Best Offensive Player
Zach says: Donovahn Jones
I really like the versatility that Jones adds to the Minnesota roster. He could play right away at either wide receiver or on defense at safety. He could redshirt to create a two year gap between himself and Philip Nelson. Either way I believe Jones will have a huge impact on this squard over the next four to five years.
2012: Andre McDonald
2011: Max Shortell
2010: Lamonte Edwards
2009: Ra'shede Hageman
2008: MarQueis Gray
2007: Clint Brewster
2006: Adam Weber
2005: Jay Thomas
Ryan says: Donovahn Jones
For most Gopher Fans, it would extremely easy to pick Berkley Edwards, but I think Jones could play a huge part in offense for years to come. Whether Kill and Limegrover decide to leave him at quarterback or move him to wide receiver, he'll be on the field in some capacity next year. After watching some of his film, I think he has the elusiveness and speed to play right and he'll have a role in next years offense.
2012: James Gillum
Lucas says: Berkley Edwards
Berkley Edwards could be the speed back that Minnesota has been missing for a handful of years. He's extremely well put together for a senior in high school. His low center of gravity reminds me a bit of current Gopher Donnell Kirkwood, but Edwards is much more explosive. I think Edwards has the opportunity to rush for more than 1,000 yards more than once during his career as a Golden Gopher. An added bonus is that the Chelsea (Mich.) native comes from great family lineage.
2012: Philip Nelson
Best Defensive Player
Zach says: D'Niro Laster[/db}
As I stated on GI Radio, I feel that Laster will be a major hit or a major miss at Minnesota. If Laster can make the transition from high school to college I firmly believe he will be star and a team leader in Tracy Claeys defensive system. Look for Minnesota to use Laster's athleticism to make plays in the opponents backfield.
2012: Damarius Travis
2011: Steven Montgomery
2010: James Manuel
2009: Michael Carter
2008: Sam Maresh
2007: Curtis Thomas and Durrell Clark-James
2006: Lee Campbell
2005: Alex Daniels
Ryan says: [db]Damien Wilson
Wilson was a JUCO defensive player of the year for a reason, he's always around the ball making tackles. That's something that the Gophers not only need from Wilson at middle linebacker, but must have for the defense to be successful next year. He has the size at 6-foot-2 and around 240 pounds. If he can maintain that size and add speed, he could be a force next year.
2012: Nick Rallis
Lucas says:
Wilson put up a ridiculous number of tackles at Jones County Junior College. I think he is a lock to start at the mike linebacker position on the Minnesota defense. He should provide an immediate upgrade at that position and help to improve the overall defense. The Gophers have a big question mark at linebacker heading into the 2013 season and I feel like Wilson will answer a lot of those questions during spring ball.
2012: Antonio Johnson
Best Athlete
Zach says: [db]Donovahn Jones
Like I said earlier, I believe Jones has tremendous versatility and Minnesota will utilize him all over the field. Some may compare him to MarQueis Gray, but I think Jones could end up playing up to four different positions at Minnesota..if he doesn't settle in at quarterback from day one.
2012: Maxx Williams
2011: Quentin Gardener
2010: Marquise Hill
2009: Bryant Allen
2008: Brandon Green
2007: Andre Tate'
2006: E.J. Jones
2005: Boyd Coleman
Ryan says: [db]De'Vondre Campbell
Simply put, this dude is freak. He's 6-foot-5, 220 pounds, can run a legit 4.5 forty, 30 inch vertical, the list goes on and on. If the Gopher training staff can put another 20 pounds on him and Coach Miller can continue to teach Campbell on how to play outside linebacker, he could be a beast in a year or so. People need to keep their expectations at a realistic level for Campbell next year, but after that, his stock could be through the roof.
