnesota and I believe North Dakota.
Q: Have you thought much about what you’re looking for when making a college decision?
A: I want to be in the Midwest.
Q: Do you know what you want to major in?
A: No, sir. Not yet.
Q: Can you describe your relationship with Minnesota?
A: I’ve never really talked with them. I just went to school one day and there was a letter inviting me to their Junior Day camp. With Michigan State and the University of Michigan, I’ve talked to the coaches and got the chance to meet them. I’ve met with the coaches at Ball State, too.
Q: How do you think your season went?
A: I felt as a team we could have done better, but I think I had a standout season. I got to show some of my talents and what I have (talents). Overall, I thought it was pretty good.
Q: Are you working to improve on anything skill-wise?
A: I’m working on my lateral movement, stretching, and flexibility. I’m currently playing basketball, so that helps with my coordination a little bit.
Q: You’ve played running back, quarterback, and wide receiver in high school. What position do you think you’ll play in college?
A: In college, it really depends on what college I go to. Some colleges I might play receiver at, and at some colleges I might play quarterback. Some colleges I might play running back. I really want to play quarterback, but the position I think I might play is receiver.
Q: Will that be a factor in your college decision?
A: I really want to play quarterback. I love having the ball in my hands. I want to create for others, and make the team better.
Q: You live in the greater-Milwaukee area. Joey Balthazor (Hearland), Cameron Botticelli (Milwaukee), Zac Epping (Kenosha), Ben Holcomb (Germantown), and Eric Murray (Milwaukee) all play for the Minnesota. Did you know the Gophers had such a strong presence in the Milwaukee area? Do any of these Milwaukeean players sound familiar to you?
A: No, sir.
Q&A with 2014 ATH Rickey Neal Jr. - "I think I had a standout year."
Rickey Neal Jr. is a junior athlete from Racine Horlick (WI). Neal was Horlck's staring running back as a sophoore and starting quarterback as a junior. He has also seen time at safey and wide receiver. The 6'3" athlete self-reports a 4.5 40 yd. dash and a 36" vertical.
Q: How do you think your season went?
A: I think we did pretty good this season. Personally, I thought I did pretty good.
Q: What schools are you currently hearing from?
A: I’ve talked to the U of M and Duke. I’ve also talked to North Dakota a little bit.
Q: Have you ever talked with Coach Kill or a member from the Minnesota staff? Or has it been mostly standardized letters and emails?
A: I haven’t really talked with the coaches at the U of M, yet. It’s just been letters and a Junior Days invitation.
Q: Have you been invited to any other Junior Days?
A: I have a Junior Day invitation to North Dakota.
Q: Have you thought much about what you’re looking for when making a college decision?
A: I haven’t really thought of where I’d like to go to college, yet. Whoever comes to me I’ll probably visit. I’ll visit some colleges over spring break to figure out what’s right for me, what the campuses are like, and how the coaches are.
Q: Do you know what you want to major in?
A: I’m not really sure what I want to major in, yet. Probably business, because I really like the classes I’m taking at school right now for business.
Q: Would it mean a lot to play in-state at Minnesota?
A: Yeah, that’d mean a lot. It’d be easier for my parents to go to my games, and it’d be close to home. I always grew up being a Gopher fan, so that would be pretty cool.
Q: What was it like to play with Gophers commit Chris Wipson and all your former Wayzata teammates that are with Minnesota now?
A: It was really cool. Chris Wipson and Ben Lauer were like my big brothers on the team, and it’d be cool if I could play with them in college, too.
Q: Are you working on anything to improve skill-wise?
A: I’ve been training with the strength coach at Wayzata. Pretty much just lifting weights and working on agility and stuff with my coach.
Q: Do you have any goals for next year?
A: It would be pretty cool If I got All-State. I’ve never won a state championship. A state championship would mean the world.
Q: You wrestle. Do you think that helps for football?
A: Yeah, it’s helping a lot with hand combat, strength, agility, foot agility, and speed. I’ve been liking it, and it’s been helping.
Q: You’ve played DE in high school. Is that what you think you’ll play in college as well?
A: Depending on where I go, I could play defensive end, or I could move to linebacker. My coaches have been messing around with position changes a little bit. It just depends where I would go (to school). I definitely feel more comfortable at defensive end.
Prediction Time! 1/28 Recruiting Notebook
With National Signing Day less than two weeks away, it's time to make educated guesses where the most sought after uncommitted prospects will end up!
The Possibilities
- Raphael Webb- Webb is a speed back from Gainesville, FL who entered the scene fairly late because the staff's biggest priority at running back was Berkley Edwards. However, it seems Kill is looking for another running back as a late addition to the class. Although Webb has proven to be an AQ-quality running back, I'm not sure why the Gophers have been so interested. Edwards and Webb are very similar backs - both are shifty with "home run" ability. However, Edwards has a little bit more speed and has been recruited harder by better programs. Why Kill would want to add a similar style running back when there's youth at running back and only a few scholarships left, I'm not sure. Rumors of the staff no longer being interested in Webb because of Edward's commitment were squashed when Raphael visited the U last weekend. According to Ryan Burns of GI, Kill will also make an in-home visit to Webb tonight (1/28). We might also be recruiting Webb because of our (possible) relative lack of depth at running back: Devon Wright has reportedly moved to slot receiver, KJ Maye was less than spectacular last year in a role Webb could take over, and James Gillum and David Cobb have become missing in action.
