GopherIllustrated.com - Sunday Morning Quick Hits

December 12, 2004

Zach Johnson
GopherIllustrated.com Recruiting Analyst

Foley (Minn.) Offensive tackle Paul Backowski is going to stick with his commitment to Indiana University despite the decision from university administration to fire Hoosier head coach Gerry DiNardo.

Harvey (Ill.) Thornton Township wide receiver / athlete Markus Murry is a new prospect on the Gopher radar screen. Murry is in East Lansing on an official visit to Michigan State this weekend and may be on the Gopher campus as early as next weekend.

One new prospect who has set up a Minnesota official visit is Winslow Township (N.J.) Defensive back Todshon Jones. Jones has already made stops to North Carolina and Pudue and lists the Boilermakers as the team to beat.

Cincinnati (Ohio) Colerain defensive tackle Terrill Byrd claims a scholarship offer from the Gophers along with Cincinnati, Kent, Bowling Green and Toledo. Byrd had a very strong senior season as his team finished 15-0 and are currently ranked as the No. 5 team in the nation by USA Today. Byrd was named 1st Team All-State and Defensive Player of the Year for Ohio in Division 1.

Plantation (Fla.) Wide receiver Cedric McGee indicated that he will chose between Pittsburgh, Illinois, Alabama, Tennessee and Rutgers. "I like Minnesota it is just that they run the ball a little too much."

December 3rd Visitors

Some of the recruits who visited Minnesota last weekend are on the move this weekend. Rafael Eubanaks is visiting the University of Iowa. Ryan Ruckdashel and Ned Tavale are together again this weekend at Iowa State. 'Mr. Personality' Aubrey Pleasant is staying close to home this weekend as he makes his official visit to Michigan State.

December 10th Visitors

It wasn't the biggest recruiting weekend in Minnesota history as far as numbers go, but some may argue that this might be the most important weekend of the 2005 recruiting class. The weekend is star-studded as many highly ranked recruits are on campus. Three of the eight visitors carry four-star status by Rivals.com, they include Walker Ashley, Ryan Bain and Alex Daniels. Other top targets include brothers Dominic Jones and Keith Massey, as well as Stephen Davis and Desmon Chatman. The fact that most of these players are considered differenece makers on the defensive side of the ball has many Gopher fans excited. Gopher verbal Troy Reilly is also on campus for his official visit.

Stay tuned to Gopher Illustrated and The Gopher Report throughout Sunday afternoon and evening for updates on the official visits.

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