Minnesota Newcomer Profile: WR Kenric Lanier
Today we continue our Newcomer Profile series with a look at Decatur (GA) wide receiver Kenric Lanier, who flipped from Vanderbilt to Minnesota just days before National Signing Day and appeared in the All American Game.
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The Recruitment:
While Lanier's commitment to Minnesota did not happen until a couple days before signing day, this wasn't a late push situation by the Gophers. PJ Fleck and Co. had been recruiting Lanier for some time, but the 6--fot-4, 170-pound receiver had been committed to Vanderbilt since June.
The staff stayed persistent in their recruitment of the Peach State prospect, developing a strong relationship with Lanier and his family throughout the process.
Lanier would ultimately flip to the Gophers on December 19th, choosing them over offers from schools like in-state Georgia Tech, Liberty, Army, and more.
What Lanier Brings to the Gophers:
Lanier has the size and athleticism to be a huge threat at the power five level. Not only is Lanier a standout football player, but he is a state champion in track and field as well as a top basketball player in his region. Pair that up with the fact that Lanier enrolled early at Minnesota and you have a guy who could really make an impact and maybe even an early impact for the Gophers.
Here's what head coach PJ Fleck had to say about Lanier:
"He's got a 22 foot long jump and is an incredible basketball player. He's got 40 times. Again, Georgia player, basketball player, long in the long jump, great kid. We recruited him for a long time, and I know he was committed to an SEC school, but it wasn't like we flipped him late. We've been recruiting him for a long time, and it's been great to get to know him and his family. He's a tremendous, tremendous athlete. He was player of the year in basketball."
Highlights:
Senior year: 64 receptions for 1,156 yards and 12 touchdowns.
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