While Rivals shows Webb as having a top four, sources have said Raphael has a top two of Boston College and Minnesota. Boston College has zero running back commitments while Minnesota has a similar-style back in Berkley Edwards. PREDICTION: MINNESOTA
- Duke Riley - Riley visited LSU last weekend, and posted this picture of himself with Les Miles. Rivals lists Riley's top five in no order as LSU (greyshirt?), Minnesota, TCU, Ole Miss, and Tulane. Duke is teammates with running back Sherman Badie - another speed back that the Gophers pursued hard. While Minnesota and Tulane were once rumored to be front-runners, I don't see him committing to either place. Although we can promise Riley early playing time, it is going to be hard to sway him to travel farther than any of his other top five schools to play for a mediocre Big Ten team. PREDICTION: SOMEWHERE WARM
- Reggie Spearman - Spearman is another linebacker who could see the field early for the Gophers. Although he's currently committed to Illinois, Spearman's twitter indicated that he enjoyed his visit to the Twin Cities. Iowa is also trying hard to switch Spearman. PREDICTION: ILLINOIS
- Silas Spearman – Silas (no relation to Reggie) is a teammate of Rayfield Dixon, one of Minnesota's most recent commits. Spearman is another(!) speed back from Florida with a top two of Boston College and Minnesota. While Spearman hasn't been offered by the Gophers yet according to Rivals, he could certainly pick up an offer if Raphael Webb commits elsewhere. PREDICTION: BOSTON COLLEGE
- Nate Wozniak - Wozniak loved his visit to the Twin Cities last weekend. A poster on Gopher Hole believes Nate wanted to commit immediately following his visit, but the staff told him to sleep on his decision. Two weeks ago, Wozniak listed a top three of Miami, Minnesota, and Purdue. Purdue picked up a commitment from another TE, and was dropped from Wozniak's list. Miami also recently picked up a TE commitment which could mean that Miami will also be dropped from Nate's list. Wozniak, 6'9" and 255 lbs, would be a perfect H-Back where he could contend for playing team right away, with the potential of later becoming a large yet mobile tackle. PREDICTION: MINNESOTA
- Chad Fahning - Fahning has multiple FCS scholarships as well as a PWO from Minnesota. His choice will ultimately come down to whether he wants to take free money or play for a B1G program at Minnesota. Fahning is almost "too good" to be a walk-on; I think he takes a scholarship at SDSU, Western Michigan, or Columbia/another Ivy. PREDICTION: IVY LEAGUE
- Aaron Batten - Batten loved his visit to Minnesota. He was going to commit, but he couldn’t because of his ACT. No one has heard from Batten in a long time. PREDICTION: JUCO or POST-GRAD PREP
- Tedric Thompson - The brother of Cedric, Tedric Thompson has been on Minnesota recruitnik's radars for a long time. While Thompson has not officially narrowed down his list, I think he has a top three, in no order, of Minnesota, Colo. The Thompsons are very familiar with Coach Kill, and Thompson has traveled to Minnesota on his own dime on multiple occasions. @cLoperII reports that Tedric will travel to the U for his last official visit this weekend. Sawvel, Kill, and Claeys will put a good last word in Thompson's ears. PREDICTION: MINNESOTA
Q: How do you think your season went?
A: Personally, I think it went pretty well. We had an okay season as a team. Passing, I did better than as a sophomore. I did better running, too. I ran for 6 touchdowns and had 15 passing touchdowns.
Q: Speaking of running, do you see yourself in more of a pro-style or spread/zone-read offense in college?
A: Probably pro-style. I don’t see myself as a Denard Robinson type-of-player. My strength is my arm and passing.
Q: You have some mobility. Do you think you’ll play quarterback for sure or would you be interested if a school offered you as, say, a safety?
A: I’m pretty sure I’m going to stick with quarterback.
Q: What schools are you currently hearing from?
A: Minnesota, of course. I’ve been hearing a lot from Harvard and Dartmouth. I just got an email from Pennsylvania. I’ve got a lot of letters from many other schools, too.
Q: What’s your GPA?
A: 3.8
Q: Have you ever talked with Coach Kill or a member from the Minnesota staff?
A: I went to two camps last year with the Gophers.
Q: Have you been invited to any Junior Days?
A: Minnesota and I’m pretty sure I’m going to hear from NDSU.
Q: What are you looking for in a college? What will make school A better than school B?
A: I want to stick near to home; I don’t want to go far away. I also don’t want to go to a smaller school; I want it to be big - like Big Ten, of course.
Q: Do you know what you want to major in?
A: Something related to business.
Q: Would it mean a lot to play in-state at Minnesota?
A: Yeah, it’s probably my #1 choice right now, so I’m looking forward to doing it.
Q: Are you working on anything to improve skill-wise?
A: Mainly quickness and strength, as of now. I’m also doing basketball. I’m taking weight lifting classes in school.
Q: How’s basketball going? You were in the Timberwolves shootout and played Peter Jok, a point guard committed to Iowa.
A: Our team is doing really well this year. We lost 3 games, but we only should have lost 2. I’m mainly the 6th man off the bench, but I’ve started a few games. I’m averaging 8 or 9 points a game, so I’m doing pretty well.
Q: Do you have any goals for next year?
A: I want to improve our record from this year. These past two years I’ve led the conference in all-purpose yards, as a sophomore and junior, and I want to do that again. I want to win Offensive Player of the Conference. I want our team to be the conference champ.
Q&A with 2014 Wayzata DE Drew Greely - "I always grew up being a Gopher fan"
A two year starter for Wayzata, Greely had 37 tackles, 3 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles for the Trojans in 2012. He'll be the anchor of a strong Wayzata defense as a senior.
Q&A with 2014 Roseville QB Jacques Perra
As a junior, Perra completed 143 of 275 passes for 2018 yards and 16 TDs. He also ran for 275 yards and 6 touchdowns on 85 carries. As a sophomore, he completed 115 of 248 passes for 1558 yards and 16 touchdowns. After being named All-Conference and All-Pioneer Press, Perra looks to improve on his successful junior campaign.
Q: How do you think your season went?
A: I think it went pretty well. It’s tough losing to EP. Both years, sophomore and junior, went pretty well I think. I’m hoping to have a really good senior year to put my name out there.
Q: How was Junior Days?
A: It was okay. It was a lot of information. The coaches told us what they were looking for and how many spots (they had open) for each position.
Q: Did you get to talk with Coach Kill or develop a relationship with anyone on the Minnesota staff during Jr. Days? Or was it mostly general talk in front of all the recruits?
A: It was mostly general talk. I talk to the DB coach and the 763 recruiter briefly.
Q: Are you hearing from any other schools?
A: Iowa, North Dakota, and some random D-II school. I used to hear a lot from Wisconsin, so I’m not sure if they lost interest or what.
Q: Have you been invited to any other Junior Days?
A: North Dakota.
Q: Have you thought much about what you’re looking for when making a college decision?
A: I’d like to stay close to home. That will be the #1 factor. Minnesota’s my first choice.
Q: Do you know what you want to major in?
A: Finance.
Q: Did you have a favorite team growing up?
A: No, not really.
Q: Would it mean a lot to play in-state at Minnesota?
A: Definitely. I love Minnesota; I’d definitely like to play here in the Cities. This is my first choice.
Q: What was it like to play with Gophers commit Chris Wipson and all your former Wayzata teammates that are with Minnesota now?
A: Chris taught me a lot. He’s a very smart football guy and hopefully we can carry on the Wayzata legacy.
Q: Are you working on anything to improve skill-wise?
A: I lift and play basketball which helps with agility. Basketball’s a good cross-training sport.
Q: Do you have any goals for next year?
A: I want to win the state championship. 2 years in a row – sophomore and junior year – being that close and losing to EP both times…that’s my main goal.
As a junior, Kalidova had 54 tackles, 2.5 TFLs, and 6 pass-breakups for the Trojans . As a sophomore, he recorded 58 tackles, 3 TFLs, and 3 interceptions.
