Will Panasiuk be the next Gopher commit

On June 2, Lake Park (Roselle, IL) defensive lineman Jacub Panasiuk will announce his decision. He will choose between Penn State, Indiana, Michigan State and Minnesota.

Panasiuk visited Minnesota in February and has been a target for the Gophers since the 2015-2016 recruiting cycle, when the staff recruited Mike Panasiuk, Jacub's older brother. Mike, a prized defensive tackle, ultimately decided to sign with Michigan State and will be a member of the Spartans' incoming freshman class, but it enabled the staff, particularly defensive line coach Jeff Phelps, a chance to build a rapport with younger brother Jacub.

To add, Jacub has a relationship with another member of the Gophers, former Lake Park teammate and University of Minnesota sophomore defensive back Antonio Shenault.

"I like the D-line coach, Coach Phelps," Panasiuk said. "My former teammate Antonio goes there and has told me a lot of great things about it. I like how it's right in the middle of the city."

Phelps made an on-campus visit to see Panasiuk a few weeks ago, a strong sign the Gophers are looking to seal a commitment from Panasiuk, who could make an immediate impact on a program looking to reshape its defensive line.

"I have built a relationship with him over the recruiting process," Panasiuk said.

Of his four finalists, Panasiuk said Indiana and Minnesota have talked with him the most about early playing time, which could play a large factor in his decision. Due to several injuries, the defensive line was an area of concern for Minnesota and was a focus for the team this spring.

Penn State offered Panasiuk two weeks ago and Michigan State would appear to be the favored program given his brother's status.

"A lot of people know Mike is going there so it would make it easy on the family," he said.

Panasiuk's decision will certainly be a tough one. His high school football coach, Lake Park High football coach Chris Roll, is an Indiana alum and Panasiuk said he likes Indiana coach Kevin Wilson and defensive line coach Mark Hagen. Panasiuk also holds Penn State defensive line coach Sean Spencer in high regards, as well as the coaches at Michigan State.

"Coach (Ron) Burton is one of the best d-line coaches in the nation so you have to respect his knowledge of the game. He is a great coach. I love (head coach Justin) Dantonio. He's a caring man."

Panasiuk said Penn State has offered him as a defensive tackle while Indiana, Michigan State and Minnesota want him as a strong-side defensive end.