tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88454057884756948332024-03-12T20:35:31.473-05:00Out of My LeagueRyan Boserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10297342002997748745noreply@blogger.comBlogger130125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8845405788475694833.post-46624173895938250552015-03-23T15:17:00.000-05:002015-03-23T15:25:43.137-05:00All Drama<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Minnesota Vikings have reached uncharted levels of turbulence, which is an astonishing feat for an organization whose history is checkered with bizarre crisis. Adrian “AD (All Day)” Peterson was not only the face of the franchise, but he’d been the identity of Minnesota sports and entertainment for nearly a decade. In fact, many ran with the moniker “Purple Jesus,” on account of his otherworldly physical being and outspoken Christianity. Athletes should never be held up as role models, but he was surely the exception. </div>
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Until <a href="http://www.tmz.com/2014/09/12/adrian-peterson-indicted-for-child-abuse/">he wasn’t</a>. </div>
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Still, a large segment of the fan base remains willing to forgive and move forward with the future Hall of Famer in purple. Insultingly, Peterson has stiff-armed said forgiveness. Instead of owning his self-imposed adversity, he’s chosen to flip the script and play the <a href="http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/12350074/adrian-peterson-unsure-potential-return-minnesota-vikings">victim card</a>. </div>
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General Manager Rick Spielman, who’s earning every penny of his paychecks these days, has been left with exactly two options… <br />
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<b>Option 1: Play Hardball </b></div>
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<i>The Pros:</i> With Peterson under contract through 2017, the Vikings have “play for us or play for nobody” leverage. At 30, he’d be the oldest member of the starting offense, but he’s already proven the ability to bend the laws of nature. His presence in the backfield would likely make the team 2-3(?) wins better in 2015, and would be invaluable to 22-year-old QB Teddy Bridgewater. Peterson’s presence would completely change defensive game plans, forcing the opponent to respect and commit resources to the run game. Opponents could no longer pin their ears back against a shaky offensive line. With Peterson on board, the 2015 Vikings would be a playoff contender. </div>
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<i>The Cons:</i> Wouldn’t it be nice if it were that simple? Unfortunately, everything out of Peterson’s “Triangle of Authority” (Adrian, new wife Ashley and agent Ben Dogra) has screamed that he wants a fresh start <a href="http://www.kfan.com/onair/vikings-blog-38526/report-adrian-peterson-gives-vikings-5team-13376039">somewhere else</a>. He could choose to sit out for a second consecutive season, and forego the generous $12.75M he’s owed, but the far more likely scenario is that he’d suit up and drag the drama into the season. </div>
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For an organization that’s building a new stadium and a fresh young foundation centered around Bridgewater, prolonging what’s becoming an <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/vikings/2015/03/20/rsvp-by-petersons-agent-to-vikings-gm-is-no-go-for-dinner/25103375/">irreconcilable standoff</a> may not be worth the headache. From a business perspective, attempts to regain goodwill with fans, press and sponsors would be awkward at best. </div>
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<b>Option 2: Trade Him </b></div>
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<i>The Pros:</i> The list of suitors may realistically be as shallow as Arizona and Tampa Bay. Yahoo!’s Charles Robinson <a href="http://www.revengeofthebirds.com/2015/3/14/8215509/arizona-cardinals-reportedly-prepared-to-offer-high-draft-pick-for">has reported</a> that the Cardinals are “one thousand percent in (on Peterson)” and would be willing to trade their R2 pick (No. 55 overall). On the surface, a late second seems like a pittance for an MVP-caliber player, but age, salary and baggage weigh heavily into Peterson’s valuation. </div>
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The 2015 draft is deep with RB talent, so if the organization favors a committee approach (we still don’t know exactly how they view impressive 2014 rookie Jerick McKinnon), they’d have an extra bullet and numerous young, cheap options. For reference, picks 55-57 of last year’s draft were Jeremy Hill, Cody Latimer and Carlos Hyde. </div>
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While many are opposed to “selling low,” the truth is that Peterson’s trade value will never be higher than it is now. Next season, he’ll be a year older and $2M more expensive ($14.75M). The team surely wouldn’t get anything near a R2 pick in trade a year from now. In fact, with no more dead money on his contract in 2016, Peterson would be a cut candidate even if he were healthy and happy. <br />
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<i>The Cons: </i>Subtracting a generational talent from the roster will undoubtedly cost the team wins, at least in the short term. There are no guarantees with draft picks, and at this stage of free agency, most of the money freed up would likely be pocketed for future use. <br />
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<b>Conclusion: </b></div>
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Even with Peterson, the Vikings wouldn’t realistically be in position to advance through the NFC playoffs, so taking the long view seems like the most logical approach. A R2 pick is a bitter pill to swallow, but I believe it’s the better of two bad options.
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Ryan Boserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10297342002997748745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8845405788475694833.post-8539559518124740552014-04-14T02:01:00.001-05:002014-04-14T02:11:33.421-05:00Mocking the Vikings<br />
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<b>1 (8) - Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville | 6'2", 214 lbs.</b><br />
Granted, you can't spell "April" without "liar," but what once seemed like an impossibility is shaping into a reality. In fact, the NFL's inexplicable smear campaign on Bridgewater has even elicited whispers of "second round." In my estimation, if he is indeed there at No. 8, drafting anybody else would be overthinking it, and a franchise-altering mistake. Intelligent, driven, poised and precise, Bridgewater works the pocket like a veteran, and his combination of escapability and accuracy-on-the-move will be extending drives for the next decade. Highly productive in a pro-style offense, he may already be better than 12-15 NFL starters, and it would be no surprise if he unseated Matt Cassel right out of the gate (think Russell Wilson and Matt Flynn). The Vikings have pounced on falling offensive stars in the past (Randy Moss, Adrian Peterson, Percy Harvin, and to a lesser degree Cordarelle Patterson), and landing what I believe to be the draft's one true franchise QB at No. 8 would be a similar fortune.<br />
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<b>2 (40) - Kyle Van Noy, OLB, BYU | 6'3", 243 lbs. </b><br />
A disruptive blitzer and an opportunistic playmaker, Van Noy is, in many ways, a discounted Khalil Mack. The team addressed the defensive line and secondary in free agency, and this gives Zimmer's weak LB group an intelligent, versatile weapon who can get into the opponent's backfield with regularity.<br />
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<b>3 (72) - Martavis Bryant, WR, Clemson | 6'4", 211 lbs. </b></div>
The Vikings certainly have greater needs, but their extra 3rd rounder affords them an opportunity to take a swing for the fences. A lanky height/speed specimen (4.42 40) who's drawn Justin Hunter comparisons, Bryant gives Norv Turner the true field-stretching deep threat that this roster currently lacks. One of Bridgewater's only real film nitpicks is his deep accuracy, so a long target with a 39" vertical would be a welcome addition. He's definitely on the raw side, both physically (very skinny) and technically (routes/hands), but the trio of Bridgewater (21), Bryant (22) and Cordarrelle Patterson (23) is a strong foundation for the future of this passing game. Moreover, polished veteran Greg Jennings—who I'd expect to make sweet music with Bridgewater—buys Patterson/Bryant much-needed time for fundamental development.<br />
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And just like that, the Vikings have turned an embarrassing weakness into a potential strength. Pairing Jones with Van Noy ensures that the days of special teamers playing meaningful LB snaps are over. Sure, I'm pulling hard for Michael Mauti (who currently sits atop the MLB depth chart), but I can't put my faith in a guy with three ACL tears. Jones boasts freakish athletic attributes across the board and, like Van Noy, can play multiple positions. The knock on Jones is between the ears—his mental game is too often an anchor on his physical upside. Enter Mike Zimmer. Van Noy and Jones are both so versatile that I'm not sure exactly where they fit at the next level, but I'd be incredibly intrigued to see how they'd be deployed in the Z-fense. </div>
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<b>4 (104) - Dion Bailey, S, USC | 6'0", 201 lbs. </b></div>
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Did I say versatility? Former linebacker Dion Bailey is still learning the ins and outs of the safety position, but like Van Noy and free agent acquisition Captain Munnerlyn, Bailey has a knack for the big play. Clearly, neither Jamarca Sanford nor Mistral Raymond are the answer next to Harrison Smith, and Bailey's athleticism and versatility should make him an immediate contributor.</div>
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<b>5 (136) - Walt Aikens, CB, Liberty | 6'1, 205 lbs. </b></div>
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The Munnerlyn signing certainly helped, but Captain is small, and you can never have too many CBs in today's NFL. In terms of size, the only difference between Aikens and Xavier Rhodes is five pounds. Aikens is not truly a small-school product—he was kicked off the Illinois team for misdemeanor theft in 2012, so there are some character concerns. Again... enter Mike Zimmer. Aikens has the prototypical size and natural talent to become a starting-caliber NFL CB, he just needs to be coached up. He's not unlike Christian Jones in that way. </div>
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<b>6 (168) - Isaiah Crowell, RB, Alabama State | 5'11", 224 lbs. </b></div>
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Crowell is so much more than just a Toby Gerhart replacement—he has the natural ability to become 29YO Adrian Peterson's successor. He might be the most naturally talented running back in this year's class, leading many to call him "this year's Christine Michael." The rub—of course there's a rub if you're getting a premium talent in R6—is that the former SEC Freshman of the Year was kicked off the Georgia team after three different weapons arrests. Despite keeping his nose clean at Alabama State, entitlement and maturity issues lingered. The only things seemingly standing between Crowell and NFL stardom are humility and desire. I can't imagine a better landing spot than behind all-time great Adrian Peterson.<br />
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<b>7 (200) - Keith Wenning, QB, Ball State | 6'3", 218 lbs. </b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span">I'm leaving the draft without a Charlie Johnson fix, and that sucks, </span>but this draft quickly became about impact difference makers... words not typically associated with offensive guards. Here's hoping 2013 6th-rounder Jeff Baca or FA addition Vladimir Ducasse can at least push Johnson this season.<span class="Apple-style-span"> Wenning is a personal favorite of mine. He's a prolific small-school project with a good blend of size, mechanics and arm strength—a very solid foundation to build from. I'd expect that this pick means the Vikings wash their hands of the Ponder debacle—he'd be a QB2 upgrade for most teams, in exchange for a 2015 6th-rounder (Gabbert set the market). You can never have too many good QBs, and assuming Bridgewater becomes a perennial Pro Bowler, you're suddenly blessed with a Schaub/Kolb/Flynn/Cousins situation. </span></div>
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Ryan Boserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10297342002997748745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8845405788475694833.post-88235734923578857532014-02-14T12:28:00.003-06:002014-02-14T13:17:05.643-06:00The Armchair QB's Notebook<br />
Disclaimer: I am not a draft expert.<br />
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These are merely layman's observations from a fantasy football writer and former high school QB. A big thanks goes out to the fine folks at draftbreakdown.com for enabling me to ditch work for amateur hour film study. I'll be updating and adding to my QB notes throughout the draft process.<br />
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<b>1. TEDDY BRIDGEWATER, LOUISVILLE</b><br />
<i>Games Watched So Far: Ohio, Miami</i><br />
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- 6'3", 205 lbs.<br />
- Natural, smooth.<br />
- Athletic, but not a runner. Uses mobility to extend plays/pocket, where he throws very well on the run (both directions).<br />
- Pinpoint darts into small windows at short/intermediate levels.<br />
- Not as dependable on deep throws.<br />
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- Easily the most polished QB prospect in this class.<br />
- A Day 1 starter wherever he lands.<br />
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<b><i>VIKINGS SLANT: He's the only guy I'd be happy with at No. 8, and I'd endorse a trade up if he begins to slide.</i></b><br />
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<b>2. BLAKE BORTLES, UCF</b></div>
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<i>Games Watched So Far: Penn State, Louisville, UConn</i></div>
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- 6'4", 227 lbs.</div>
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- Size/athleticism is A+.</div>
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- No fear. Competitor. Totally unflappable.</div>
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- I've seen Andrew Luck comparisons, and physically I can buy it, but he has a major flaw: his lower body mechanics are a mess. Instead of stepping into his throws and driving the ball, he opens up and loses his hips, causing loss of velocity and inconsistent accuracy/ball placement. </div>
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- His actual arm strength is hard to even judge, because he doesn't get his lower half into his throws.</div>
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- I would think this is coachable, but as of now he's a project who's nowhere near Sunday-ready. He'd be a pick-six magnet the way he floats his out routes.</div>
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<b><i>VIKINGS SLANT: Because of the physical potential, he's somebody I'd be fine moving back into the late-first round for, but you'll need to have a Band-Aid in place for 2014.</i></b></div>
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<b>3. DEREK CARR, FRESNO STATE</b></div>
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<i>Games Watched So Far: USC, New Mexico, Rutgers</i></div>
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- 6'2", 215 lbs.</div>
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- Golden arm. This kid can spin it.</div>
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- Athletic/mobile enough.</div>
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- Unlike Bortles, seems very flappable. Get pressure in his face and he resembles Cutler: overconfidence in supreme arm talent resulting in back-foot idiot throws. I'm not sure that this flaw is coachable.</div>
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- Only saw him in shotgun.</div>
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- He's gonna make people drool in shorts. Expect stock to rise as draft nears.</div>
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- I think if you can keep the pocket clean he could be a stud. </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">VIKINGS SLANT: I'd be very happy with him at 2.08, and wouldn't be against moving up a bit if he's sliding. Would compete for a Day 1 starting job.</span></div>
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<b>4. JOHNNY MANZIEL, TEXAS A&M</b></div>
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<i>Games Watched So Far: Alabama, LSU</i></div>
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- 6'0", 205 lbs.</div>
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- I could be totally wrong on this.</div>
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- He's going to get killed.</div>
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- Joystick mobility. I feel like I'm watching Madden. Ultra-rare ability to extend plays.</div>
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- Thrives on broken plays and improvisation, often escaping out the back of the pocket. He's simply too fast for college defenses. Will these things translate to the next level?</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span">- Oozes competitiveness and leadership.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span">- The Russell Wilson comparisons don't compute at all for me. Wilson plays controlled, and within himself. Manziel is the exact opposite.</span></div>
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- Wants to put the team on his back, and will singlehandedly win or lose games. </div>
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- Will flip field position—either direction—on any given play. </div>
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- Good enough arm, but throws it up for grabs too much for my liking (Mike Evans).</div>