Q&A with Wayzata DB Kyle Kalivoda - "Minnesota's my first choice."
Paraphrasing what I can remember…
- “I wouldn’t call Raymonte Manyard our backup running back; I’d call him our second running back.”
- Maynard’s hearing from Wisconsin, Iowa, Iowa State, Minnesota, and Michigan State.
- Maynard doesn’t hold any offers, but he attended Minnesota Junior Days
- “He has the talent to play at (the Big Ten) level.”
- Jeff Jones realized the opportunity he had when he committed to go to Minnesota. He realized how much he could help their program and knows the program is turning around. He wants to talk with other in-state kids and help persuade them to come to Minnesota.
- He had been thinking about committing to Minnesota for awhile. “It had been in the back of his mind.”
- Other than Minnesota, he was interested in Iowa, Michigan State, and Wisconsin.
- “I’m not sure (when asked if Hageman’s success at the U played into Jones’ commitment)…but it certainly didn’t hurt.”
- When asked if he thinks Ra’Shede Hageman can be successful in the NFL, “I know he can.”
Other miscellaneous thoughts…
Coach Jenkins didn’t say he was a Gophers fan, but certainly sounded like one. Referenced to the Gophers as “our team.” This is good news – it seems like Washburn has produced just as much talent as all the Minneapolis schools combined recently.
Jenkins attends every Minnesota home game to watch Ra’Shede Hageman. He also drove to the Madison to watch the Wisconsin game.
There’s a junior defensive lineman at Washburn that Jenkins described as a “physical specimen.” He didn’t play this year due to a “severe leg injury” but Jenkins thinks Jones, Maynard, and this defensive lineman could all play for the Gophers.
Q: What schools are you currently hearing from?
A: The University of North Dakota and Minnesota.
Q: Do you have any scholarship offers yet?
A: No, not yet.
Q: You attended Minnesota Jr. Days. Have you been invited to any other Junior Days?
A: North Dakota.
Q: Have you thought much about what you’re looking for when making a college decision?
A: No, not yet. I’m just looking where I’m at now and making sure all my schoolwork is done.
Q: Do you know what you want to major in?
A: Somewhere in the business field.
Q: Other than Junior Days, have you been in contact a lot with Minnesota?
A: I went to Junior Days yesterday. There were only a few people that got selected to have a private talk with Coach Kill, and I was one of them. He said he’s really in to me and interested in recruiting me.
Q: Do you know any of the other recruits that got invited to talk with Coach Kill?
A: There was a running back from Texas, a lineman from Owatonna, some guy from Cretin, and that’s all I know.
Q: Did you have a favorite team growing up?
A: The Gophers – I used to watch them all the time. They’re one of my favorite teams because they’re the hometown team.
Q: Would it mean a lot to play in-state at Minnesota?
A: Yeah, just to represent my hometown. It’d be nice.
Q: How do you think your season went?
A: I think it went pretty well. I improved from my last season; it went really well.
Q: You’ve played a lot of positions in high school. Is there a certain position you like most or a certain position you’re being recruited as?
A: I don’t know. UND is recruiting me as a linebacker and Minnesota, I think, is recruiting me as both (a linebacker and a running back). I grew up playing running back, but then I love defense so much. It’s hard to decide.
Q: Are you working on anything to improve skill-wise?
A: I’m playing basketball right now to improve my footwork. Our team started off slow, but we’re getting better.
Q&A with 2014 RB/LB Ejodamen Ejiya - "There were only a few that got selected to have private talk wih Coach Kill, and I was one of them."
Ejiya was elect 2012 Conference MVP, All-State 2nd Team, All-Metro 1st Team, and 2012 All-Pioneer Press after running for 15 touchdowns and 1554 yards (8.8 ypc). Ejiy also recorded 105 as a linebacker.
Q&A with Minneapolis Washburn HC Giovan Jenkins
I did an interview with Washburn HC Giovan Jenkins. Soon after the interview, I realized I accidentally exited out of the voice recording without saving!!! #RookieReporterProbs
Anyway, I jotted down what I remembered...
Q: How do you think your season went?
A: I think I did pretty good. There’s a couple of things I can work on.
Q: Does it help having Jeff Jones in the backfield? You guys make quite the 1-2 punch.
A: Yeah.
Q: How was Junior Days?
A: It was good. I learned a lot of stuff there – I learned more about the coaches.
Q: Did you get to talk with Coach Kill or develop a relationship with anyone on the Minnesota staff during Jr. Days? Or was it mostly general talk in front of all the recruits?
A: I talked to Coach Anderson, the running backs coach. I talked to him.
Q: Are you hearing from any other schools?
A: I’ve been talking with Rutgers and Arizona.
Q: Coach Jenkins said that you’ve also been hearing from Iowa, Iowa State, and Wisconsin.
A: Yeah, that’s accurate.
Q: Do you have any offers?
A: No, I don’t have any.
Q: Have you been invited to any other Junior Days?
A: No.
Q: Have you thought much about what you’re looking for when making a college decision?
A: No, I haven’t really thought about that.
Q: Do you know what you want to major in? I know it’s still pretty early.
A: I’ve been thinking about athletic training or business.
Q: Did you have a favorite team growing up?
A: I’ve always liked Mizzou. I like them a lot.
Q: Would it mean a lot to play in-state at Minnesota?
A: Yeah, it would.
Q: Ra’Shede Hageman went to Minneapolis Washburn. Do you look up to him a lot?
A: Yeah, I look up to Ra’Shede.
Q: Are you working on anything to improve skill-wise?
A: I work out after school; I go to LA Fitness and I usually work out for a good hour and half or two hours.
Q: Do you have any goals for next year?
A: No. I haven’t set any yet.
Paraphrasing and quoting what some Jr. Day invitees told me about their experience
Raymonte Maynard – RB – Minneapolis Washburn
- “I liked the coaching staff and the way they run things.”
- Learned a lot about the school and football program
- Talked with Coach Anderson and several other coaches
Jacques Perra – QB – Roseville
- “It was really good.”
- Saw the facilities
- Talked with Coach Zebrowski and Coach Limegrover extensively
- “I really liked the look of the stadium.”
- “It was organized really well.”
Steele Berg – LB – Wayzata
- “Junior Day went well.”
- “The coaches and the facilities are great.”
- Coaches were straight to the point but not boring
- “I didn’t like that we didn’t get to see the weight room, but it’s whatever.”
- “The best part is the locker room.”
- Talked with Coach Miller
- Talked with Coach Kill in his office
- “Junior Day was great.”
Rickey Neal Jr. - ATH - Racine Horlick
- Wasn't able to attend.