2012: KJ Maye
Lucas says: Chris Streveler
I will admit that I think Chris Streveler will have a great career as a Golden Gopher. I am extremely impressed by his work ethic and attitude. After watching him at camp this summer I think he has the opportunity to be a great quarterback at the U. If the quarterback position doesn't work, I believe he has the ability to move to either receiver or safety and contribute. Three or four years from now I think many schools will regret not going after Streveler.
2012: Lincoln Plsek
Most likely to make an immediate impact
Zach says: Damien Wilson
Wilson is pretty much a lock to start in the middle for Minnesota in 2013. Jones is a tackling machine and was named the No. 1 inside linebacker at the JUCO level in 2012 by our friend Brad Hoiseth. Wilson has a chance to turn the Gophers worst defensive units into their best in 2013.
2012: James Gillum
2011: Ge'Shun Harris
2010: Christyn Lewis
2009: Ra'shede Hageman
2008: Brodrick Smith
2007: Marc Cheatham
2006: Garrett Brown
2005: Alex Daniels
Ryan says: Drew Wolitarsky
After AJ Barker left the team last season, none of the current Gopher receivers stepped up in the role that Barker left behind. I believe that Wolitarsky will fill that need immediately next year. He's the kind of player that's not afraid to go between the hashes and catch the ball knowing he'll be getting hit. He's not flashy, but Wolitarsky will move the chains next year.
2012: Briean Boddy
Lucas says: Drew Wolitarsky
The easy answer for me is Damien Wilson, but I'll try to choose a player that isn't coming in from a junior college. Drew Wolitarsky has the physical makeup to come in and play right away. If he can prove to the coaching staff during fall camp that he can make plays then I don't see anyway that he doesn't find his way onto the field. I would expect the record breaking receiver to make an immediate impact as a playmaker on offense.
2012: KJ Maye
Most likely to get pulled over for speeding while playing football
Zach says: Berkley Edwards
It has been way too long for a speed back to make their way back to the U. The last time Minnesota had a true burner sign it turned out pretty well as Laurence Maroney tortured Big Ten defenses for three seasons. I'm not saying Edwards will be as dangerous as Maroney but it is sure nice knowing the threat of a running back going for more than 30 yards on a carry is now an option.
2012: Martez Shabazz
2011: Joe Bjorklund
2010: Tyrone Bouie
2009: Hasan Lipscomb
2008: Troy Stoudermire
2007: Harold Howell
2006: Terrence Sherrer
2005: Michael McKelton
Ryan says: Berkley Edwards
Speed, speed and more speed come to mind when you think of Edwards. He holds one of the nations fastest 60-yard times and can run a legit 4.40 when asked. If Edwards gets a crease next year, watch him take it to the house every time. Edwards will be one running back you won't have to worry about getting caught from behind.
2012: Martez Shabazz
Lucas says: Berkley Edwards
Berkley Edwards is one of the fastest 60-meter high school sprinters in the nation. He is said to have 4.3 speed in the 40 yard dash. If his time is anywhere near 4.3 then that is blazing fast. I couldn't imagine picking anyone else for this award.
2012: Jordan Hinojosa
Most likely to prove the star system wrong
Zach says: Daletavius McGhee
This kid is a gamer and that is something the analysts just missed when they evaluated McGhee. He is the type of player that is accountable and will come to play every snap, whether it be on the practice field, in Las Cruces or in the Big House. He may end up being a 'tweener' between being too slow to play corner or not big enough to play safety, but I will take a Tyrone Carter clone any day.
2012: Isaac Hayes
2011: Grayson Levine
2010: Willie Tatum
2009: Kenny Watkins
2008: Xzavian Brandon
2007: Kyle Theret
2006: Dominic Alford
2005: Otis Hudson
Ryan says: Daletavius McGhee
If you watch this kids film, you understand why Sawvel fell in love with him. He never takes a play off and always making plays when around the ball. The way he's always going for strips reminds you of Charles Tillman. I think he's rated low just because he didn't go to any camps, but I think McGhee will outperform his ranking.