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- You can't rein him in, or he's no longer JFF. The chaos is who he is. Ride or die.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">VIKINGS SLANT: I'm not willing to take him at No. 8, and he's unlikely to be there anyways. I'm worried that the speed of NFL defenses will neutralize what he does best. Rick has one more chance to get it right at QB... JFF would take some serious balls.</span></div>
</span>Ryan Boserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10297342002997748745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8845405788475694833.post-2658222509873484082012-09-27T16:38:00.001-05:002012-09-27T16:39:40.876-05:00Protect the Pig!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Minnesota @ Iowa Preview</b></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The 4-0 Golden Gophers travel south to take on the 2-2 Hawkeyes on Saturday. The past dozen years, it seems like the Hawkeyes have been riding momentum into this rivalry game, while Minnesota has been in a tailspin. Well, 2012 sees the rolls reversed, as the Gophers are off to their best start since 2008, and the Hawkeyes come limping into the Big10 season at 2-2 after losing at home to Central Michigan last week. Despite all of that, Iowa is a 7-point favorite.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The key matchup of the game is how Minnesota’s front seven will do against the Iowa running game. Despite their struggles, Iowa’s running game is its usual downhill, well-oiled self. This year’s feature back (after the first eight guys went down) is Mark Weisman. He came into the fall camp as the 3rd string fullback, but since being named the starter has gone for 330 yards and 6 touchdowns in just 2 games. Meanwhile, the Gophers defense is built on speed, and has sacrificed size to do so. The Gophers defensive ends are very small, and their linebackers are also on the small side. Both starting safeties are listed at under 200 pounds, which is small in today’s world. The ability to stop the run and put eight or nine in the box will be the second most important aspect of the game (after the turnover battle).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Injuries are another big piece for the Gophers, as it appears Max Shortell will make his second consecutive start in the absence of MarQueis Gray. Gophers center Zach Mottla is doubtful, left guard Tommy Olson is doubtful and nickel back Martez Shabazz is out. Patching together the O-line is going to be difficult against a solid D-line. If a third starter goes down along the line during the game, it could get real ugly up front.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">If the game is close, and low scoring, Iowa gets my nod as the favorite, as they have one of the best kickers in the country and a solid punter. Meanwhile the Gophers are one of the worst kicking and punting teams in the nation.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Both teams are at the crossroads…. a win for Iowa over rival Minnesota puts them back on track with a 1-0 conference start, and momentum heading into the Big10 season despite the poor the start. A loss leaves them at 2-3 overall, and a trophy case empty yet again. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">For Minnesota, a loss to </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">a struggling Iowa team</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> will leave the fan base second guessing what progress Kill has actually made. A win really cranks the momentum to new levels. The Gophers would go into their bye week 5-0, and ranked—or right on the edge of—the Top 25. Moreover, they will have secured Floyd of Rosedale for the third consecutive year, and notched their first win at Iowa since 1999. With just 12 games a year, and eight Big10 games, Week 1 of Big10 play reinforces just how important each and every week in college football can be.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">#ProtectThePig</span></div>
Ryan Boserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10297342002997748745noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8845405788475694833.post-90685948677463262512012-09-21T12:25:00.000-05:002012-09-21T12:26:29.909-05:00A Tribute to Tyrone<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-size: x-small;">By Jason Rossow</span></i><br />
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<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">This Saturday, Syracuse comes into TCF Bank Stadium for a matchup with the <b>UNDEFEATED</b> Golden Gophers. A night game, an undefeated team, and a BCS School matchup have combined to generate more buzz in Gopher Nation than at any point since Minnesota opened up their new stadium over three years ago. There are a <i>ton</i> of story lines with Max Shortell starting his first college game at home with Gray being sidelined. How will the Gophers D match-up with Syracuse’s high powered offense, and can the O-line establish running lanes for Donnell Kirkwood.<u></u><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">But thinking about Saturday, my mind keeps drifting to the Gopher Hall-of-Fame class of 2012. Most notably, Tyrone Carter. Carter is my all-time favorite Minnesota Gopher, and the best Gopher football player in my lifetime. I’d rank him ahead of Darryl Thompson, Ricky Foggie, Laurence Maroney, Marion Barber, Eric Decker, Matt Spaeth, and even Outland Trophy winner Greg Eslinger.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Carter came to Minnesota in 1996 from Pompano Beach Florida, while all of his friends went off to Miami, Florida and Florida State. He was raised by his Grandma, and she thought it would be beneficial for young Tyrone to get as far away as possible from the temptations and bad influences in the Florida area. Carter’s first year at the “U” was Jim Wacker's last. In some of the ugliest uniforms ever, Tyrone became a fan favorite as an 18-year-old freshman when he picked up two fumbles for touchdowns in less than a minute, in turn handing the Gophers a win over a Donavan McNabb-led Syracuse team.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Carter changed Gopher football. He was far and away the best player on the team his final three seasons, and helped change the Gophers from a perennial bottom feeder of the Big10 to a legitimate middle-of-the-pack bowl team, capable of beating any Big10 team on any given Saturday. Since 1967, no Minnesota team had won more than seven games, and only the '77 team won seven. But in 1999, Carter lead Minnesota to eight regular season wins, and their first bowl game in over a decade. In the 11 years starting with Carter’s last, Minnesota would go on to play in nine bowls. I think Tyrone Carter helped build expectations.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">As a 5’9", 185-lb. safety, he somehow was able to accumulate a ridiculous 528 tackles for the Maroon & Gold, which is easily the most in program history. In his junior year he compiled the most gaudy stats of any Gopher defender in any season. He has the all-time records for most tackles in a season </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;">(158)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;"> and solos (143), and he also recorded eight sacks and 15 tackles for loss from his safety spot! He has three of the top eight single season tackle totals for the “U”, and is one of the top all-time kick and punt returners too, along with scooping up seven fumbles in his career. He was a three-time All-Conference selection, and two-time first-team All-American. He was the team defensive and overall MVP his Junior and Senior seasons. His Senior season he won the Jim Thorpe Award given to the top D-Back in the country. He ended his career in the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;">Maroon & Gold</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;"> with a close loss to Oregon in the Sun Bowl where he recorded 18 tackles. He went on to play a long NFL career, including two Super Bowl wins with the Steelers, and twice being named defensive player of the week.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Tyrone Carter is my all-time favorite Gopher and he might be the single player responsible for my obsession with Gopher Football. Glen Mason had the best coaching tenure of any Gopher coach since Murray Warmath of the 50’s to early 70’s. I wonder if that would have been the case if he didn’t inherit a 5’9", 185-lb. sophomore from Florida.</span></div>
Ryan Boserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10297342002997748745noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8845405788475694833.post-4161554249616868842012-07-16T13:37:00.000-05:002012-07-16T13:37:43.469-05:00Fantasy Hot Links<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-utqVJx-CZ7w/UARd_pA1psI/AAAAAAAABKo/h0q6-_PO0Fw/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-07-16+at+11.27.06+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-utqVJx-CZ7w/UARd_pA1psI/AAAAAAAABKo/h0q6-_PO0Fw/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-07-16+at+11.27.06+AM.png" /></a></div>
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Sorry gang, I've been neglecting the blog for a few weeks as I've been in transition with another cross-country move (this time from Chicago to Seattle). I've also been gearing up for the fantasy season, working hard for the newly launched <a href="http://www.leaguesafepost.com/" target="_blank">LeagueSafe Post</a>. Below are links to my latest work:</div>
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<li><a href="http://www.leaguesafepost.com/fantasy-football-sleepers-2012-2/" target="_blank">2012 Undervalued Fantasy Players</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.leaguesafepost.com/" target="_blank">2012 Overvalued Fantasy Players</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.leaguesafepost.com/bosers-tweetbeat-71112/" target="_blank">Boser's TweetBeat (7/11/12)</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.leaguesafepost.com/running-back-odometers/" target="_blank">Graphing Running Back Declines</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/taz/2012/07/12/twitter-fantasy-football-roundtable" target="_blank">Podcast: 2012 Breakouts</a></li>
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Enjoy!</div>Ryan Boserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10297342002997748745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8845405788475694833.post-14232770919251359212012-06-19T17:33:00.001-05:002012-06-19T18:04:12.496-05:00Should Rick Anderson Be On the Hot Seat?<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UwfQWAhjWLU/T-D-Ed-rbWI/AAAAAAAABKU/lMZLq18ddiY/s1600/Francisco+Liriano+Rick+Anderson+New+York+Yankees+hiiCo0LbK9-l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UwfQWAhjWLU/T-D-Ed-rbWI/AAAAAAAABKU/lMZLq18ddiY/s1600/Francisco+Liriano+Rick+Anderson+New+York+Yankees+hiiCo0LbK9-l.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Seemingly every time Twins hitters have struggled over the past two seasons, the masses have made Joe Vavra the scapegoat. He's a convenient target who took a lot of heat last season despite an absurd amount of injuries to his lineup (Mauer, Morneau, Kubel, Span, etc.). Meanwhile, the 2011 pitching staff was mostly healthy and returning basically the same staff from 2010, yet their collective ERA jumped by nearly a half a run (from 4.17 in
2010 to 4.64 in 2011). <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have never been one to call for a person's head, especially a pitching or hitting coach, because their job performance can be very intangible. However, I think it’s
time to put a little heat on Rick Anderson’s seat. Gardenhire has more
affection for Rick Anderson than he did for Nick Punto, so he’s not likely to get fired, but it might be the change they need.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rick Anderson is as likeable
as any coach the Twins have on their staff—perhaps that's part of the problem. The Twins need someone with fire, or at least someone who can
handle pitchers who are fiery competitors. Many people blame the front office for the lack of pitching talent
coming through the system, but realistically, if Rick Anderson could have
gotten along with some of their players, this starting rotation wouldn’t be
worst in baseball. For example, here are just a few pitchers who, for various reasons, are no longer part of the Twins' rotation:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span></b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;"><b>R.A. Dickey</b> – This
is probably the easiest guy on the list to look past because of his age (now 37) and
ineffectiveness during his stint with the Twins. If Anderson and the Twins staff could have
stuck with Dickey during his transition to a knuckleball pitcher, they’d likely
have a top 5 pitcher in the league. I
personally don’t blame them for letting him go, because no one could have projected
this type of progression for Dickey.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;"><b>Kyle Lohse</b> – It
was widely publicized that Lohse did not get along with Gardenhire and his
staff—at one point he got so upset that he <a href="http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2005-09-09/sports/0509090201_1_baseball-bat-carl-crawford-rays" target="_blank">struck the manager’s door with a bat</a>. </span>The Twins rotation has a bulldog in Carl
Pavano, but there really isn’t anyone other than him who has shown the
fire needed to be a No. 2 or even No. 3 starter. Can you imagine this Twins staff trying to deal with Jack Morris, who
was as fiery as they come? For some
reason, Anderson and Gardenhire cannot handle these types of<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;"> pitchers, but it is exactly the type of pitcher this squad needs.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>-<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">
</span>Matt Garza </b>– Garza, like Lohse was another
pitcher with a fiery attitude that didn’t see eye to eye with the Twins staff,
prompting his trade to Tampa Bay. He may be stubborn, but Garza is another very competitive pitcher who would be a boon to this rotation. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>-<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">
</span>Kevin Slowey </b>– Slowey was one of the Twins' prized pitching prospects, as he dominated at every level until he
made it to the majors. Once he got to the show, he was actually fairly solid, going 12-11 with a 3.99 ERA in his first
full season. Despite good win-loss
totals (which are pretty meaningless) in 2009 and 2010, his ERA ballooned to
the 4.50 range (still would be solid for this current rotation) and he was sent to the bullpen. As we know, he balked at the demotion, and was eventually traded away this past offseason.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>-<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">
</span>Glen Perkins</b> – Given the success Perkins has had
as a set-up man the past two seasons, many people forget the feud he had with
the Twins staff. There was a point in
2009 where he and his agent were looking into a claim that the Twins were
keeping him in the minors because of <a href="http://www.kffl.com/gnews.php?id=595171" target="_blank">future free agent status requirements</a>. The Twins staff was upset with Perkins for
not disclosing a so-called injury after a poor start, but thankfully, the two sides made
up before the club lost another solid arm.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These are just a few examples in the recent history of
feuds between pitchers and the Twins coaching staff. Now, I understand that every team has some
bad eggs, but this seems like a pretty obvious trend and it’s really being
overlooked right now. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Twins have scored the most runs out
of any team in the MLB since mid-May, and their defense has been much better than last season, but the starting pitching staff (second worst in baseball) has prevented them from contending for the division. In fairness to
Anderson, the Twins obviously miss Carl Pavano and Scott
Baker, but their starters' No. 29 ERA (6.06) is more than a full run worse than the No. 28 Royals. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's become painfully obvious that the Twins need to reevaluate Rick Anderson. </span></div>Ryan Boserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10297342002997748745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8845405788475694833.post-46342363909296531082012-04-29T19:39:00.001-05:002012-04-29T19:42:46.654-05:00Vikings 2012 Rookie Class Video Collection<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">No. 4 - Matt Kalil, LT, USC (6'6", 306 lbs.)</span></b><br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="233" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/kqpscVq8aUo" width="400"></iframe><br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="233" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ZeAkepcDlrc" width="400"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">No. 29 - Harrison Smith, S, Notre Dame (6'2", 213 lbs.)</span></b><br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="233" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/wGs37-DNrM4" width="400"></iframe><br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="233" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/6RYHD6dMy7U" width="400"></iframe><br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="233" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Fm1AVUE6XqU" width="400"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">No. 66 - Josh Robinson, CB, UCF (5'10", 199 lbs.)</span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="233" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/gQgNyl0yVMw" width="400"></iframe><br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="233" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/zPcaPtUAc-E" width="400"></iframe><br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="233" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/wmXMEjSyrDI" width="400"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">No. 118 - Jarius Wright, WR, Arkansas (5'10", 180 lbs.)</span></b></div>