Q&A with Raymonte Maynard - "I look up to Ra'Shede."
After rushing for 1108 yards on 78 carries (14.2 ypc!) and 13 TDs, Maynard was named All-State Honorable Mention, All-Pioneer Press Honorable Mention, and All-Metro Second Team. Maynard teams up with recent commit Jeff Jones to make a nice 1-2 punch in the Miller backfield.
Junior Day impressions – Maynard, Perra, and Berg talk about their Junior Day experience
1. Reid Travis ATH – De La Salle
As even the casual fan knows by now, Travis is a stellar two-sport athlete at De La Salle that will soon choose whether he wants to play football, basketball, or both in college. Travis, the 40th ranked basketball prospect by ESPN, holds basketball offers from Michigan State, Minnesota, Arizona, Iowa State, Butler, Harvard, and many more. Travis currently holds football offers from Iowa State, Boston College, and Rutgers. On the surface it appears Travis is a much better basketball player (probably true), but keep in mind football offers are usually handed out MUCH later than basketball offers.
After starting for JV as a freshman, Travis has been De La Salle’s starting varsity quarterback as a sophomore and junior. As a junior, he was named All-Pioneer Press Honorable Mention after completing 93 of 180 passes for 1435 yards and 15 TDs, and rushing for 512 yards and 10 TDs on 86 carries. Although Travis plays QB for De La Salle, don’t be surprised if he ends up switching to TE. Travis has incredible height, hands, and body type for a tight end. His size and hands would also bode well for a switch to defensive end.
Ideally, Gophers fans want Travis to accept a football scholarship and be a walk-on for the basketball team.
2. Ejodamen Ejiya ATH – Spring Lake Park
Ejiya is an strong, athletic, and incredibly productive athlete from Spring Lake Park. Think Duke Anwanyu except shorter and stronger.
Ejiya ran for 1554 yards and 17 TDs on 175 carries (8.8 ypc), and recorded 105 tackles on defense. After his incredible junior year, Ejiya brought home many honors: Conference MVP, All-Metro First Team, and All-Pioneer Press First Team.
A two-way starter as both a junior and sophomore, Ejiya will most likely play running back or linebacker in college (his positions in high school). Strong and fast, but not exceptionally good in coverage, Ejodamen could also play strong safety or even defensive end. Talk about being versatile.
3. Blake Banham DB/ATH – Cretin-Derham Hall
Blake Banham in a lot of ways is like Shady Soloman – very small, quick, a Cretin grad, and possesses the ability to play running back and defensive back. Banham was named All-Pioneer Press Honorable Mention and All-Conference Honorable Mention after rushing for 661 yards and 7 TDs on 97 carries (6.8 ypc) in 8 games while splitting time with Notre Dame commit James Onwualu. Banham also had 15 receptions for 263 yards and 5 TDs.
4. Tim Gordon ATH – Cretin-Derham Hall
If Blake Banham is Shady Soloman, than Tim Gordon is (a poor man’s) James Onwualu. Gordon had 37 tackles (27 solo), 7 TFLs, 5 INTs, 18 PBUs as a defensive back while also playing wide receiver alongside James Onwualu and Iowa PWO commit Connor Keane. Gordon might be too small to be a D-I wide receiver, but has shown great athleticism and coverage skills as a defensive back. Here’s an excerpt from an article written by Scout’s Allen Trieu, “'Right now, I'm hearing from Minnesota, Pittsburgh, and Boston College. I got invited to junior day from [Minnesota] and I expect to get one from Pittsburgh pretty soon. Boston College stopped through a couple weeks ago."
Gordon says he has a good relationship with his home state school and he is hoping the Gophers are the first to say the words he's been waiting to hear.
"I usually talk to my position coach, Coach Jay Sawvel or Coach Glasscock. Their interest is at a high level right now. We’ll see what happens at junior day, but I'm hoping for an offer pretty soon now.'”
5. Jacques Perra QB – Roseville
Perra completed 143 of 275 passes for 2018 yards and 13 TDs, and ran the ball 85 times for 275 yards and 6 TDs as a junior. Jacques was rewarded for his production by receiving 2011 All-Pioneer Press and being named All-Conference. While Perra has played at an incredibly productive level for Roseville without much of a supporting cast around him, I’m not sure if he’d be the right fit for the Gophers. Perra has some mobility, but certainly isn’t fast enough to be a full-time zone-read quarterback. Look at the quarterbacks Kill has brought in: Dexter Foreman, Phillip Nelson, Mitch Leidner, Chris Streveler, and Donovahn Jones – all are legitimate scramblers other than Leidner- the quarterback Perra shares the most with. Perra is more productive in high school than Leidner, has a more accurate arm, and similar speed. On the contrary, Leidner has a stronger arm and better size (easier to switch positions).
While I do believe Perra can become a successful FBS quarterback and I’m not against him receiving an offer, we’ll have to see whether the staff thinks he’s a good fit.
6. Preston Woods DT – South St. Paul
Woods was named All-State Honorable Mention, All-Metro Second Team, and All-Pioneer Press Honorable Mention in 2012 after a successful junior season. Woods has been a two-way starter for the Packers as both a sophomore and junior. Preston has already visited Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin.
7. Kyle Kalivoda DB – Wayzata
I’m surprised Kalivoda hasn’t received more attention – he’s had two productive years for MN football powerhouse Wayzata. As a junior, Kalidova had 54 tackles, 2.5 TFLs, and 6 PBUs. As a sophomore, he recorded 58 tackles, 3 TFLs, and 3 interceptions. Kalivoda’s biggest knock is his speed, despite showing good coverage skills, tackling ability, and awareness.
8. Drew Greely DE – Wayzata
Greely’s another member of Wayzata’s dominant defense who has played well as a junior and sophomore. He recorded 37 tackles, 3 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles as a junior. Greely shows good ball awareness, strength, and block-shedding, but lacks elite speed – a must-have for a DE in Claeys’ defense. Don’t be surprised if Greely switches positions to linebacker in college.
9. George Behr TE – East Ridge
Behr uses his size well when receiving and has decent hands, but could work on route running and blocking. The only thing keeping Behr from receiving a Gophers offer is his production.
The last two tight ends Kill recruited, Nate Wonziak and Maxx Williams, were both more productive in high school than Behr – Williams had 1686 total yards and 21 total touchdowns as a senior for Waconia; Wozniak had 331 yards and 5 touchdowns as a junior while competing in one of the best conferences in Ohio. Behr had 295 yards and 2 TDs for the Raptors. But don’t let the numbers fool you – just because Behr wasn’t incredibly productive in high school, doesn’t mean he couldn’t potentially be a good H-Back down the road. At H-Back, Behr would be utilized as more of a 6th lineman (Mike Henry), as opposed to a Y Receiver/Tight End (John Rabe).