2012: Eric Murray
Lucas says: Daletavius McGhee
McGhee seems like a guy that has flown under the radar for much of his recruitment. His aggressiveness and ability to create turnovers were two big things that stuck out to me while watching his film. I think those traits will help him have a successful career in the defensive backfield for Minnesota. I believe McGhee will be a multiple year starter for Minnesota before his career is over.
2012: Alex Keith
Most Personable
Zach says: Alex Mayes
The only member of the 2013 to make an appearance on GI Radio. Mayes comes from a strong football family and knows what it takes to be successful on and off the field. I look for Mayes to eventually turn into a team leader and it wouldn't shock me one bit to see him become the voice of the offensive line during his junior and senior seasons.
2012: Duke Anyanwu
2011: Tommy Olson
2010: Johnathan Ragoo
2009: Victor Keise
2008: Xzavian Brandon
2007: Durrell Clark-James
2006: Robert McField
2005: Dominic Jones
Ryan says: Jalen Myrick
Myrick was among a select few that was always answering texts and phone calls from the GI staff and he has a very outgoing personality. He's always told me that right things since day one such as he can't wait to get up here and start working and I believe he could develop into a leader in the defensive backfield by the time he's done here.
2012: Andre McDonald
Lucas says: Chris Steveler and Alex Mayes
I really can't pick one or the other. They are both great kids with very bright futures. Both of them committed to the Golden Gopher early and stuck by their commitments when other schools came calling. I was fortunate to get to know both of them and their families very well throughout the recruiting process.
2012: Isaac Fruechte
Hardest Hitter
Zach says: Rayfield Dixon
I was going to go in another direction but Dixon recently said in an interview that he loves to "smack helmets off whistle to whistle". He may need to add 25-30 pounds to do so, but at least we know the effort will always be there.
2012: Jack Lynn
2011: Jephte Matilus
2010: Herschel Thornton
2009: Kerry Lewis
2008: Simoni Lawrence
2007: Logan U'u
2006: R.J. Buckner
2005: Steve Davis
Ryan says: De'Niro Laster
Laster opposing ball carriers like they stole his money. He has the ideal size for a mike or will linebacker, but his ability to put a running back on the ground can't be undervalued. He will do some serious damage between the hashes and in all likelihood on special teams as well.
2012: Antonio Johnson
Lucas says: De'Niro Laster
Laster has only been at the linebacker position for a short period of time, but delivering a blow to the ball carrier doesn't seem to be a problem. The Cleveland native jumps out at you in the first thirty seconds of watching his highlight film. Laster plays the game with the attitude and an edge that you like to see out of your linebackers. I wouldn't want to be carrying the ball when Laster comes running my way.
2012: Jeremy Baltazar
Best Recruiting Moment
Zach says: January 31 - February 6, 2013
This class really buttered its bread the final two weeks of the recruiting cycle. The staff was able to secure verbal commitments from four players that will prove to be key to the program in Nate Wozniak, Daletravius McGhee, Donovahn Jones and De'Vondre Campbell.
2012: December 5-11, 2011: Gophers add commitments from Boddy, Shabazz, Johnson and Travis.
2011: December 6-10, 2010: Kill solidifies a strong majority of the "key" recruits that were committed to the U.
2010: March 5-8, 2009: Minnesota secures verbal commitments from Gjere and Edwards
2009: February 44, 2009: Michael Carter switching to the U on Signing Day
2008: September 28, 2007: The perfect recruiting weekend 9-for-9.
2007: January 17, 2007: Tim Brewster named head football coach at the U.
2006: December 17, 2005: The additions of Garrett Brown and Lee Campbell
2005: December 15, 2004: The Brookhaven 3 commits to Minnesota
Ryan says: June 21 and 22, 2012
These two days are when both Owen Salzwedel and Chris Streveler made their commitments and these two could pay off huge in the long run. Salzwedel has the frame to develop into a monster defensive end and Streveler has all the tools to make many plays in the future for Minnesota.