<div>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="233" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/I_jShc0LPJU" width="400"></iframe><br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="233" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/UvsOXKXCMMo" width="400"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: bold;">No. 128 - Rhett Ellison, TE/FB, USC (6'5", 251 lbs.)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="233" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/nXwNaAiiLMc" width="400"></iframe><br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="233" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/x4Ai_vyH4vU" width="400"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: bold;">No. 134 - Greg Childs, WR, Arkansas (6'3", 219 lbs.)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="233" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/lmSgv7X5h0E" width="400"></iframe><br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="233" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/zNvWZxn-DV8" width="400"></iframe><br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="301" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/DLBwqJYH5yc" width="400"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: bold;">No. 139 - Robert Blanton DB, Notre Dame (6'1", 208 lbs.)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="233" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/MtiAn-pZbYE" width="400"></iframe><br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="233" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/g6VW8TqScdE" width="400"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: bold;">No. 175 - Blair Walsh, K, Georgia (5'9", 187 lbs.)</span><br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="233" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/gO1DfIH_oqA" width="400"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: bold;">No. 210 - Audie Cole, LB, NC State (6'4", 246 lbs.)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="233" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/3PGXnIyukIQ" width="400"></iframe><br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="233" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/jQUXJLL9zCg" width="400"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: bold;">No. 219 - Trevor Guyton, DE, California (6'3", 285 lbs.)</span><br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="233" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/RRT9edkkITo" width="400"></iframe><br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="233" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/v0IAhfcG06Y" width="400"></iframe>Ryan Boserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10297342002997748745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8845405788475694833.post-88859144133321095512012-04-24T21:22:00.003-05:002012-04-24T21:23:27.984-05:00Early Season Twins Thoughts<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y_3SryjNgug/T5dcEmYNjpI/AAAAAAAABJ4/UFt5UhRlSQg/s1600/143185398_crop_650x440.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y_3SryjNgug/T5dcEmYNjpI/AAAAAAAABJ4/UFt5UhRlSQg/s1600/143185398_crop_650x440.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">By Matt Tschida</span></i></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Time for Valencia/Burroughs Platoon?<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I never really bought into the Danny Valencia hype back
when he was among the Twins' top minor league prospects. His career
minor league production wasn't great, but rather solid, with an average of .298 and an OBP of .353. Moreover, the most home runs he ever hit in
one season was 17. Granted, if he could
hit .298 with 15-20 home runs while playing solid defense, the Twins would
be thrilled. The problem is that he's gotten pull-happy, which has made it easy for opposing teams to pitch him away.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When Valencia stays focused on using the whole field, he can drive balls to both gaps for
extra base hits, as he did in his rookie season when he hit .311 in 85 games. Valencia's lack of focus at the plate has been coupled with struggles in the field, which is something we grew accustomed to last year. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So far this season, Valencia is already a -3 in the
defensive runs saved—a stat that shows how many runs a player saves (or gives
up) defensively compared to the average defender. Last season, Valencia was 13 runs saved below
the average third baseman. If he's not pulling his share of the load at the plate or in the field, there's no reason to continue to trot him out to third base on an everyday basis. With
Terry Ryan taking over, the “scholarship” era was supposed to be
over. Other than Valencia’s 85 games as
a rookie, he hasn’t done anything to warrant the opportunities he continues to get from this club. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My solution for the immediate future would be to start
platooning Valencia with Sean Burroughs. Burroughs is the far superior fielder, and could face right handed
pitchers (career .290 hitter vs. right handed pitchers) while Valencia would play
against left handed pitchers (career .327 hitter vs. LHP compared to .241 vs. RHP). Considering
how much the Twins' pitching staff relies on its defense, they would be better
served with the sure-handed Burroughs playing the hot corner more often. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Terry Ryan’s Signings Off to a Good Start<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Despite the team's early season woes, Terry Ryan's offseason signings have gotten
off to solid starts. Josh Willingham, the hottest Twins' bat, has shown that he can fill the void left by Cuddyer by hitting .311 with 5 home runs and 12 RBIs. Ryan Doumit and Jamey Carroll have also produced early. Doumit, who gives Gardenhire much-needed flexibility with his ability to play C/OF/1B, is hitting .245, but is second on the
team with his 10 RBI so far. Carroll,
whose ability to play shortstop full time was questioned, has stabilized the
infield and while coming up
with some clutch hits (he’s hitting only .245, but is fourth on the team with an OBP of .338).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The pitching that was added this offseason has also
gotten off to a good start. In his two
starts so far, Jason Marquis has done what the Twins expect from him; pitch
into the 6<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">th</span> or 7<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">th</span> inning and give the Twins a chance to
win. The three bullpen arms added (Jeff Gray, Jared Burton and Matt Maloney) have all succeeded in their early roles, with Gray and
Maloney carrying ERA’s under 3.00. After Burton’s shaky first outing, he's only
given up one run in six innings. </span><o:p></o:p></div>Ryan Boserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10297342002997748745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8845405788475694833.post-5339236437222905202012-04-19T11:37:00.011-05:002012-04-20T08:29:55.649-05:00Will the Vikings Improve on 3-13 in 2012?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pumRhhcyA7w/T5A11BZ4VsI/AAAAAAAABJg/4PaCULSMPok/s1600/Christian+Ponder+Minnesota+Vikings+v+Carolina+3aD7peCsRYPl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pumRhhcyA7w/T5A11BZ4VsI/AAAAAAAABJg/4PaCULSMPok/s1600/Christian+Ponder+Minnesota+Vikings+v+Carolina+3aD7peCsRYPl.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
<br />
In today's NFL free agency era, teams can make dramatic turnarounds in a very short period of time. Unfortunately, our 3-13 Vikings flunked free agency. While they're certain to get an instant contributor with the third pick in the draft, it's hard to argue with <a href="http://www.casinotop10.net/">online casinos</a> that have pinned the Vikings (100/1) with the second longest Super Bowl odds (Cleveland's at 150/1). <br />
<br />
A quick look at the Vikings' last-place schedule shows some very winnable games, especially early. Without going into depth, here's my first impression of the <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">wins</span></b>, <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">losses</span> </b>and <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138;">wild cards</span></b>. <br />
<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"> Week 1: vs. Jacksonville<br />
Week 2: at Indianapolis</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"> Week 3: vs. San Francisco<br />
Week 4: at Detroit</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138;"> Week 5: vs. Tennessee<br />
Week 6: at Washington<br />
Week 7: vs. Arizona<br />
Week 8: vs. Tampa Bay<br />
Week 9: at Seattle</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"> Week 10: vs. Detroit</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"> Week 12: at Chicago<br />
Week 13: at Green Bay</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138;"> Week 14: vs. Chicago<br />
Week 15: at St. Louis</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"> Week 16: at Houston<br />
Week 17: vs. Green Bay</span></b><br />
<br />
Clearly, there will be some tightly contested matchups, and the five-game stretch from Weeks 5-9 will go a long ways in defining the season. At first glance, I can see the Vikings finishing anywhere between 2-14 and 9-7, which means—BREAKING NEWS—the Vikings have no chance of making the playoffs. <br />
<br />
If I were playing <a href="http://www.casinotop10.net/blackjack.shtml">blackjack</a>, I'd split my eights and<b> put the Vikings on a 6-10 record</b>. Amongst the <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138;">wild card games</span></b>, I'd give the team home victories over Tennessee (Week 5), Arizona (Week 6), Tampa Bay (Week 8) and Chicago (Week 14). I don't think any of these opponents have the aerial firepower to take advantage of Minnesota's defunct secondary, the protection to slow a fierce pass rush or the maturity to overcome hostile road environments. I have a low opinion of Josh Freeman, and while Chicago is tricky, I think there's a good chance they'll have imploded by Week 14.<br />
<br />
Conversely, I see the Vikings losing the three road <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138;"><b>wild card games</b></span> at Washington, Seattle and St. Louis. Each of these teams should be much-improved, with the Redskins and Seahawks sporting new signal callers, and Jeff Fisher, Cortland Finnegan and (potentially) Justin Blackmon bringing credibility to the Rams. <br />
<br />
The talent gap between the Vikings and each of these <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138;">wild card teams</span></b> is very slim, and to be honest, I feel like 6-10 may be too generous. So go ahead, call me a homer, there's a first time for everything!</span>Ryan Boserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10297342002997748745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8845405788475694833.post-51459419931239192662012-04-15T20:47:00.098-05:002012-04-23T12:21:15.023-05:00Vikings Mock Draft: Inside the War Room<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eKawBycAl0U/T4t742iXetI/AAAAAAAABJA/2-qTvL5de30/s1600/lsoy297_justin_blackmon_iconsmi1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eKawBycAl0U/T4t742iXetI/AAAAAAAABJA/2-qTvL5de30/s1600/lsoy297_justin_blackmon_iconsmi1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>1.06 - Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>1.29 - Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>2.03 - Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>3.03 - Markelle Martin, FS, Oklahoma State</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>4.01 - Antonio Allen, SS, South Carolina</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>4.03 - Tommy Streeter, WR, Miami</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>4.33* - Juron Criner, WR, Arizona</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>4.39* - Tank Carder, ILB, TCU</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>6.05 - Evan Rodriguez, TE/FB, Temple</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>7.39 - Greg Zuerlein, K, Missouri Western State</b></span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For the second consecutive season, I’m proud to be a part of the Vikings’ war room in the Twitter-based </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.mockone.net/">MockOne</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> series. Each of the 32 teams are represented by a contingent of NFL tweeters that range from paid NFL Draft analysts, to amateur draftniks, to lowly bloggers like myself. I’m joined in the purple trenches by </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://twitter.com/#!/JoshMTD">Josh Deceuster</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> of “Mocking the Draft,” and </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://twitter.com/#!/vikingterritory">Brett Anderson</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> and Adam Warwas of “Vikings Territory.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The following are my notes. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Andrew Luck</b> and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Robert Griffin III</b> were selected, we immediately made the No. 3 pick available. We were fully prepared to select USC OT <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt Kalil</b>, but wanted to see what kind of package the pick might fetch, as the team is in desperate need of an across-the-board youth infusion.</span></li>
</ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Miami was the only team we outwardly approached, thinking they’d be interested in <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ryan Tannehill, </b>but they weren’t. However, we were a bit surprised to get serious interest from the Rams (1.06). We assumed that Kalil was their guy, so making a trade meant he wouldn’t be available for us at No. 6. </span></li>
</ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Rams’ best offer for pick 1.03 was a package of 1.06, 2.07 and 4.01. Ultimately, we felt that by moving back just three spots, we’d still have the opportunity to select one of the top three non-quarterbacks on our board (Kalil, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">LSU CB Morris Claiborne</b> or <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">OK State WR Justin Blackmon</b>) while adding valuable picks to begin rebuilding our porous roster. The picks would also give us flexibility to move back up if the right player slid in the first round. </span></li>
</ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We accepted the offer, knowing there were three acceptable outcomes that we ranked in this order: (1) </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Select Claiborne at No. 6; (2) </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Trade back again, amass more picks and target <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Notre Dame WR Michael Floyd</b> or <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Iowa OT Riley Reiff</b>; (3) </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“Settle” for Justin Blackmon.</span></li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal"></div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As expected, Kalil went third to the Rams, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Alabama RB Trent Richardson</b> went fourth to the Browns and the Bucs snatched up Claiborne one spot before us. </span></li>
</ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We tried feverishly to move back, targeting teams picking 8-13, but garnered no interest.</span></li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">With the sixth pick (1.06) in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings select Justin Blackmon, wide receiver, Oklahoma State.</span></span></b><br />
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</span></span></b></div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This pick was not unanimous, as there was a push for both Floyd and Reiff. Ultimately, we concluded that the Blackmon (6’ 1/2”, 211 lbs.) was the draft’s premier perimeter playmaker, and could provide <b>Christian Ponder</b> more firepower in an attempt to keep pace in the high-octane NFC North. While he wasn’t a Combine workout warrior like fellow receivers Michael Floyd or Georgia Tech’s Stephen Hill, Blackmon’s on-field domination couldn’t be denied. He’s no Troy Williamson in the 40, but he’s an incredibly strong athlete who boasts jaw-dropping body control. He runs good routes, and we felt that his elite YAC ability would be the perfect outside compliment to <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Percy Harvin</b>, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Kyle Rudolph/John Carlson</b> and a strong run game in our West Coast Offense. He’s an instant starter opposite Harvin, relegating <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Michael Jenkins</b> to spot duty.</span></li>
</ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We were happy with the Blackmon selection, but felt a bit uneasy after passing on Kalil, knowing that Reiff, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Stanford’s Jonathan Martin</b> and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ohio State’s Mike Adams </b>would all potentially be off the board before our next pick.</span></li>
</ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When we reached 2.20 and Jonathan Martin, our consensus No. 3 OT, was still on the board, we began discussing cashing in some of our quantity for quality.</span></li>
</ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With Martin still on the board at 26, we took action, offering Houston picks 2.07, 4.01 and 6.05. They rejected. The Patriots then rejected the identical offer for pick No. 27. </span></li>
</ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With the Ravens on the clock at 29, and Martin still available, we finally struck a deal, sending picks 2.07, 5.03 and 7.03 to Baltimore.</span></li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">With the 29th pick (1.29) in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings select Jonathan Martin, offensive tackle, Stanford.</span></span></b><br />