10. Connor Wilkie QB – Andover
One of the more hyped Minnesotans from the class of 2014, Wilkie was a dominant field general this year for the Huskies. The only thing holding Wilkie back from a Gophers offer is his funky throwing motion - making him an interesting recruit. If Wilkie does not shorten his motion, the staff could gamble on him knowing that defensive backs will have a longer time to adjust. Coach Z trying to reteach Wilkie how to throw could also make his accuracy and power unnatural and worse.
It should also be noted that Wilkie has incredible size that will play to his advantage at the next level. Many high school quarterbacks struggle to have clean lines of sight and passing lanes after making the transition to college. For Wilkie, 6'5", that won't be a problem.
Funky motion or not, Wilkie still had an incredible year for Andover – he threw for 2090 yards and 24 TDs en route to being named All-State Honorable Mention, All-State Second Team, All-Pioneer Press Honorable Mention, and All-Conference. The staff will likely choose between Wilkie, Perra, and Travis as the quarterback for the class of 2014.
(Prematurely) Ranking the Top 10 Unoffered Minnesotans from the Class of 2014
Q: Were you invited to Minnesota Junior Day?
A: Yes, sir. I was.
Q: Did you attend?
A: No, because of the weather and my dad’s car.
Q: What Junior Days or camps have you been invited to?
A: MU, KU – I went to there and got an offer from them Saturday, Iowa, and K-State.
Q: What are you hearing from Minnesota?
A: They’re really interested in me. We have a nice little bond. I talked with Coach Z yesterday. I fit their offense, and I know how to move around.
Q: So you have a pretty good relationship with Coach Zebrowski?
A: Yes, sir.
Q: Which schools have offered you?
A: I’ve been offered by Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, and KU. I’m hearing a lot from Northern Illinois, Tulsa and a lot of other schools from different conferences
Q: Do you have any favorites yet?
A: Yeah, honestly, not because you’re talking to me, but Minnesota’s on top. I’ve told everyone that. Minnesota’s on top. Right now, I don’t have a second school, because the school I’ve been putting my most interest in is Minnesota.
Q: Have you thought much about what you’re looking for when making a college decision?
A: I’m looking for a school that can take me to the next level on the field and off the field. I’m going to own my own construction business, so I want to own a place that can keep me where I’m trying to go. I don’t want to work for anyone – after I play football.
Q: Do you know what you want to major in to help you own your own construction company?
A: Business Management.
Q: How do you think your season went?
A: It went pretty well. We went 5-4. It was my first year at this high school. It was our first winning season in over 20 years. We won conference – they hadn’t won that in over 20 years.
Q: Did you have a favorite team growing up?
A: Florida, but I have to come to my reality. They recruit from Florida and Texas.
Q: What are you working on to improve?
A: I have a quarterback trainer. His name is Skip Stitzell. We mostly work on footwork and velocity and placement of the ball, stuff like that.
Q: Do you know who Max Shortell is? He had a similar coach in the Kansas City area.
A: Yeah, he worked with Coach Skip, as well.
Q: Do you have any goals for next year?
A: I’m trying to get over 3000 passing yards, 1500 rushing yards, go to state, and win state, and be a better team leader.
After playing at a different school as an underclassmen, McKinzy transferred to Wyandotte High School in Kansas City for his junior and senior seasons. Dimonic is one of the top dual-threat quarterbacks in the Midwest from the class of 2014.
Q&A with Dimonic McKinzy – “Minnesota is on top.”
Q: You recently picked up a Gophers offer. Were you pleased that you were one of their first offers?
A: Yes.
Q: What other schools are you hearing from?
A: Pittsburgh, Washington, Wisconsin, Michigan, Michigan State, Nebraska, Tennessee, Vanderbilt, Florida State, Alabama, Auburn, UCLA, and Stanford.
Q: Do you have any other offers?
A: Nope, Minnesota’s the only one.
Q: Did you go to any games this year?
A: I went to the Gopher-Michigan game.
Q: Is Minnesota your favorite right now?
A: I don’t really have a favorite right now.
Q: Jeff Jones of Minneapolis Washburn recently committed to Minnesota. It must be nice to know that you could block for a highly-touted running back like Jones.
A: Yeah, it would be fun. I’ve watched his highlights - he’s pretty good.
Q: Have the staff tried to work that angle at all with you – that you’d be blocking for Jeff Jones?
A: No, they haven’t.
Q: Has Jeff talked with you at all? He said he wanted to help recruit the other in-state recruits to stay home.
A: I haven’t talked to Jeff, no.
Q: How do you think your season went?
A: Individually, I think I did pretty good, and as a team we did pretty good. At the end, there was a kind of sour taste in our mouth, because we were one play away from going to state.
Q: How was Junior Day?
A: I wasn’t able to make it, actually.
Q: Have you been invited to any other Junior Days?
A: I’ve been invited to Junior Day at Michigan State, Nebraska, Pittsburgh, Wisconsin, and Washington.
Q: Are you planning to attend any of them?
A: I think I’m going to do most of this (camps/visits) in the spring.
Q: Have you thought much about what you’re looking for when making a college decision?
A: Not really - just where it feels the most comfortable.
Q: Do you have any idea what you want to major in?
A: No, not yet.
Q: Did you have a favorite team growing up?
A: No, not really. I’ve kind of always been an NFL game.
Q: Would it mean a lot to play in-state at Minnesota?
A: Yeah, it would be cool to be home and know the area.
Q: Are you working on anything to improve skill-wise?
A: Lower-body strength, explosiveness, and footwork. I want the best footwork I can get.
Q: Do you have any goals for next year?
A: Make it to state as a team!
Q&A with Frank Ragnow - talks recruitment, potentially blocking for Jeff Jones, and more
The 6'6" offensive lineman from Chanhassen was the first Minnesotan from his position to receive a Gophers offer.
Q: How do you think your season went?
Ryan Schlichte: Our season went pretty good. We went all the way to the state quarterfinals. We came up a little bit short, but we had a great year.
Connor Watts: Overall, I think it went pretty well.
Q: What schools have you heard from, if any?
RS: I have not heard from any schools yet.
CW: I haven’t heard from any.
Q: Did you have a favorite team growing up?
RS: Probably Florida, because I liked Tim Tebow growing up.
CW: I like the Gophers a lot.
Q: Would it mean a lot to play in-state at Minnesota?
RS: Oh, yeah. Playing in-state would be probably be one of my biggest goals. You know, being an in-state kid would be pretty cool.