2012: February 19, 2011 and January 26, 2012: The days Philip Nelson and Andre McDonald committed to the U.
Lucas says: January 31 - February 6, 2013
The Minnesota coaching staff was able to add Nate Wozniak, Donovahn Jones, De'Vondre Campbell, and Daletavious McGhee in the week leading up to signing day. They were also able to fend off Oklahoma, Texas Tech, and Baylor for offensive tackle. Oh yeah, and Florida State wanted De'Niro Laster late in the process. Jerry Kill and his staff absolutely killed it during the last week of the 2012 recruiting cycle.
2012: February 19, 2011: The day Philip Nelson committed to the U.
Worst Recruiting Moment
Zach says: February 6, 2013
I had to officially give up the dream of seeing Jonathan Walton, my 2013 recruiting crush, officially sign with another school. Walton was originally rated as a two-star nobody when the U put him on their radar. Walton eventually signed with South Carolina as a high three-star (5.7) over a late surge from Minnesota and legit offers from Penn State, Auburn, Mississippi State and Tennessee.
2012: February 1, 2012: Dinero Moss does not sign with U and heads to JUCO in Iowa.
2011: January 28, 2011: Gophers lose battles for Cortez Johnson, Lloyd Carrington, Chris Briggs and Ritchy Desir.
2010: February 3, 2010: No Signing Day surprises for U
2009: November 4, 2008: Eric Stephens switched from Minnesota to Texas Tech
2008: October 21, 2007: Michael Floyd commits to Notre Dame
2007: February 6, 2007: Travaris Cadet decommitts from U to attend Toledo
2006: January 1, 2006: Aundre Henderson had decommitted from Minnesota for Louisville
2005: December 12, 2004: Rafael Eubanks commits to Iowa
Ryan says: January 18th, 2013
This marks the day where everything went to pieces for the Gophers and Nate Andrews as it's the day that Andrews stepped on the Florida State campus.
2012: Week of July 11-18, 2011: The week the Miami Central 4 committed to the U. Only Hinojos signed.
Lucas says: January 25, 2013
Nate Andrews flips from Minnesota to Florida State. Andrews had the opportunity to be a backbone of the Gopher defensive backfield for much of his career. Instead, he chose the Seminoles following his official visit to Florida State. I don't believe there was that many negative recruiting moments in 2012, but I think this is the one that probably hurts the most.
2012: The Andre McDonald saga.
Best Golden Gopher Recruiter
Zach says: Rebecca Kill
Minnesota has a little advantage that a lot of schools don't have in the recruiting process. Due to health concerns that all Gopher fans are well award of, Jerry Kill's wife (Rebecca) gets to travel with her husband when he is on the road making his one allowed in-home visit with a targeted recruit. I believe the addition of Mrs. Kill in these visits really helps MInnesota sell their family atmosphere and allows parents to feel comfortable with the idea that their 18-year old son is about to sign with a school thousands of miles from home.
2012: Jay Sawvel
2011: Pat Poore
2010: Thomas Hammock
2009: Ron Lee
2008: Thomas Hammock and George McDonald
2007: Derek Lewis
2006: Carey Bailey
2005: Mitch Browning
Ryan says: Jay Sawvel
If you find a better answer for this, let me know. The man simply works his tail off in recruiting and he's the top recruiter on the staff and it's not even close.
2012: Jay Sawvel
Lucas says: Jerry Kill
I understand that he's the head coach, but that doesn't mean he's not the best recruiter on the staff. Jerry Kill goes a great job of going into homes of potential recruits and selling the families on the University of Minnesota. Multiple families expresses how happy they were with Coach Kill and his efforts in 2012. Kill was able to seal the deal with many different recruits and a major reason why Minnesota was able to grab a couple of headliners down the stretch.
2012: Jay Sawvel
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