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</span></span></b></div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After dealing with the Rams and Ravens, the Vikings essentially swapped Matt Kalil (1.03), 5.03 and 7.03 for Justin Blackmon (1.06), Jonathan Martin (1.29) and 4.01. </span></li>
</ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We were ecstatic to pull this off, and while Martin (6’6”, 305 lbs.) is no Matt Kalil, he does project as a good left tackle at the next level. It’s been <a href="http://nflfilms.nfl.com/2012/04/12/cosell-talks-whats-at-a-premium/">well documented</a> that recent Super Bowl champions have been winning with less-than-dominant left tackles. Martin’s not a brute like bookend <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Phil Loadholt</b>, but Andrew Luck’s former blindside protector is quick, athletic and very smart. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Charlie Johnson</b> slides inside to left guard, and we’ve now added two crucial pieces at two positions of dire need that will help Christian Ponder succeed in his second season.</span></li>
</ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With two massive boxes checked, our conversation quickly shifted to the secondary and pick 2.03. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Notre Dame safety Harrison Smith</b> was the popular name, but none of us were convinced that he was anywhere near BPA at this point, so we again discussed sliding back. Despite adding Blackmon, we toyed with the idea of <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">South Carolina wide receiver Alshon Jeffery</b>. In the end, we kept coming back to one name: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">North Alabama cornerback Janoris Jenkins</b>.</span></li>
</ul><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">With the 35th pick (2.03) in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings select Janoris Jenkins, cornerback, North Alabama.</span></b><br />
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</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As a pure cover corner, Jenkins has as much ability as anybody this side of Morris Claiborne. He’s a touch small (5’10”, 183 lbs.), but he’d be a potential top-10 pick if not for his <a href="http://www.cincyjungle.com/2012/2/27/2828069/janoris-jenkins-red-flags-will-force-teams-to-remove-him-of-their">off-field issues</a>. We felt that we’d nailed two major needs prior to this pick, so with our third pick—a second rounder, no less—the reward greatly outweighed the risk with Jenkins. While cornerback isn’t as desperate a need as safety after the additions of Chris Cook (aquitted) and stopgaps Zach Bowman and Chris Carr, this pick has the potential to pay long-term dividends in the league’s best passing division. Names like Randy Moss, Chris Carter and Percy Harvin kept coming up; supremely talented players who were worth the risk. Here’s hoping that the God-fearing Leslie Frazier can mold a man (and perennial Pro Bowler) out of Jenkins. </span></li>
</ul><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>UPDATE: 4/17, 9:38 AM</b></span></div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After furiously maneuvering our way through the first 35 picks, we felt that we'd secured three top-20 talents at positions of need, and finally had a chance to catch our breaths and regroup. At this point it became clear that we needed to make safety a priority at 3.03 (Mistral Raymond/Jamarca Sanford would arguably be the worst safety tandem of the modern era).</span></li>
</ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We had a long list of BPA that we could potentially consider if they slid to us, which included <b>North Carolina OLB Zach Brown </b>(2.22 to Detroit) and <b>Clemson DT Brandon Thompson</b> (2.28 to Green Bay).</span></li>
</ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Mississippi OT Bobby Massie</b>, a right tackle, was also a very popular name in our war room. However, we expect mauler Phil Loadholt to take the next step in his contract year, and we're still optimistic about 2011 sixth-rounder DeMarcus Love.</span></li>
</ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Boise State safety George Iloka </b>was atop my wish list, and I was a bit heartbroken when he was selected by the Patriots at 2.31.</span></li>
</ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When we reached the on-deck circle, our war room was split between <b>Oklahoma State safety Markelle Martin </b>(my choice) and <b>Montana cornerback/safety Trumaine Johnson</b>. Knowing that there were two players we'd be happy with, we entertained the notion of sliding back, but found no takers.</span></li>
</ul><div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">With the 66th pick (3.03) in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings select Markelle Martin, safety, Oklahoma State.</span></b></span><br />
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<ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Considering that we'd already added Janoris Jenkins to a secondary that included Chris Cook, questions about Trumaine Johnson's character and work ethic didn't do him any favors in our war room.</span></li>
</ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The moment we called Martin's name, he became the best safety on our roster. At 6'1", 207 lbs., he'll be able to play either safety spot in our Tampa 2, and has the ability to be a major contributor on special teams as well. He's a big-time athlete with an NFL body who hits like a truck. He's also a low-risk, pro-ready prospect. He has some technique/fundamental flaws, but like OSU teammate Justin Blackmon, he's a smart, hard-working kid who's passionate about the game. For this reason, we think his warts can be corrected relatively easily with NFL coaching.</span></li>
</ul><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="font-family: Times;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>UPDATE: 4/17,11:50 PM</b></span></span></div></div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With one of the extra picks (4.01) we added from St. Louis via the Kalil trade, we held both 4.01 and 4.03. We'd addressed major needs prior to these picks, so we were in favor of drafting BPA regardless of position.</span></li>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We unanimously had <b>Jamell Fleming (CB, Oklahoma) </b>queued up as our pick at 4.01, and were shocked that he was sill available late in the third. Sadly, he was plucked by the 49ers at 3.30, sending us into a bit of a tizzy. </span></li>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My three teammates had <b>South Carolina safety Antonio Allen</b> as their next best player. I was not thrilled, and offered up <b>Michigan St. quarterback Kirk Cousins </b>as<b> </b>my choice. I think he'd be an outstanding developmental West Coast Offense quarterback and long-term Ponder insurance. Or, I could have envisioned him as the next Matt Schaub/Kevin Kolb/Matt Flynn—a guy we'd turn into a second rounder in a couple of years. Drafting him would require the Vikings to carry four quarterbacks, however, and it simply didn't add up. </span></li>
</ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Without tipping our hand, I also fought hard for another player who I've been promised will be a Viking if he lasts to 4.33. There was more dissent than ever before this pick. Thanks, San Francisco.</span></li>
</ul><ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></ul><br />
<ul></ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">With the 96th (4.01) pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings select Antonio Allen, safety, South Carolina.</span></b></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: 800;"><br />
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<ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;"></div><ul style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;"></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><b> </b></span></div></div></span>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was the final holdout on Allen (6'2", 202 lbs.), and it took some serious convincing. My primary concern was his ability to cover deep. What I wasn't worried about was his ability to lay the wood. He was a hybrid S/LB at South Carolina, and was excellent in run support and coverage of opposing tight ends.</span></li>
</ul><ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<li>A tailor-made special teamer to boot, we've now addressed the secondary with three consecutive picks. While most boards would probably rate both Markelle Martin and Antonio Allen as moderate stretches where they were selected, I look at it as a matter of low supply and high demand. Safety is a league-wide problem—it's not exclusive to the Vikings. This is a thin safety class, which drove up the value of both Martin and Allen.</li>
</span></ul><ul style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><li>In this scenario, there'd be a very good chance that Minnesota would be starting a rookie safety tandem, and while there would surely be growing pains in coverage, there'd be no free passes over the middle for opposing offenses.</li>
</ul></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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</span></span></div></div></div><div><div style="font-family: Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span></div><div style="font-family: Times;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>UPDATE: 4/18,8:42 AM</b></span></span></span></div></div></div><ul style="font-family: Times;"><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We fully expected to come out of this draft with at least two wide receivers, and after selecting three consecutive defensive backs, we shifted our focus back to Christian Ponder.</span></span></li>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></ul><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; font-weight: 800;">With the 98th pick (4.03) in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings select Tommy Streeter, wide receiver, Miami.</span></div><br />
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<ul style="font-family: Times;"><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Streeter was not our BPA. In fact, he wasn't even our highest rated wide receiver. However, his mouth watering blend of size (6'5", 219 lbs.) and speed (unofficial 4.34 40) was just too enticing for us to risk waiting until 4.33. Streeter is a very raw, inexperienced and inconsistent prospect, so he's a long ways away from reaching his ceiling as a bonafide No. 1 receiver. In the meantime, we'll be more than happy to ease the developmental project into the mix by utilizing his speed on "nines" and his size in the red zone. </span></span></li>
</ul><ul style="font-family: Times;"><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Two years from now, Ponder's arsenal of Percy Harvin, Kyle Rudolph, Justin Blackmon and Tommy Streeter will be a nightmare for opposing defensive coordinators. </span></span></li>
</ul><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br />
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<div><div><div style="font-family: Times;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>UPDATE: 4/19,10:24 AM</b></span></span></span></div></div></div></div><ul style="font-family: Times;"><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Approaching our two compensatory picks we'd acquired in compensation for the departures of Sidney Rice and Ray Edwards, we felt that we'd done very well in addressing needs and would attempt to go BPA regardless of position for the remainder of the draft.</span></span></li>
</ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was desperately hoping that my guy, <b>Nevada ILB James Michael-Johnson</b>, would last to 4.33, but the Redskins snagged him at 4.07.</span></li>
</ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We'd already taken part in the huge run of wide receivers with Streeter (between picks 3.27 and 4.30, 11 receivers came off the board). However, true to our board, we went back to the well for Ponder one more time.</span></li>
</ul><ul style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></ul><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; font-weight: 800;">With the 128th pick (4.33) in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings select Juron Criner, wide receiver, Arizona.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; font-weight: 800;"><br />
</span></div></div><div><ul style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></ul><div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="233" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/LsXN3nYvVW4" width="400"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
<ul style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-weight: normal;"><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Criner was far and away the best player on our board. In fact, we had him rated ahead of each of the previous 13 receivers selected (we'd elevated Streeter due to his unlimited ceiling). At 6'4", 215 lbs., with a 38" vertical, Criner is a huge outside target with second-round talent. He doesn't have top-end speed—he's more in the mold of Sidney rice in terms of size, leaping ability, hands and body control. His stock was hurt by an appendectomy that dented his numbers, and a rumored (undisclosed) mental condition, so he's a bit of a wild card. While he's more pro-ready than Streeter, he'll still need to polish his game and improve his consistency.</span></span></span></li>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></ul><ul style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-weight: normal;"><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We love the talented competition we've added to a depleted receiver group in Blackmon, Streeter and Criner.</span></span></span></li>
</ul></div><div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; font-weight: 800;">With the 134th pick (4.39) in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings select Tank Carder, linebacker, TCU.</span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; font-weight: 800;"><br />
</span></span></div></div><ul style="color: black;"><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The rest of the war room was higher on this guy than I was—I preferred <b>Emmanuel Acho</b>—but I'm happy to have added much-needed depth and competition at MLB. At 6'3", 237 lbs., Carder's a different breed from the guys we've targeted to this point. He's not a tremendous athlete with a ton of untapped potential, but instead an overachiever that's oozing with instincts, passion, effort and leadership. We think he can grow into the mold of Heath Farwell—a solid backup and standout special teamer.</span></li>
</ul><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div></div></div><div><div><div style="font-family: Times;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>UPDATE: 4/23,12:10 PM</b></span></span></div></div></div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There were four players we were keying in on with this pick: <b>linebackers Emmanuel Acho (Texas) and Travis Lewis (Oklahoma)</b>, <b>running back Chris Rainey (Florida)</b> and <b>defensive tackle Nicolas Jean-Baptiste (Baylor)</b>. None of them made it to us, so we again went with the best player on our board. </span></li>
</ul><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">With the 175th (6.05) pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings select Evan Rodriguez, tight end/fullback, Temple.</span></b></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></b></b></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IVb2FZMsPb4/T5WPQWodF5I/AAAAAAAABJw/NZ_hJSJy4zs/s1600/213111109MIAMIATTEMPLE0004-L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IVb2FZMsPb4/T5WPQWodF5I/AAAAAAAABJw/NZ_hJSJy4zs/s1600/213111109MIAMIATTEMPLE0004-L.jpg" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></b></b></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Laugh it up. We'd already added tight end John Carlson and fullbacks Jerome Felton and Lex Hilliard to the mix via free agency, but Rodriguez brings something completely different to the table. At 6'2", 250 lbs., Rodriguez possesses the athleticism and versatility to move around the formation (both inline and in the backfield) and create mismatches as an "h-back." He needs to mature, but with a little coaching creativity, there's no doubt that he has the talent to carve out a role in this offense. He's another multi-faceted weapon for Christian Ponder and Bill Musgrave. </span></li>
</ul><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-size: large; font-weight: 800;">With the 223rd (7.16) pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings select Greg Zuerlein, kicker, Western Missouri State.</span></span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-size: large; font-weight: 800;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We concluded our draft by selecting the overall top kicker on our board. Zuerlein has a cannon for a leg (last year he set an NCAA record by going 9-of-9 from 50+ yards, including a pair from 58). The aging Ryan Longwell is on the decline, so Zuerlein's 60-yard range could come in handy sooner rather than later.</span></li>
</ul></div><div></div></div><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></div>Ryan Boserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10297342002997748745noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8845405788475694833.post-12759768432596995512012-04-10T21:39:00.007-05:002012-04-10T21:42:58.046-05:00Should the Vikings Trade Everson Griffen?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gde-bQyqXwI/T4Tvq_zvhjI/AAAAAAAABI4/mmywd3sCB6c/s1600/Everson+Griffen+Detroit+Lions+v+Minnesota+hzncMUw-m0cl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gde-bQyqXwI/T4Tvq_zvhjI/AAAAAAAABI4/mmywd3sCB6c/s1600/Everson+Griffen+Detroit+Lions+v+Minnesota+hzncMUw-m0cl.jpg" /></a></div>I’m not panicking. Panicking is for teams with high expectations. <br />
<br />
However, if I thought the 2012 Vikings could flirt with .500, I’d probably be losing sleep over Michael Jenkins starting opposite Percy Harvin. I’d be chewing my nails as I watched Rick Spielman patch together the cornerback unit with replacement-level talent. And I’d be popping Xanex like Altoids at the thought of two special teamers (Jamarca Sanford and Mistral Raymond) manning the deep halves of the Tampa 2 in the NFL’s best passing division. <br />