CW: Oh, for sure.
Q: Have you thought much about what you’re looking for when making a college decision? I know it’s pretty early.
RS: No, I haven’t looked much into it at all.
CW: I don’t know, I’m just looking to be part of a good group on a team.
Q: Do you have any idea what you want to major in?
RS: My mom’s a teacher, so I’d kind of like to go into the teaching profession.
CW: No, not right now.
Q: How well do you know Philip Nelson?
RS: Really well. He’s a really good guy.
CW: He’s like a brother to me. We talk a lot.
Q: Would you like to repeat the success he had at Mankato West?
RS: To repeat what Phil did at West would be extraordinary. He was such a great player, leader, and teammate. It’d be great.
Q: What are you working on to improve?
RS: To improve, I’m working on my footwork and agility skills. That would probably be my biggest weakness. Working on getting my quickness better.
CW: I’m working on speed work and strength training, right now.
Q: Do you have any goals for next year?
RS: Next year as a team, we’d like to go back to the state tournament, win the conference, and hopefully win the state title.
CW: I’d like to pass 1,000 receiving yards.
Q&A with Mankato West sophomores Ryan Schlichte and Connor Watts
Q: Who on staff do you have the best relationship with?
A: Me and all the coaching staff are pretty tight. Me and Coach Claeys talk the most.
Q: Are you still hearing from any other schools despite your commitment?
A: Yeah, I am.
Q: Is your recruitment totally closed? Are you still open to listen to other schools?
A: I’m still open, but I’m just waiting on my official visits.
Q: How do you think your season went?
A: I don’t feel like I had a great season.
Q: Why is that?
A: I missed a couple of games – a few games actually – so I think that kind of messed up my stats this year.
Q: How was Junior Days?
A: It was nice. It was pretty fun.
Q: Have you been invited to any other Junior Days?
A: Yeah, I have. I’m going to try and get down to Iowa State’s.
Q: Do you know what you want to major in?
A: I think business, right now.
Q: Are you working on anything to improve for next year?
A: My academics. And I’m going to be training this summer.
Q: You also play basketball. Are you a point guard?
A: I play both the point and shooting guard.
Q: How did your season go with Howard Pulley?
A: I played at the end of the year in three tournaments, and I played pretty well with them.
Q: How’s your basketball season going with Washburn?
A: We had a rough start to the season, but we’re trying to get on track. We’re pretty good; we’re starting to do better.
Q: Have you ever been recruited for basketball?
A: Yeah, but not by any major schools.
Q: Do you think you could play both sports for the Gophers?
A: If I had the academic support, I definitely think I can.
Q: I’ve seen your height listed everywhere from 5’8” to 6’1”. How tall are you?
A: 6 foot.
Q: Is there anything else you would like to tell Gophers fans?
A: Go Golden Gophers!
Schlichte was named All-City and All-Conference after passing for 2278 yards and 25 touchdowns as a sophomore. Watts had 40 receptions for 646 yards and 7 touchdowns for the Scarlets.
Q&A with Jeff Jones - "Me and all the coaching staff are pretty tight."
Minneapolis Washburn's four star running back is the first committed player to the Golden Gophers for the class of 2014.
Q: How do you think your season went?
A: This past season was good. I think individually I did good, but we fell short in the playoffs. We lost in the first round. I ended up with four interceptions and 40 tackles, so I did good.
Q: How was Junior Day?
A: It was cool. I saw the DB coach, RB coach, and Coach Kill. Gary Tinsley went to my high school. When they came down here, they were showing love because they knew he went to my high school. (Coach Kill) is just a cool coach. We just talked about life – it wasn’t all about football. He’s a good guy. I can see myself at Minnesota; we talked about life after football.
Q: What other offers do you have?
A: Akron, Indiana, Iowa State. South Carolina, NC State, USF, and UCF are all offering this spring.
Q: Which school or schools are you hearing the most from?
A: Definitely South Florida, UCF, Minnesota, and Georgia Tech. I keep in touch with Coach Sawvel and Coach Anderson.
Q: Do you have any favorites from those schools?
A: They’re all my favorites.
Q: Have you thought much about what you’re looking for when making a college decision?
A: Academics, first. If I could see myself fitting into their program for three or four years, and seeing if I could get on the field. I want to play as a true freshman.
Q: What do you like about Minnesota?
A: Definitely the academics. They told me the team GPA is over 3.0. That impressed me and my dad. Just the academics and how cool the coaching staff is.
Q: Do you know what you want to major in?
A: I’m not sure yet. I’m thinking about Criminal Justice.
Q: Did you have a favorite team growing up?
A: Florida Gators were definitely my favorite team growing up.
Q: What do you see as your strengths and weaknesses?
A: Strengths…definitely my physicality. Probably my weakness is speed. I’ve been working hard on track.
Q: Do you have any goals for next year?
A: Personal goal is to just be better than last year. Team goal, I hope, is to win state next year.
Q&A with Kam Lott - "Coach Kill is just a cool coach."
The 5'10" defensive back from First Coast High School in Jacksonville - Gary Tinsley's high school - was one of the first defensive players in the class of 2014 to receive a Gophers offer.
Q: How do you think your season went?
A: It went great. We had our ups and downs, but we had a great season. We had a great team with some good players like Conor Rhoda, James Onwualu, myself, and Jashon Cornell.
Q: How was Junior Day?
A: It was really nice. I like the facilities; I like where the Gophers program is heading right now. It was nice talking to the coaches, and being on campus is always great a feeling.
Q: Did you attend any other junior day events?
A: Yeah - Western Michigan, Notre Dame, and Iowa State.
Q: You’re visiting Wisconsin this weekend. Do you have a good relationship with their staff? What are you looking forward to seeing in Madison?
A: I talk a bunch with Coach Strickland, and I'm really eager to get out there. Wisconsin's definitely a school I really like. Everything's preliminary right now, though. If they show me more interest, I'll show them more interest.
Q: Who on the Gophers staff do you have the best relationship with?
A: Definitely Coach Sawvel. I really like all the coaches, but probably Coach Limegrover and Coach Sawvel.
Q: Which other schools are you hearing from the most?
A: University of Minnesota, Madison, Cincinnati, Iowa State, Indiana, Notre Dame, and my offer from North Dakota.
Q: Is North Dakota your only offer right now?
A: Yes.
Q: You recently visited Iowa State. How was that?
A: It was really great. I really enjoyed the facilities there. The coaches were down-to-earth and easy to relate to - they have an idea of where they want to go and their goal is pretty self-explanatory. It's definitely a place I could see myself going to. But as I said everything is preliminary right now, and I don't have favorites.
Q: Jeff Jones made the trip to Iowa State with you. Shortly after, reports have surfaced that he told Coach Kill he would reopen his recruitment. Was his visit to Iowa State a big part of his decision? Did you talk to him about it?
A: Minnesota is his number one. He is committed to Minnesota. He talked with Coach Kill. He's just going to enjoy his recruitment process. Right now, his mind is set on going to Minnesota; he's committed. I don't see that changing.
Q: Have you thought much about what you’re looking for when making a college decision? Do you know what you want to major in?
A: Definitely a school with strong academics. I want to major in something along the lines of business, but I'm not completely sure - business management or something. So, definitely a school with a strong business program.
Q: Did you have a favorite team growing up?
A: The Gophers. I grew in the state of Minnesota, so they were the home team.
Q: So it would mean a lot to play in-state at Minnesota?
A: Oh, no doubt. Definitely if there's an offer from Minnesota, they automatically go to the top of the list. Automatically.
Q: Do you have any goals for next year?
A: Definitely to win state. I'll try for Mr. Football. I also want to end up at a school that I really want to go to - my choice.
Q&A with Tim Gordon - "I like where the program is heading..."
Gordon had 37 tackles, 7 TFLs, 5 INTs, and 18 PBUs in a successful 2012 campaign for the Raiders. The junior has been busy on the recruiting trail - after already visiting Minnesota, Notre Dame, Iowa State, and Western Michigan - he plans to visit Wisconsin this weekend. The defensive back also attended the US Army All-American Combine.
From left to right, Tim Gordon, Ricardo Johnson III, and Jashon Cornell pose in Badger attire on their recent visit to Wisconsin.
Q: How do you think your season went?
A: I think it went really well. Everything went well just because I was going to play hard no matter what happened. I think everything went well for me.
Q: How was the spring scrimmage?
A: It went really great. All the O-line and D-lineman were getting at it, which was really good.
Q: Who on the Gophers staff do you have the best relationship with?
A: Coach Phelps; Coach Kill a little bit, too.
Q: How was your visit to Wisconsin?
A: It went really well. It was nice seeing the new coaches.
Q: Which schools are you hearing from the most?
A: At this point, mostly Big Ten and Pac-12 schools. SEC schools are starting to step in right now. It’s all over.
Q: Which SEC schools? You just picked up an offer from Florida, right?
A: Yeah. I’m not hearing from any others right now.
Q: Do you know how many offers you have?
A: Ten – the ones listed on Rivals. (Cal, Florida, Iowa, Minnesota, Notre Dame, Penn State, Rutgers, South Florida, USC, and Wisconsin)
Q: Do you have any favorites?
A: At this point, I’m going to conclude anything just because I’m a young guy, and I haven’t done my research on the coaches and everything.
Q: Have you thought much about what you’re looking for when making a college decision? Do you have any idea of what you want to major in?
A: I think I want to major in business or law, so somewhere that fits me as a player and student.
Q: Did you have a favorite team growing up?
A: Not really. I was an NFL type-of-guy.
Q: Would it mean a lot to play in-state at Minnesota?
A: Yeah, it would.
Q: Do you have any goals for next year?
A: Just improve. I want to be more explosive and more aggressive when I make tackles.
Q&A with sophomore standout Jashon Cornell
Cornell recorded 14 sacks, 26 TFLs, 3 forced fumbles, and a blocked kick for the Raiders in 2012-2013. The sophomore visited Wisconsin last weekend.
Ricardo Johnson III may be a talented, dual-threat quarterback, but his junior year didn’t go as planned. Johnson III primarily served as second-string behind Conor Rhoda – a Minnesota preferred walk-on commit. Still, Ricardo tried to see the bright side: “I had a few opportunities, and I think I took advantage of the opportunities I was given.”
Despite not seeing a lot of varsity playing time as a junior, “RJ3” has seen an uptick in his recruitment after taking a Detroit-based team to the championship game of the 7v7 National Championships and winning MVP at several camps. Alabama, Oregon, and Nebraska have sent letters to Johnson III. He’s also received hand-written letters from Michigan.
Johnson III has also been noticed by other Midwest schools. He traveled with Frank Ragnow of Chanhassen and fellow Raider Jashon Cornell this week to see Missouri. Last weekend, Johnson III, Cornell, and Tim Gordon previewed Wisconsin before returning to Madison this weekend for the spring game. On his visit, the Badgers’ coaches made a good impression on him: “I had time to sit down with Coach Ludwig. We were able to sit down for about 45 minutes. After that, I was able to talk with Coach Anderson, and he’s the exact kind of coach I want to play for.”
Several weeks earlier, RJ3 visited Iowa State with Preston Woods of South St. Paul and Jeff Jones of Minneapolis Washburn. To Johnson III, the Cyclones’ biggest draw is their “crazy” facilities. Although he didn’t have the chance to sit down with Iowa State coaches for as long as with Wisconsin, he’ll get another chance when Cretin-Derham travels to Ames for their 7v7 team camp this summer.
Of course, Minnesota, the hometown school, is also closely watching Johnson III. Ricardo attended Minnesota Junior Day for the second time after also taking in Junior Day as a sophomore. “I was able to talk with Coach Z and a little bit with Coach Kill. They were really, really good to me and helpful to me in my recruiting process.” Coach Zebrowski and Coach Kill can certainly sell TCF Bank Stadium to Johnson III. “TCF Stadium will never stop impressing me.”
But would it mean a lot for RJ3 to play in-state at Minnesota? He’s undecided. “I don’t have any allegiances for the state,” Johnson III said, but “It would be very cool. I have family here. It would be nice to stay in Minnesota and make my way.”
Johnson III wants to win the Minnesota state championship next year – and he’s willing to put in the necessary effort. In addition to training and throwing at the Raiders’ facilities every day, Ricardo also works on his throwing and footwork with several quarterback coaches. The Raiders’ soon-to-be field general also has more confidence. “With the athletes we have coming back and with me as quarterback, we won’t lose three games again – I can promise you that. "
Other Notes
- Johnson III is “good friends” with Jeff Jones. Despite reports saying Jones told Coach Kill he was going to reopen his recruitment after visiting Iowa State, Johnson III believes Jones is still committed.
- Ricardo is also great friends with Michael Floyd, a Cretin-Derham Hall and Notre Dame alum. Ricardo thinks part of Notre Dame’s success recruiting Cretin-Derham Hall may be due to it being an easy transition from private catholic high school to private catholic university. Johnson III also noted that Cretin’s dean of students is a Notre Dame alum.
Johnson III hoping hard work and success at camps boost his recruitment
By Matt Gravett
Q: How do you think your season went with East Ridge?
A: It went pretty well. It didn’t end the way we wanted it, but it went pretty well.