<br />
Aaron Rodgers and Matthew Stafford combined for 9,681 yards and 86 touchdowns last season? Pass the Smirnoff. <br />
<br />
The cold, hard reality is that 12 months from now, Vikings fans will likely be in a similar situation: breaking down top-five draft picks. Still, rebuilding this broken roster has to start somewhere, and the team is rich at exactly one position. <br />
<br />
Defensive end.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1140723-minnesota-vikings-why-everson-griffen-should-be-traded">Click here</a> to read the rest of the story at Bleacher Report.Ryan Boserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10297342002997748745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8845405788475694833.post-50254086875932017222012-04-07T22:17:00.003-05:002012-04-08T16:43:47.693-05:00Minnesota Vikings' Options at No. 35<div style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 13px;"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lt0mjGQ8eeA/T4EDPWXNe_I/AAAAAAAABIQ/VUNlAY5R4c4/s1600/Alshon+Jeffery+Arkansas+v+South+Carolina+jY3yvpQY-hml.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lt0mjGQ8eeA/T4EDPWXNe_I/AAAAAAAABIQ/VUNlAY5R4c4/s1600/Alshon+Jeffery+Arkansas+v+South+Carolina+jY3yvpQY-hml.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We’ve officially entered the dog days of the NFL Draft process. Draftniks have overthought every possible scenario to the point of delirium, and with the Vikings essentially holding the No. 1 pick, the spotlight of insanity is shining squarely on Rick Spielman. Imaginations are running wild, and the irrational notion that a team may actually be willing to ante up for Ryan Tannehill at No. 3 is the flavor of the week. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><a href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1136661-nfl-draft-minnesota-vikings-options-at-no-35">Click here</a> to read the rest of the article at Bleacher Report. </i><o:p></o:p></div>Ryan Boserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10297342002997748745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8845405788475694833.post-57117151393308070422012-04-05T09:11:00.000-05:002012-04-05T09:11:58.506-05:00Gopher Gab: Frozen Four<div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i><br />
</i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VOxl6Q5QPy8/T32oIGNv9EI/AAAAAAAABII/VP9Kl8YCw44/s1600/patterson2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VOxl6Q5QPy8/T32oIGNv9EI/AAAAAAAABII/VP9Kl8YCw44/s1600/patterson2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i><br />
</i></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>By Jason Rossow</i></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The Gophers are back in the Frozen Four for the first time since 2005.<span> </span>The regular season WCHA champs dominated the West Regional crushing Boston 7-3 and North Dakota 5-2.<span> </span>Now, they face the unanimous No. 1 team in the nation: Boston College.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Boston College may be the most talented team in the nation, and has the hottest goalie as a backstop.<span> </span>BC shut out Air Force 2-0 and Duluth 4-0 on their way to the semi’s.<span> </span>Coached by legend Jerry York, their team is clicking on all cylinders.<span> </span>They’ve won 17 in a row dating back to January 21st, and goalie Parker Milner has not allowed more than two goals in a game during that stretch.<span> </span>They have a very balanced attack with six players scoring 34 or more points this year.<span> </span>The overall No. 1 seed in the tourney, they are the favorite to win it all.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Don’t count out Minnesota just yet, though. as they are the second best team in the tournament still playing.<span> </span>Their best player is Nick Bjugstad, who is likely to end his career with the Gophers and sign in the NHL after this weekend.<span> </span>His 25 goals are the most since Ryan Potulnu in 2006, and he leads a very solid Minnesota team.<span> </span>Erik Haula leads the Gophers with 48 points, which is the most by any Gophers since Ryan Potulny in 2006.<span> </span>Haula has 16 points in the past nine games, and is the hottest player on the team going into the National Semifinals.<span> </span>Kyle Rau has been as good as any freshman in the nation.<span> </span>At 5’8", 170lbs, he doesn’t look intimidating, but he's one of the hardest hitting Gophers and spends a ton of time in front of the net.<span> </span>He has had a wonderful first year, putting up 18 goals and 25 assists.<span> </span>Here’s hoping Kyle lights the lamp, and we get to sing the “RAUser” (see what I did there?).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Minnesota hasn’t left the Twin Cities to play a hockey game since they traveled to Omaha in late February.<span> </span>I’m not sure if that has any effect on this team and how Tampa Bay hosting the Frozen Four will play out.<span> </span>Two of the most storied hockey programs in the country will face off when hockey giants Minnesota and BC collide. The first semifinal features two first-time Frozen Four entries in Ferris St. and Union.<span> </span>No matter which teams advance to the final, it will be a new school vs. old school championship.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Don Lucia is in his fourth Frozen Four at Minnesota, and was a finalist for the Spencer Penrose Coach of the Year Award.<span> </span>Lucia’s first two trips to the Frozen Four at Minnesota both ended with the Gophers winning it all.<span> </span>The Gophers are now in their 20th Frozen Four all-time, and are aiming for their sixth ever national Title.<span> </span>Getting past Boston College isn’t going to be easy, but the Gophers have a team that could pull the upset.<span> </span>The winner of the BC/Minnesota game will be a heavy favorite Saturday night to win it all.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">For the Gophers to win, they’ll need solid goaltending from Kent Patterson.<span> </span>I think top to bottom the Gophers and BC are very close, and the game will come down to luck and goaltending. If I had to pick, I think Milner is the better goalie, as he hasn’t lost since December 2nd.<span> </span>Minnesota is an underdog, but Michigan was a much bigger underdog last year and knocked out UND in the semifinals.<span> </span>This isn’t the Stanley Cup Playoffs where you need to win four to advance.<span> </span>In a one-and-done format, anything is possible.<span> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">GO GOPHERS! Bring back No. 6!</span></div>Ryan Boserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10297342002997748745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8845405788475694833.post-28365131374980517072012-04-03T21:19:00.005-05:002012-04-03T21:22:56.257-05:00Love-Fest!<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-300RkEzyZoI/T3uv2dZG9tI/AAAAAAAABH4/PX5QOwyhI4s/s1600/120304-Kevin-Love-Blazers.jpg"></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n3_tLbhXNr0/T3uwWOiCswI/AAAAAAAABIA/BLplTpO3p8Y/s1600/120304-Kevin-Love-Blazers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n3_tLbhXNr0/T3uwWOiCswI/AAAAAAAABIA/BLplTpO3p8Y/s1600/120304-Kevin-Love-Blazers.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>By Joey Cavalier</b></i></span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kevin Love is having a sensational season. Any honest person who watches the NBA should acknowledge that Love is one of the NBA’s best players. He is currently doing things that few players are capable of doing.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Over the last couple of months, a debate has sparked about whether Love is worthy of MVP consideration. Analysts, writers and fans of the game have taken sides, gathered up their ammunition and battled with the opposition. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While I certainly have my personal opinion on the matter, I would like to take a step back, and just appreciate Kevin Love for what he is accomplishing, and for the type of player he is becoming. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For starters, let us take a look at what Love is doing statistically:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">26.5 points per game (4th</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> the NBA)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">13.6 rebounds per game (2nd</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">101 three-pointers made (tied for 5th</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">360 free throws made (1st</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><sup>t</sup></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><sup>st</sup></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> in the NBA in points/assists/rebounds per game with 42.0</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">45 double-doubles (1st</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">28.9 efficiency rating per game (2nd</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Leads the league with 10 games of 30 points and 15 rebounds (the rest of the NBA has just eight combined)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Currently shooting 45% from the field, 39% from three territory and 82% from the free throw line</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Love is the only player in league history to lead the league in scoring, rebounding, and three-pointers made in a calendar month (he did it this past March with 30.7 PPG, 13.9 RPG, 48 3PM)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lastly, here is a little quote from Bill Simmons of Grantland.com to finish the Love stat session, “Fact: Neither Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett, Charles Barkley, Chris Webber, Larry Bird nor Karl Malone </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">ever </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">averaged 27 points and 13 rebounds per game in the same season”</span></li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Love currently sits at 26.5 points and 13.6 rebounds per game… Enough said.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The numbers only tell us what Love has already proven: that he is one of the most dominant <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">and</i> versatile players in the entire league. His low-post game has become an absolute nightmare for defenders, his mid-range game is flat out deadly (especially with his recently acquired step back jumper and Tim Duncan-esque bank shot), and his perimeter game is among the best in the league. Offensively, Love can dominate from anywhere on the court, and few big men execute the pick and roll as well as he does. He also makes a habit of hitting clutch shots, he viciously attacks the rim, and he gets to the charity stripe often. Love’s offensive game is as polished as they come. Whether people are ready to accept it is another matter.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Love’s defense has also been improving (though many still believe that he is an awful defender). Love is not—and may never be—an elite shot blocker, but that is not all there is to defense. He displays solid effort on the defensive end (which is the majority of the battle), he’s getting his arms up to distort/contest shots and he clogs the lane when his number is called. Plus, Love is second in the league in defensive rebounds per game (which is still a defensive stat). Love does not get tossed around by opposing big men like he used to. He still needs to improve defensively, but he is only 23 years old. With his top-notch work ethic, you can definitely count on Love continuing to grow in this area of his game. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At this point the Love-detractors will likely ask, “Well, if Love is so good, why do the Timberwolves suck?” There are many things that play into that question. First, I would like to point out that the Wolves had the worst record in the NBA just one season ago, and are now one of the most improved teams in the league (largely because of what Love is doing on the court). Also, keep in mind that the Oklahoma City Thunder sucked for some time even though Kevin Durant was putting up nasty numbers. Kevin Durant is pretty good, right? They sucked for two years even with Durant playing well. But now that other pieces were added to the mix (i.e. James Harden and Russell Westbrook), and they were given time to grow together, they are now one of the league’s most frightful teams. And lastly, what more can you ask of Love and the Wolves at this point? Their second best player, Ricky Rubio, is out for the year with an ACL injury. Their third best player, Nikola Pekovic, has been banged up down the stretch. Michael Beasley and J.J. Barea (who <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">are</i> important players off the bench) have missed serious time with injuries, and now Luke Ridnour is out with a nasty ankle sprain. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Love is playing at a different level, but he needs good-to-great players around him just like every other superstar across the league does. The Wolves simply do not have that going for them at this point. But come next year, as Derrick Williams improves, as Rubio gets healthy, and as Pek’s game continues to grow… watch out.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So whether or not you think Love is worthy of being the MVP, you just need to respect what he is doing on the court, and look forward to the player that he is becoming. And at 23 years of age, one can only imagine just how good Love can and will be. </span><o:p></o:p></div>Ryan Boserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10297342002997748745noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8845405788475694833.post-34580614640738660802012-03-23T14:57:00.005-05:002012-03-23T15:00:21.797-05:00Gopher Gab: Mbakwe Granted Sixth Season<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BLFoGEO4a50/T2zVkIDXVJI/AAAAAAAABHY/Rh9437eFDnY/s1600/default.jpg"></a><br />
<div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2Zebvg-2asw/T2zWOy0G8rI/AAAAAAAABHo/tFx_84W5nu8/s1600/default.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2Zebvg-2asw/T2zWOy0G8rI/AAAAAAAABHo/tFx_84W5nu8/s1600/default.jpg" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>By Jason Rossow</b></i></span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Gopher Basketball news just keeps on getting better.<br />
<br />
The NCAA has officially given Trevor Mbakwe a sixth season of eligibility, and it sounds like Mr. Mbakwe is planning on using the extra season to return to the Gophers! <br />
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In other news, former Hopkins star and Arizona State standout Trent Lockett said his mom is battling cancer and hopes to play closer to home next year. Lockett is set to graduate in the summer and could transfer to a different school and play immediately as he will have already graduated. Lockett is the best player on the Sun Devil’s team, scoring 13 points a game, and adding 6 rebounds and 2.2 assists. He hasn’t specifically mentioned any schools with his “close to home” statement, but the Gophers would have to look appealing for his last year of college. The problem would be that Minnesota is maxed on scholarships if Mbakwe returns, and unless someone left or had their scholarship taken away, Lockett would need to pay his own way to be on the team. Regardless of where he ends up, we wish him and his mother all the best.<br />
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IF the stars align, you could potentially see a line-up with Mbakwe, Williams, Lockett, and Austin and Andre Hollins. Not to mention a bench that includes Mo Walker, Elliot Eliason, Joe Coleman, Julian Welch, Andre Igram, Oto Osenieks, Maverick Ahanmisi and Chip Armelin. It would be the entire Final 4 team of this year’s NIT with the addition of one of the best players in the Big10 in Mbakwe, one of the best players in the PAC12 in Lockett, and Mo Walker (the 300-lb. giant in the middle). Oh, and you also add freshman Charles Buggs & Wayne Ellenson. This would likely be the most experienced team in the nation, with top 10-15 talent level.<br />