Q: Your team will have a lot of returning starters next year. What are your goals/expectations for East Ridge football next year?
A: Next year, I have very high expectations for our program especially with most of our players returning. We should be solid with knowing our assignments and the whole chemistry aspect - knowing that we need to go out there and perform and that we can do well.
Q: You attended both the spring scrimmage and spring game, right? How did they go?
A: The spring scrimmage went great. It showed me how fast the college level is and gave me a look at what I need to work at to get at that level. I was invited by Zebrowski into the quarterback meeting and saw how complex the offenses are and the defensive reads are, and how much of a higher mental level the game is.
Q: Which coach on the Minnesota staff do you have the best relationship with?
A: Coach Zebrowski considering that he lives in Woodbury, I coached his son at the East Ridge youth camp, and he’s the quarterback coach.
Q: Are you hearing from any other schools?
A: Michigan State, Iowa, Iowa State, Stanford, and the University of South Florida.
Q: Are you hearing from Minnesota the most?
A: Yes, by far.
Q: I know it’s very early, but have you thought much about what you’re looking for when making a college decision?
A: No, not yet. I need to look at that and see what I want to do after college.
Q: Did you have a favorite team growing up?
A: Probably the Florida Gators.
Q: Would it mean a lot to play in-state at Minnesota?
A: It would considering that most of my friends and immediate family are here.
Q: Would you describe yourself as a dual-threat quarterback or pocket passer?
A: I would say more of a dual-threat quarterback, but this year I was more of a pocket passer. The offense I was in was more of a pro-style offense. I’m hoping to get back to dual-threat.
Q: Are you working on anything to improve skill-wise?
A: Making my reads faster and correctly. Also, I’m doing film work, working with my receivers on chemistry, and working on my throwing motion.
Q: What position do you play in basketball?
A: I’m more of a forward/guard type. In AAU, I was more of a forward, and for East Ridge I was more of a guard. Wherever I lie in the personnel is where I play.
Q: Would you like to play both basketball and football in college?
A: In high school, I’d like to play both sports, but in college I think I want to stick with football.
Seth Green discusses the Gophers spring scrimmage, basketball, expectations for next year, and more
As a freshman for the Raptors in 2012, Green completed 75 of 135 passes for 1243 yards, 10 touchdowns, and just 5 interceptions. Green also ran for 99 yards and a touchdown. In addition to football, Seth plays basketball for East Ridge and Howard Pulley.
Q:How do you think your season went this year?
A: I thought I did alright. I went from starting 9th grade center to starting varsity right tackle over the course of one calendar year. It took me a bit to adjust, but I progressed well as the season went on.
Q: Have you started hearing from any college coaches? If so, which schools have been recruiting you?
A: I have been invited to numerous camps and I have also reached out to college coaches. None of them have been actually recruiting me because it's against the NCAA guidelines, which I'm familiar with. However, a couple schools have shown their interest and made their interest apparent. NDSU coach Scott Fuchs and I have been talking back and forth since March about camps to attend and when I could visit the University. Coach Mike Hankwitz from Northwestern also contacted my coach. He came to my school and introduced himself. He encouraged me to keep up the work on and off the field. University of Minnesota graduate assistant coach Mike Sherels had called up my head coach and asked him if I would be interested in attending the Gophers' Junior Elite Day on July 21st. I happily accepted. Minnesota State Mankato and Winona State University have shown great interest in me. I’m attending each of their one day camps. The lone Division-III school that has shown interest in me is St. John's University.
Q: Other than the three camps you mentioned are you planning to attend any other camps or combines?
A: Yes, I am. Along with the Junior Day camp at Minnesota, I am attending a handful of other camps. From June 18 through June 21, my team is heading to Brookings, SD to attend the Jackrabbit football camp at South Dakota State University. On June 27, I am attending the Winona State Warriors football camp. On July 8, I am heading to Normal, Illinois to attend the Redbird's football camp at Illinois State University. After that on July 13, I'm heading to Mankato to attend the Mavericks’ one-day camp. Then, as I mentioned before, the Junior Day Elite camp at TCF Bank Stadium on July 21
Q: Have you thought much about what you want when making a college decision?
A: The first and main thing I am looking for in colleges right now are if they have the major I want. Other factors include how well of a reputation the school is, the school's coaching staff, and how strong of a football tradition the school upholds. Other factors include the cost of tuition, room, and board at the school as well as the location of the school.
Q: What do you want to major in?
A: I am planning on majoring in Health Sciences. In particular, Athletic Training.
Q: You mentioned in Allen Trieu's article that the Gophers were/are your favorite team? Do you attend many games?
A: I have not ever attended a Gopher football game. I am embarrassed to admit it, because I've been begging my mom every year for tickets to at least one home game. It always falls out of our budget. Our household income is on the low end. It’s hard to make ends meet, let alone get tickets to a Gopher game.
Q: Would it mean a lot to play in-state at Minnesota?
A: To play at Minnesota would be a milestone for me. I started playing football in 4th grade for the Rochester Youth Football Association and never really gave college ball a thought. As time went on, I realized that I wanted to further my career past high school football. I was determined to be a Gopher out of High School and hopefully make a shot at the pros. Although it would still mean the world to me to put on a maroon and gold uniform, I know I need to take this process one step at a time if I want to play at the next level for Minnesota.
Q: What do you think are your strengths and weaknesses?
A: I feel that my greatest strengths are my size, length, and discipline. I might be the biggest lineman in our conference. Along with that, I feel that I feel I'm one of the more disciplined players on our team and possibly in the conference. In my first year on varsity, I had no false start penalties in 9 full games. I did have a couple late hits and one hold call. In my opinion, my biggest weakness is my footwork. I feel that my footwork hasn't quite reached the rest of my skill set. My skill set earned me a spot on the starting roster, but my footwork can be and will be improved come my junior and senior years.
Q: Do you have any goals for next year?
A: Goals…I do have a few I want to achieve this coming fall. The first goal is to earn my spot back on the varsity line. My coach tells me I have nothing to worry about when it comes to losing my spot, but I don't want to assume. I bust my butt 3 days a week in our team's offseason weight lifting program called the "Iron Tiger," of which I have won the Iron Tiger award 4 times. Another goal for me is to help my team in any way possible to achieve a winning record and a high seed for the playoffs. One of the biggest goals of mine is to be nominated a team co-captain. I think I have the leadership qualities in the classroom and in the weight room, and I'm planning on displaying that more on the field this summer and fall.
Q&A with Dillon Holtan - "To play at Minnesota would be a milestone for me."
Holtan, 6'6" and 270 pounds, started at tackle as a sophomore for Stewartville.
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