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Of course, this Gopher team does have the word "Minnesota" on their jerseys, so we can assume this won’t all work out as hoped. But it’s nice to dream for a day anyway. </span>Ryan Boserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10297342002997748745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8845405788475694833.post-43198741458752008522012-03-22T17:35:00.002-05:002012-03-22T17:36:12.983-05:00Gopher Gab: Making the Most out of the N.I.T.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jtMKWyD-9hg/T2upOuG9lBI/AAAAAAAABHQ/t8NXgHI5jSU/s1600/20120309_lbm__ss1_001_extra_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jtMKWyD-9hg/T2upOuG9lBI/AAAAAAAABHQ/t8NXgHI5jSU/s400/20120309_lbm__ss1_001_extra_large.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>By Jason Rossow</i></b></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Is it better to “WIN” the NIT or lose in the first round of the NCAA’s? Well, I think that depends on the team. For this year’s Gopher squad, I believe that playing four or five NIT games will do more for the team than losing one game in the NCAA’s. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">There is not one senior Gopher who has played a single minute in the Big10 Tourney or NIT. When the best player on the team (Trevor Mbakwe) went down in November, it pretty much eliminated the Gophers from being a legit threat in the Big10. Finishing 6-12 in the conference was actually better than I had expected after losing the beast down low.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Going to the NIT with a sixth seed and traveling east in the first round, I assumed that, like every other Tubby postseason, this was a one-and-done type of tournament. But the Gophers have made the most of their NIT experience, and I believe they're gaining momentum for the 2012-2013 season.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Four Gophers have stepped up their games this post season, and I feel good about the direction this team is headed for the first time since Mbakwe was playing. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>Rodney Williams</b>, the freak with the 46" vertical, makes nightly appearances on ESPN's Top-10 with his sick dunking ability. Up until this season he was a very raw, and very unreliable. However, this season he leads the team in minutes, points, rebounds, blocks, and is probably second only to Blake Griffin in ESPN Top-10 plays. Including the quarterfinal loss to Michigan, Rodney has scored 20, 21, 21, and 24 respectively, while shooting a crazy 8-10, 9-17, 9-10 and 8-11! Whoever said “the dunk is the highest percent shot in basketball" wasn’t dumb.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>Andre Hollins</b> has found his game, and I’m jacked for his future at Minnesota. Going into the Big10 tourney, Hollis was averaging a boring 5.0 points per game. Since the start of the Big10 Tourney, he’s gone for 25, 21, 13, 14 and 24. His 46 points in two Big10 Tourney games resulted in a selection to the All-Tourney Team. Just a freshman, Hollins has played like a senior the past six games. He has suddenly become the guy you want having the ball in crunch time, and is delivering like a legit star. His 92% free throw shooting is perfect for your main ball handler to ice games as he did last night.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>Elliot Elliason </b>has been forced into a ton of minutes. This season was supposed to see Sampson, Iverson, Mbakwe and Walker using up most of the post minutes. However, Sampson is now injured and hasn’t played the past five games, Mbakwe and Walker had season-long injuries and Iverson transferred after last season. Elliason has done a solid job holding the fort down and learning on the job. Last night he had his best game yet, delivering 12 points, 7 boards, 2 blocks, 2 steals and an assist. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>Andre Ingram</b> probably should be playing for Winona State, but is suddenly the only post player the Gophers have on the bench. He logged a total of 60 minutes in the entire Big10 season, but has played 56 minutes the past five games. His hustle and defense are a big reason the Gophers are still playing.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The past five games, have been a good head start for next season, as this one was pretty much lost when Mbakwe went down. The Gophers beat a decent Northwestern team at the Big10 Tourney, and lost a close game to Big10 co-champion Michigan. Then, they went on the road and have won three straight in the NIT. Now, they get the chance to gain even more valuable experience going to New York City for the Not In Tournament (NIT) Final 4. Next year, IF Mbakwe is given another year of eligibility and Williams returns, this team should be a legit top-four team in the Big10 with the ability to compete with anyone. Austin Hollins has proven he’s a steady player, and Andre Hollins has star capacity. An improved Williams to go along with Mbakwe, and this team has the ingredients to be legit. Throw in Joe Coleman, who should only get better, and depth from Welch, Walker and Elliason, and hopefully Tubby has his first real contender at Minnesota. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Now, with next year’s team, I’d rather take a one-and-done in the NCAA’s than see a veteran team in the NIT. But this season, I’ve found the NIT to be some of the most entertaining Gopher hoops I’ve seen all year. Which is both good and bad…</span></div>Ryan Boserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10297342002997748745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8845405788475694833.post-59349014232711947452012-03-19T17:58:00.000-05:002012-03-19T17:58:31.084-05:00Gopher Gab<div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i><br />
</i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-64_Es7phd70/T2e6DOmRm0I/AAAAAAAABHA/lY1Sf5oUV_Q/s1600/0317-sioux.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-64_Es7phd70/T2e6DOmRm0I/AAAAAAAABHA/lY1Sf5oUV_Q/s1600/0317-sioux.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>By Jason Rossow</i></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">For the first time since 2008, the evil empire of college hockey is going dancing. What Gopher team that shows up next weekend is anyone’s guess after what took place on Friday night.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The McNaughton Cup Champs (regular season WCHA title) were destroying their arch rival North Dakota in front of 17,000 strong at Xcel Center, outshooting the green guys 23-4, and outscoring them 3-0.<span> </span>Then, UND used a timeout with around five minutes to go in the 2nd period and the momentum switched, resulting in a 6-0 scoring route over the final 25 minutes.<span> </span>I’ve never seen anything quite like it.<span> </span>UND went on to beat a worn out Denver squad on Saturday, claiming the postseason conference title for the third consecutive year and giving them the No. 1 seed in the Western Region of the NCAA’s.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Of course, the Western Region of the WCHA is being hosted BY Minnesota at the Xcel Center.<span> </span>The Gophers, now ranked 8th nationally in the Pairwise and No. 2 in the Western Region, take on No. 3 seed Boston Saturday night.<span> </span>The winner will play Sunday vs. the winner of the UND/Western Michigan.<span> </span>The winner of Sunday’s matchup earns a trip to the Frozen 4 in hockey mecca Tampa Bay (note the sarcasm).<span> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Year in and year out, Boston is one of the top teams in the nation, and will certainly test the Gophers.<span> They are lead by captain Chris Connelly, a Senior from Duluth, MN. Their head coach, Jack Parker, has been in his role since 1973, and ranks 3rd all-time in NCAA hockey victories. </span>The Gophers are a very young team, and in their first big-time atmosphere game of the season, were crushing the Sioux before suffering a Glen Mason-like meltdown.<span> </span>It leaves us Maroon & Gold faithful completely clueless as to which team will show up next weekend.<span> </span>The hockey gods would certainly be hoping for a Gopher/UND rematch, which would be their sixth meeting of the year (Gophers lead just 3-2 after the debacle).<span> </span>In a regional niche sport like college hockey, a Gopher/Sioux game at the Xcel Center is about is good as it gets.<span> </span>You’re lucky if you get that game once every five years, and this year they could do it back-to-back weekends (of course, they were the "Sioux" last weekend, and will now be nameless as no Sioux logo can be worn during the tournament.)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Don Lucia’s Gopher teams won National titles in 2002 and 2003. In 2004 lost they lost in the second round, and in 2005 they lost in the Frozen 4.<span> </span>Since 2005, the Gophers have been a non-factor in the NCAA’s.<span> </span>Having the No. 1 overall seed, they suffered the biggest upset in college hockey history in 2006 losing to Holy Cross.<span> </span>In 2007, they had a No. 1 seed and lost in the second round.<span> </span>In 2008, they got beat in a non-competitive game vs. Boston College, and have failed to qualify at all the past three years.Thankfully, the Gophers open up on Saturday night instead of Friday.<span> </span>They are just 6-9 in their past 15 Friday night games this year, and 15-3-1 on Saturdays.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">IF Kent Patterson (WCHA Goalie of the year) plays well, and the Gophers of the first 35 minutes of last Friday show up, they will be the team to beat coming out of the Western Region. If any glimpses of the 3rd period Gophers show up this weekend, they will be sent packing pre-Frozen 4 for the seventh consecutive year, which AGAIN will put Don Lucia on the hot seat despite winning the WCHA this year.</span></div>Ryan Boserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10297342002997748745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8845405788475694833.post-7361155350460421512012-03-12T17:08:00.004-05:002012-03-12T18:26:19.861-05:00The Broken Bunch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hzrlx7kdvME/T150thVUoXI/AAAAAAAABG4/6QUuN_VRxb0/s1600/BUNCH.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hzrlx7kdvME/T150thVUoXI/AAAAAAAABG4/6QUuN_VRxb0/s1600/BUNCH.png" /></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Written by Ryan Boser, with assists from Joey Cavalier and Jason Rossow</b></i></span><br />
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Once upon a time, Ricky Rubio refused to come to Minnesota because the state was “too cold.” As I pen this article on a 70 degree day in early March, it’s become painfully clear that “too cursed” would have been a better descriptor. <br />
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Rubio’s first 41 NBA games not only represented hope for a moribund franchise, but also offered a reprieve to tortured Minnesota sports fans. His fresh face and magical talent momentarily distracted us from our fallen stars and gut-wrenching losses. <br />
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Now that a torn ACL has ended Rubio’s sensational rookie campaign, the reprieve is over—feel free to return to your regularly scheduled suffering. <br />
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Minnesota’s current string of catastrophic injuries has crippled each of the state’s five major sports teams, but the origin of the curse remains a mystery. <br />
<br />
<i>What did we do to deserve your wrath, almighty sports gods? </i><br />
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Gangelgate? When the NCAA <a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?q=neuralyzer&start=75&um=1&hl=en&client=safari&sa=N&rls=en&biw=1158&bih=620&tbm=isch&tbnid=F77YQPr9c9pH2M:&imgrefurl=http://ninetieskid.tumblr.com/post/106325975&docid=i_URxDcQGte29M&imgurl=http://30.media.tumblr.com/IyCqR4s33ncysfhafNxYejKQo1_500.jpg&w=500&h=386&ei=L0hdT8iLFpHtggeJ9YCiCw&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=505&vpy=124&dur=545&hovh=197&hovw=256&tx=116&ty=84&sig=114407710783753280382&page=4&tbnh=133&tbnw=160&ndsp=28&ved=1t:429,r:10,s:75">neuralyzed</a> the 1997 Final Four season I thought we were square. <br />
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The illegitimate Joe Smith dealings? Stripping a bad NBA team of five first round draft picks is the rough equivalent of eternal damnation, which already felt like a bit of an overreaction considering it was <i>Joe freaking Smith</i>. <br />
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Selling the North Stars was a self-imposed punishment, and getting in bed with the arch-nemesis earned us a Sexually Texted Disaster—no further sanctions were necessary. <br />
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At least the Twins have played by the rules. Sure, promoting Bill Smith to GM could be considered a crime against baseball, but didn’t you have (artificially) bigger fish to fry? <br />
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Clearly, I’m being satirical. I don’t believe in curses. Injuries are a part of sports, and no team is immune. However, what’s happening in Minnesota has blurred the line between bad luck and superstition. Between coincidence and conspiracy. <br />
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These haven’t been run-of-the-mill DL stints for replacement-level players, but instead debilitating injuries to the players who matter most. <br />
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We would have offered up Drew Butera as a sacrificial lamb, almighty sports gods. We’d have given you Tyrell Johnson if we could have found him, and you can keep the Metrodome. Hell, we’ll give you Darko right now. But please, for the love of all things holy, lift the bounty on our stars. <br />
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The following list outlines career-changing injuries to game-changing Minnesota athletes over the past two years. Enough is enough. <br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">THE TWINS </span></b><br />
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<b>Justin Morneau (concussions) –</b> Since taking a fluke knee to the head on July 7, 2010, the 2006 MVP and four-time All-Star has been in a haze. Morneau has subsequently missed 177-of-246 games, due primarily to concussion symptoms. He’s recently acknowledged that he may be one setback away from <a href="http://www.myfoxtwincities.com/dpp/news/justin-morneau-concussion-retirement-feb-24-2012">retirement</a>. <br />
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<b>Joe Mauer (unknown) – </b>Considering that he’s the face of Minnesota sports, it’s only fitting that Mauer’s 2011 season was cloaked in mystery. In addition to known knee and neck issues, the 2009 MVP missed 80 games due to cryptic ailments that ranged from a viral infection, to pneumonia to the infamous “bilateral leg weakness.” The organization’s veiled communications led to rampant speculation. While rumors of Lyme Disease and AIDS have been squashed, other theories continue to linger among skeptical fans despite Mauer’s relatively clean bill of health. <br />
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<b>Denard Span (general fogginess) – </b>Justin Morneau isn’t the only Twin who spent 2011 dazed and confused. Leadoff man Denard Span missed 92 games, battling dizzying symptoms related to concussions and Vestibular Neuritis. He’s already experiencing neck soreness in Spring Training, and the cumulative nature of concussions has cast a dark cloud over his future. <br />
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<b>Kyle Gibson (Tommy John surgery) –</b> As if raping the current lineup wasn’t enough, the sports gods decided to pillage the team’s future rotation as well. Top prospect and 2009 first-round pick Kyle Gibson was forced to undergo Tommy John surgery last September, and considering the post-surgery results of Francisco Liriano, Joe Nathan and Pat Neshek, Twins fans have every right to worry. <br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">THE VIKINGS </span><br />
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Adrian Peterson (torn ACL and MCL) –</b> If we had one mulligan, we’d use it on Peterson, who tore both his ACL and MCL on December 24, 2011. The notion that he’ll be ready for Week 1 is delusional—with what we know about this injury, he’s unlikely to be back to full strength before the 2013 season. Considering that he turns 27 this month, and that his success is predicated on violent cuts and jarring collisions, the safe money is that his best days are behind him. <br />
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<b>Antoine Winfield (broken clavicle) –</b> Last year Antoine Winfield broke his clavicle in a 45-7 loss to the Packers, and managed to play just five games in his 12th NFL season. While he’s expected to be fully recovered by Week 1, it’s a dicey injury for a soon-to-be 35-year old who has built his career on lowering the shoulder. <br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">THE WILD </span><br />
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Mikko Koivu (shoulder) – </b>Wild captain Mikko Koivu has now missed 24 games with two different shoulder injuries, and may eventually be shut down for the season. <b><br />
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Guillaume Latendresse and Pierre-Marc Bouchard (concussions) –</b> What a headache. Dating back to last season, both Wild forwards have missed significant action with recurring concussions. There’s a very realistic chance that each of their careers will be cut severely short. <br />
<b><br />
Niklas Backstrom (groin) –</b> Considering the carnage, a four-week groin injury to the team’s top goaltender feels like a Swedish massage. <br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">THE TIMBERWOLVES </span><br />
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Ricky Rubio (torn ACL) –</b> This was the most heartbreaking of all the injuries, as our dazzling 21-year old Spaniard was leading the Wolves’ playoff charge. These injuries aren’t what they used to be, and Rubio has a fair chance of returning to full strength by the beginning of next season. However, there are never any guarantees with torn ACLs. <br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">THE GOPHERS </span><br />
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Trevor Mbakwe (torn ACL) – </b>Leading scorer and rebounder Trevor Mbakwe’s ACL tear essentially condemned the Gophers to the NIT. In a cruel twist of fate, the team’s senior captain and emotional leader had his reconstructive surgery on the same day as Adrian Peterson. There remains a small chance that the 23-year old will return for a sixth season. <br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">THE DEPARTED </span><br />
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E.J. Henderson (fractured femur) –</b> In Week 13 of the bittersweet 2009 season, friendly fire (Jamarca Sanford) sent middle linebacker E.J. Henderson’s left leg flopping in all the wrong directions. Through investigative internetting, it appears that this injury (December 6, 2009) marks the inception of the curse. The rapidly declining 31-year old is unlikely to return to Minnesota. While he enjoyed a resurgent 2010 season, the metal rod in his leg will ultimately shave time off his career by hindering his speed and agility. <br />
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<b>Sidney Rice (hip) and Cedric Griffin (torn ACL) –</b> The 2009 NFC Title Game was the beginning of the end for promising youngsters Sidney Rice and Cedric Griffin. What is that, Gregg, about $2,000? Asshole. <br />
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<b>Joe Nathan (Tommy John surgery) – </b>The Twins’ lofty 2010 goals took a major blow when All-Star closer Joe Nathan tore his ulnar collateral ligament in Spring Training. To add insult to injury, the team would eventually trade Wilson Ramos for Matt Capps to shore up the bullpen (thanks again, Bill). Nathan returned and pitched poorly in 2011. He’s now a Texas Ranger. <br />
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<b>Eric Decker (Lisfranc injury) – </b>A lisfranc injury cut the superstar receiver’s Gopher career short, and caused his NFL draft stock to slip. After a nondescript rookie season in Denver, Decker scored nine touchdowns in 2011. Fortunately, he was able to leave the curse behind him when he left Minnsota—a suspected ACL tear this January was later downgraded to an MCL sprain.Ryan Boserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10297342002997748745noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8845405788475694833.post-44796447820890971192012-03-12T17:05:00.001-05:002012-03-12T17:06:17.191-05:00Ranking Free Agent Targets<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ofQIPtNqXY4/T15zRa490RI/AAAAAAAABGo/wTTTs71YFGc/s1600/131017883_crop_650x440.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ofQIPtNqXY4/T15zRa490RI/AAAAAAAABGo/wTTTs71YFGc/s1600/131017883_crop_650x440.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Searching for optimism on the heels of a 3-13 season isn’t easy, but I come bearing good news. <br />
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It can’t get any worse. <br />
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I’m of the belief that the team has finally bottomed out. In fact, I’m sure of it. The day was December 24, 2011. The team lost Adrian Peterson and the invaluable draft rights to Robert Griffin III in one afternoon, and I subsequently drank a gallon of spiked eggnog in under an hour. <br />
<br />
While my downward spiral continues, the Vikings appear poised to begin the long journey back to playoff relevance, armed with the No. 3 pick in April’s draft and a middle class budget.</span><br />
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</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i><a href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1097171-minnesota-vikings-ranking-free-agent-targets">Click here</a> to read the rest of the story at Bleacher Report.</i></span></span></div>Ryan Boserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10297342002997748745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8845405788475694833.post-34908915559577400012012-02-15T15:23:00.002-06:002012-02-15T15:23:57.562-06:00The Ponder Parallel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JnFpqpS5VC8/TzwiZFmM6VI/AAAAAAAABGY/jJp-EFMxAmA/s1600/67078009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JnFpqpS5VC8/TzwiZFmM6VI/AAAAAAAABGY/jJp-EFMxAmA/s1600/67078009.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When it was all said and done, Christian Ponder’s rookie campaign left us with more questions than answers. There were promising moments that seemingly justified the Vikings’ bold decision to select him No. 12 in the 2011 NFL draft, essentially anointing him the future of the franchise. Conversely, there were far too many instances where Ponder made Tarvaris Jackson look poised, accurate and durable. At this point, all we know is that it will be Ponder—not Joe Webb, Peyton Manning or Robert Griffin III—under center for Minnesota when the 2012 season kicks off.</span><br />
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</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><a href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1067656-comparing-christian-ponder-to-mark-sanchez">Click here</a> to read the rest of the story at Bleacher Report.</i></span></div>Ryan Boserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10297342002997748745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8845405788475694833.post-21009240289882358882012-02-07T16:47:00.006-06:002012-02-07T16:50:33.681-06:00The "Pek"ing Order<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WYJywo1N_SY/TzGqfWwEc8I/AAAAAAAABGI/uca6L38i6K0/s1600/220px-Nikola_Pekovic_Timberwolves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WYJywo1N_SY/TzGqfWwEc8I/AAAAAAAABGI/uca6L38i6K0/s1600/220px-Nikola_Pekovic_Timberwolves.jpg" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:x-small;color:#990000;"><b><i>By Joey Cavalier</i></b></span><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Timberwolves fans have a lot to be excited about. The passing ninja that is Ricky Rubio, the development of Kevin Love, and an improved team defense have the fan base in a state of positivity and hope. But perhaps the most underrated storyline to this season has been the emergence of the Montenegrin center, Nikola Pekovic. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If there was such thing as a “NBA Bar Fight Draft,” Pekovic would be a lock as a top 3 pick. The European is listed at 6’11, 290 lbs. He’s got wicked ink, he looks like a hammerhead shark, runs like a duck, and plays like a bull. In his second season, “Pek” is emerging as a viable option at a position that has troubled the Wolves for nearly a decade. The Wolves haven’t had a capable center since the days of Rasho Nesterovic; and he wasn’t exactly greatness at the center position. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Timberwolves drafted Pekovic in 2008 with the 31<sup>st</sup> overall selection. He was widely considered a top ten pick at the time, but his contract situation caused him to slide into the second round. Pek finally made his debut with the Wolves last season, averaging 5.5 PTS, and 3 REB in 13.6 minutes per game. In limited playing time, Pekovic flashed potential, but didn’t play well enough to be viewed as a legitimate option at the center position. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now, in his second season, Pekovic is flashing his talents nightly, and beginning to show the league why he was considered a top ten talent. In the Wolves’ last seven games, he has averaged 14.1 PTS, 9.3 REB (5.4 of those being offensive rebounds), and 26.35 minutes per game. During this stretch he has shot 63% from the field, and 73% from the free throw line. Pekovic has been solid, and is showing that he is capable of playing alongside of Ricky Rubio and Kevin Love in the starting lineup.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pekovic has been a major factor in the Timberwolves ascent to .500. It is clearer than ever that Darko Milicic is not the long-term answer for this team at center. Given his size and skill-set, Pekovic has a chance to step up and play a crucial role on this team. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let’s take a look at the things Pekovic does well:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Offensive Glass-</i> Pekovic has been a beast on the offensive glass. In the last seven games, he has averaged 5.4 ORB per game! Over the course of the season, he is averaging 3.3 ORB (and that’s with only playing an average of 18.9 minutes per game), while Darko is only averaging a meager 1.5 ORB per game in a similar amount of playing time. In his strength, Pekovic establishes position near the rim, and understands where he needs to be when Wes Johnson is clanking his shots off of the back of the rim. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Offensive Efficiency- </i>Pekovic has been very efficient offensively. He is shooting 61% from the field on the season. Also, he is bullying his way to the free-throw line, and is shooting 73% from the stripe. But the thing that is most impressive about Pek, is his ability to play with his back to the hoop. He is great in the low post, he knows where he is on the court, and knows the right move to make to get to the basket for an easy shot. He attacks the rim (unlike Darko) and provides the nasty scoring that this team needs. Unlike Pekovic, Darko is not very efficient offensively. He is currently shooting 43% from the field, and 45% from the free throw line. He has a habit of getting lost on the floor and heaving up a series of bad shots. Darko doesn’t possess the quality of offense or the consistency that this team needs from the center position.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Running the Floor</i>- When Pek runs up and down the floor, one cannot help but laugh at how painfully awkward he looks. However, he runs the floor very well. He may look like he has webbed feet, yet he is displaying above average speed, and the type of hustle needed to get to the other end of the court. Also, his quickness and hustle has allowed him to excel in the Wolves’ pick-and-roll offense. Darko is certainly athletic enough to run the floor well, but his lack of motivation is clear, and in turn his quickness and hustle suffers. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Toughness- </i>Ever since the Kevin Garnett era, the Wolves frontcourt has been about as soft as a bag of cotton balls. Pek contributes a gritty, physical style of play. Sometimes it gets him into foul trouble, but overall, that is what you ask for out of your center. Defensively, he is able to hold his own. He doesn’t block a lot of shots, but he is strong enough to keep players out of the paint and is quick enough to defend players away from the basket. In contrast, Darko is not a very “tough” player. He can block shots, but he lets way too many players waltz into the paint for easy buckets. And overall, Darko does not have the attitude of toughness that Pekovic possesses. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pekovic could have a very bright future in this league. Obviously, he will never be in the same category as Dwight Howard or Andrew Bynum. But if he continues to improve, he will be a force to be reckoned with. It is time for the Timberwolves to move on from Darko (aka “Manna from Heaven”) Milicic and give Pek the starting job. He definitely has the skill-set <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">and</i> the upside to prosper as a starting center in this league. </span><o:p></o:p></div>Ryan Boserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10297342002997748745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8845405788475694833.post-36074175148119841962012-02-07T14:21:00.000-06:002012-02-07T14:21:39.523-06:00Gopher Puck Talk<div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vzHvgUWxrRo/TzGHylVgDXI/AAAAAAAABFw/YcJzoisEi1U/s1600/kylerau.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vzHvgUWxrRo/TzGHylVgDXI/AAAAAAAABFw/YcJzoisEi1U/s1600/kylerau.gif" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br />
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</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>By Jason Rossow of GopherTailgate.com</i></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The Gopher Men’s Hockey team finds themselves in a position that is expected, but haven’t seen in five years…..leading the WCHA in February.<span> </span>The Gophers have four series left and take a three point lead into the home stretch.<span> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Don Lucia will coach his 1,000<sup>th</sup> game on Saturday night in Denver, and is still building his resume’ but will likely go down as a one of the ten greatest NCAA Hockey coaches all-time.<span> </span>In my opinion, the biggest difference between this year’s Gopher squad and the past three years which underperformed greatly is the addition of former Gopher, and former Gopher coach Mike Guentzel.<span> </span>Guentzel is the highest paid assistant coach in college hockey, and is the overwhelming favorite to replace Lucia when his time is done in Minnesota. Lucia's teams have floundered without Guentzel and flourished with him.<span> </span>The Gophers defense seemed like an area of concern starting the season, but has proved to be one of the best units in America this winter, with guidance of Guentzel.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The Gophers have a chance to have TWO finalist candidates for the Hobey Baker Award this spring (that is the Heisman of college hockey for Ryan Boser’s of the world).<span> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nick Bjugstad is having a monster sophomore season and his 33 goals rank him 2<sup>nd</sup> in the nation despite missing two games for World Juniors over the holiday.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Kent Patterson has logged every minute of every game in net, and has been fantastic.<span> </span>He has an amazing 1.9 Goals Against average in conference play.<span> </span>The big concern Gopher fans have is how will Patterson hold up down the stretch. Will he be strong in playoff time or will he wear down?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Kyle Rau is the favorite to win WCHA Freshman of the Year, with 40pts and 27 goals thus far.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Defenseman Nate Schmidt is quietly having a big point year for a blue-liner.<span> </span>His 25 assists are the 2<sup>nd</sup> most for any defenseman in the league.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Gophers are 15-5 in the WCHA, three full points clear of defending national champ Minnesota-Duluth, and in great position to win their first McNaughton Cup since 2007.<span> </span>They are 5-5 on Friday nights and 10-0 on Saturday in conference play.<span> </span>However, they’ve had a bad non-conference record this season at just 4-4-1.<span> </span>At 19-9-1 overall, the Gophers are 2<sup>nd</sup> in the nation with 3.72 Goals per game, and 2<sup>nd</sup> with just 2.03 goals against. They rank 1<sup>st</sup> and 2<sup>nd</sup> in the major college hockey polls.<span> </span>Oddly enough, there is a legitimate chance they won’t qualify for the NCAA tournament if they falter down the stretch.<span> </span>College hockey uses something called the Pairwise rating to determine at-large teams for the tournament which is a formula that makes the Quarterback rating look like elementary math.<span> </span>In the Pairwise, the Gophers are ranked just T-7<sup>th</sup>, and will likely need to remain in the top 13 or so to secure a spot in the NCAA’s.<span> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The remaining schedule will be tough, with very difficult road series at Denver and Omaha.<span> </span>The two home series include rival Wisconsin & inner-state foe Bemidji State.<span> </span>The good news for playoffs is the Gophers won’t have to travel until the Frozen 4 if they make it that far.<span> </span>They’ll get a home series in the first round of the WCHA tourney at Marriuci, and then travel down the road a couple of miles to the Xcel Center for the Final5 if they advance.<span> </span>Then in the NCAA’s their first two games would also be in the Xcel center, meaning IF they were to reach the Frozen 4, they would play all their games in the Twin Cities from the end of February through the beginning of April.<span> </span>The stars are in alignment for the Pride on Ice to hang a banner (regular season champs), or two(post season champs), or even three (ncaa champs) this year.<span> </span>Of course in a one game, loser go home playoff, ANYTHING is possible good or bad.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Don Lucia’s teams hung 7 banners from 2002-2007 (2 national titles, 2 regular season titles and 3 postseason titles) but since 07 have not won any titles or advanced to the frozen 4. They haven’t won an ncaa playoff game since 2007, and haven’t been to the frozen 4 since 2005. The past four seasons have been as bad of a four year run as I can remember as a Gopher Hockey fan. A great March/April run would make every Gopher puck fan forget the past four years very quickly!</span></div>Ryan Boserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10297342002997748745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8845405788475694833.post-39767971295846598282012-02-02T15:07:00.004-06:002012-02-02T15:11:21.180-06:00Joel Maturi: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly and the Unknown<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wZyCpIie0XI/Tyr7sLIXk8I/AAAAAAAABFo/WVlrOlQCwgs/s1600/16660772_BG1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wZyCpIie0XI/Tyr7sLIXk8I/AAAAAAAABFo/WVlrOlQCwgs/s1600/16660772_BG1.jpg" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <br />
<br />
<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-size: x-small;">By Jason Rossow of GopherTailgate.com</span></i></b><br />
<br />
Joel Maturi came to the "U" in the summer of 2002, and leaves the Gopher athletic department 10 years later with mixed results. <br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u></u><u></u><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The Good</span></b></span></span><br />
<ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Gophers won four national titles under his watch: two in women's hockey, one in men's hockey and one in wrestling</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Gopher football was brought back to campus entirely on his watch, and has the finest stadium in the nation</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">No major academic scandals </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Merged the men's and women's athletic programs under one umbrella </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Always was accessible and would answer every e-mail ever sent</span></li>
</ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <u></u><u></u><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The Bad</span></b></span><br />
<ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Emphasizing non-revenue sports over football/basketball/hockey (best rowing house in America)</span></li>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<li>Not getting a basketball practice facility built</li>
<li>Not getting Siebert Field upgraded quickly enough</li>
<li>The handling of Trevor Mbakwe's and Royce White's legal situations</li>
<li>Allowing Pam Borton to run the women's basketball team into the ground</li>
<li>Marketing: not a word I believe was in Joel's vocabulary</li>
<li>Extending Dan Monson and firing him in the same year</li>
<li>Extending Glen Mason and firing him in the same year</li>
<li>Extending Tim Brewster and firing him in the same year</li>
<li>Jimmy Williams being paid $1M and never stepping foot on campus</li>
</span></ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <u></u><u></u><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The Ugly</span></b></span><br />
<ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Glen Mason, who was a legitimate middle-of-the-road coach, was fired with no idea how he would be replaced. Maturi went against the "U," and stuck his neck out with the hiring of a tight end coach who had no head coaching or coordinator experience (Tim Brewster). He swung and missed badly. In his fourth season at the "U," Brewster's team lost a home game to a team that was only a couple of years removed from D2. He was completely ill-equipped to coach at this level, and it is 100% on Joel Maturi that the program went from mediocre and relevant to an embarrassment.</span></li>
</ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <u></u><u></u><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The Unknown</span></b></span></span><br />
<ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Maturi's legacy is not done yet. The Tubby Smith hire is looking worse and worse every year, but Tubby's legacy is still being written. Jerry Kill's success or failure will also leave a lasting reflection on Joel Maturi. </span></li>
</ul><br />
<ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span></ul>Ryan Boserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10297342002997748745noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8845405788475694833.post-36132876071292456082012-02-01T12:50:00.004-06:002012-02-01T13:14:35.664-06:00Gopher Gab: Meet the 2012 Recruiting Class<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RbVPWnLlBjo/TylvjcfB8SI/AAAAAAAABBQ/RXmwDa7cx2c/s1600/X059_7CFC_9_large.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RbVPWnLlBjo/TylvjcfB8SI/AAAAAAAABBQ/RXmwDa7cx2c/s1600/X059_7CFC_9_large.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>By Jason Rossow of GopherTailgate.com</b></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The 2012 Minnesota Gopher recruiting class has a local theme, and a defensive backfield theme, and a JUCO theme. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are 10 kids FROM Minnesota that were given scholarships and at least another three joining the team as “preferred walk-ons”. In the past 10 years, Minnesota players staying home have had a lot of success at Minnesota, so here’s to that trend continuing. Marion Barber, Eric Decker, Matt Spaeth, Mark Setterstrom, Ben Utecht, Thomas Tapeh, Adam Weber, Dom Barber and Marcus Sherrels are kids raised in the Gopher state who have gone on to the NFL. Looking back at recruiting classes, I couldn’t find any Gopher classes with more local kids. NDSU just won the FCS National title and beat the Gophers with a bunch of kids who were not good enough to be offered by Tim Brewster & Co. (or as I like to refer to them: Gopher rejects). In fact, no other BCS team in the country kept as many top 10 (rivals) recruits as the Gophers did in their home state with 7-of-10. They really only lost out on one of the 10, as one kid had just moved here, and one (No. 10) wasn’t offered.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The defensive backfield was the single greatest weakness on a bad 2011 team. The biggest addition to the defensive backfield isn’t a newcomer, but rather the good news on Troy Stoudermire receiving a medical red-shirt and granted a fifth year of eligibility. There are seven defensive secondary players committed to the 2012 class and another two players listed as “athletes” that may end up back there. Three of the eight D-backs are JUCO transfers. Coach Kill said the purpose of JUCO’s is not for depth, but rather to plug an immediate need. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Speaking of JUCO’s, there is a total of SIX in this year’s class. For comparison the other eleven teams in the Big10 have a total of 12 (even with Indiana's six). Good teams don’t rely heavily on JUCO’s. Along with the three defensive backs, Minnesota also added a running back, defensive tackle and wide receiver from the JUCO ranks.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Overall, the national rankings are going to show a very bad recruiting class for Minnesota. Rivals ranks Minnesota 12th out of the 12 Big10 teams and Scout ranks them 11th. Kill has won at every level he’s ever coached, and for some strange reason (i.e., drinking Gopher Kool-Aid by the gallon), I think he’ll have success at Minnesota with low-end recruits. IF, he can somehow breakthrough into a consistent winner with lesser talent, higher-rated recruits will suddenly start showing up at Minnesota. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are five recruits that will headline this class. Four of the five are FROM Minnesota. Andrew McDonald out of Minnetonka was the pre-season No. 1 Minnesota recruit. He might be the most Big10-ready of the five, and could be an immediate starter at wide receiver this fall. The non-Minnesotan in the top five is another wide receiver, Jamel Harbison (ESPN 4 star) out of North Carolina. He and McDonald will battle each other and the current Gophers for immediate playing time. Jonah Pirsig might be the second largest creature in Blue Earth behind the Jolly Green Giant statue. At 6’8 and 300lbs., with agile feet, it’s easy to see why he could pretty much have named the school of his choice. Isaac Hayes (St. Thomas Academy) is an offensive guard who is listed by ESPN as one of the top 150 players in the nation! Last but not least is my favorite recruit of the Gophers class, quarterback Phillip Nelson of Mankato. He already graduated high school and is a student at the U this spring. Nelson posses the perfect combination of accurate passing and running ability. Tom Lemming, the most trusted recruiting name in the country, ranks Nelson as the second best QB in America. In unrelated Gopher news, former sixth-string quarterback Moses Allipate has moved to Tight End and has lost 30 pounds. For a FULL analysis of EVERY recruit in the Minnesota class a player by player breakdown, read on.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></o:p></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ODgH68MBhmo/TylzbAc0VMI/AAAAAAAABBg/0M3LOk8ApJY/s1600/cee8e93124f373de6d67858198c3b94d.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ODgH68MBhmo/TylzbAc0VMI/AAAAAAAABBg/0M3LOk8ApJY/s1600/cee8e93124f373de6d67858198c3b94d.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Andre McDonald, WR</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Minnetonka, Minnesota</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">3-STAR (Rivals), 3-STAR (Scout), 4-STAR (ESPN)</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>(Also Pictured Above)</b></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">6’2-6’3 / </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">200-210 lbs.</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Offers:</b> Arizona, Illinois, Iowa, Iowa St, Michigan St, Ohio St, UCLA, and Vanderbilt<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>40:</b> 4.47-4.51 <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Rivals:</b> No. 3 recruit in Minnesota, 68th WR in the nation<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Scout: </b>75th WR<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>ESPN:</b> No. 2 in Minnesota, No. 37 WR, No. 25 region<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Strengths:</b> Hands, Route Running, Catching in traffic<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Video:</b><b> </b> <span class="MsoHyperlink">http://kstp.com/article/stories/S2470858.shtml?cat=3</span> <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-size: x-small;"><span class="MsoHyperlink">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPTDxFDg688</span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #2a2a2a;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Jason’s Thoughts:</b><b> </b> McDonald is very impressive on film. He should be able to compete immediately for a starting job. He reminds me of former Viking Sidney Rice in his ability to go get the ball at the right time and come down with it in traffic. He doesn’t have world-class speed, but has the perfect body to be a solid receiver at this level and possibly the next. His recruiting was a bit of a process… He committed to the Gophers early and then de-committed, saying Iowa was his leader. He then committed to Vanderbilt, and later opened his options back up. He finally chooses the “U” over UCLA and Vanderbilt as his two other finalists.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bAKXBRGrlfI/Tyl0DHayifI/AAAAAAAABBo/iwn4L6XE7JY/s1600/896109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bAKXBRGrlfI/Tyl0DHayifI/AAAAAAAABBo/iwn4L6XE7JY/s1600/896109.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Isaac Hayes, G</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mendota Heights, Minnesota<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3-STAR, 3-STAR, 4-STAR</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6’2-6’3 / </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">270 lbs.</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Offers:</b> Virginia Tech, Boise St, Oregon St. and other Non-BCS<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>40:</b> 5.1<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Bench:</b> 270 lbs.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Squat: </b>435 lbs.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>RIVALS:</b> No. 39 Guard, No. 59 MN recruit<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>SCOUT:</b> No. 75 Guard<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>ESPN:</b> No. 112 player in the nation, No. 9 Guard, No. 8 player in the region, No. 1 player in MN<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Strengths:</b> Run Blocking, Pass Blocking, Space Blocking, Toughness<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Video: </b><span class="MsoHyperlink">http://www.kfan.com/pages/gophers.html?article=8803354</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-size: x-small;"><span class="MsoHyperlink">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VCMPtsPSmZ0</span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 10pt;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Jason’s Thoughts:</b> Hayes is an ESPN top-150 recruit which is a “big deal”. At St. Thomas Academy, he was an all out stud. He seemed to do everything well for a lineman. He has good footwork, uses his hands well, and does well both run and pass blocking. He’s a touch short and needs to add strength. I see a redshirt season in 2012, and a long career and the likelihood of being a multi-year starter.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wluSTBAZee0/Tyl14VSczYI/AAAAAAAABBw/weXADvDv1-Y/s1600/1HarbisonJ_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wluSTBAZee0/Tyl14VSczYI/AAAAAAAABBw/weXADvDv1-Y/s1600/1HarbisonJ_large.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Jamel Harbison WR</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Charlotte, North Carolina</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">3-STAR, 3-STAR, 4-STAR</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5’11-6’0 / </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">181-191 lbs.</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Offers:</b> Clemson, North Carolina St, South Carolina, Vanderbilt, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest and West Virginia<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>40: </b>4.8<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Shuttle:</b> 4.5<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Vertical:</b> 32.4<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>RIVALS: </b>No. 28 ranked in North Carolina<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>SCOUT:</b> No. 151 WR<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>ESPN:</b> No. 28 ranked WR, No. 89 Regional, No. 10 State<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Strengths:</b><b> </b> Hands, Speed, Catch in Traffic, YAC<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-size: x-small;"><b>Video:</b> <span class="MsoHyperlink">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIfzqkaQOCs</span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #2a2a2a;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Jason’s Thoughts:</b> Harbison’s commitment to the “U” never seemed locked up until signing day as he became more and more sought after later in the process. He might be listed as 5’11 and running a slowish forty time, but from his video’s Harbison is a beast. He runs routes well, has great hands, and is very good at getting yards after first contact. I look for Harbison to challenge for a starting spot immediately at the “U”.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X38GOr43lkc/Tyl3NMxYZFI/AAAAAAAABB4/xT19vpOgEvQ/s1600/phil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X38GOr43lkc/Tyl3NMxYZFI/AAAAAAAABB4/xT19vpOgEvQ/s1600/phil.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Phillip Nelson, QB (P-S) </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mankato, Minnesota</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">3-STAR, 3-STAR, 3-STAR</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6’2- 6’3 / </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">212-216 lbs.</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Offers:</b> (none)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>40:</b> 4.48<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Bench:</b> 275<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Squat:</b> 405<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Vertical:</b> 30<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>GPA: </b>3.6<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>RIVALS: </b>No.<b> </b>15 Pro-Style QB in nation, No. 2 MN recruit<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>SCOUT:</b> No. 46</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">QB in the nation<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>ESPN:</b> No. 94 QB in the nation, No. 185 recruit in the region, No. 7 in the state<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Strengths:</b> Accuracy<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Video:</b> <span class="MsoHyperlink">http://blogs.twincities.com/gophers/2012/01/04/incoming-gophers-qb-philip-nelson-shines-in-all-star-game/</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="MsoHyperlink">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqgWJSnqjiI</span> <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-size: x-small;"><span class="MsoHyperlink">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ugihEfQBOA&feature=related</span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 10pt;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Jason’s Thoughts: </b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I watched Nelson play in the state semifinals last fall. He ran a more complex no huddle offense than I’ve ever seen at the Minnesota High School level. His greatest asset is his throwing motion. He gets rid of the ball VERY quick and is pretty accurate. He also has a very good speed. Nelson graduated high school early and is already enrolled at the “U”. I see him red-shirting next fall and battling Max Shortell for the starting spot the following season. Don’t be fooled by Nelson having no other offers. Similar to Tommy Olson last year, Nelson made it clear early on that Minnesota was his choice. Tom Lemming (who is to college recruiting what Mel Kiper is to the NFL draft) ranks Nelson as the No. 2 overall QB in the country! Nelson is originally from Wisconsin and his father played for the Badgers. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DUI5rz9lOX0/Tyl43LkJ-zI/AAAAAAAABCA/cViuoU9nDqA/s1600/X086_0F99_9_large.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DUI5rz9lOX0/Tyl43LkJ-zI/AAAAAAAABCA/cViuoU9nDqA/s1600/X086_0F99_9_large.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Jonah Pirsig, OT </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Blue Earth, Minnesota</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">3-STAR, 3-STAR, 3-STAR</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">6’8"-6’9" / </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">290-300 lbs.</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Offers:</b> Auburn, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Iowa St, Miami, Michigan, Michigan St, Ohio St, & Wisconsin<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>RIVALS:</b> No. 6 MN recruit<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>SCOUT:</b> No. 35 OT<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>ESPN: </b>No. 52 OT, No. 43 recruit in the region, No. 4 in the state<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Strengths:</b> Run blocking/Toughness<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-size: x-small;"><b>Video:</b> <span class="MsoHyperlink">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HL9Xws9dkSU</span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 10pt;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Jason’s Thoughts:</b><b> </b>Pirsig was an important recruit in that he is a Minnesota kid staying home, and choose MN over other finalists Iowa & Wisconsin. Losing home grown talent to USC or Notre Dame doesn’t hurt nearly as much as lining up across from them the next four years in your rival's uniform. Thankfully, Pirsig will be wearing the right colors! When watching film on Pirsig it’s easy to see why he could have basically picked his school of choice. He’s 6’8, with a wide frame, and is surprisingly very light on his feet. Playing at Blue Earth he didn’t see much for competition, however. Pirsig excelled at run-blocking, and I believe will one day anchor the left tackle spot. He needs a good year or two working on building strength and technique and the sky is the limit for his body.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9EEN7glAoag/Tyl53razHXI/AAAAAAAABCI/WjhJjnIaq6I/s1600/MARKHALL_150_10_15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9EEN7glAoag/Tyl53razHXI/AAAAAAAABCI/WjhJjnIaq6I/s1600/MARKHALL_150_10_15.JPG" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Jack Lynn, OLB </span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lake Zurich, Illinois</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3-STAR, 3-STAR, 2-STAR</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6’2"-6’3" / </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">205 lbs.</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Offers: </b>Many Non-BCS D1 schools<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>RIVALS:</b> No. 27 state<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>SCOUT:</b> No. 102 OLB<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>ESPN:</b> No. 171 OLB, No. 349 Regional, No. 52nd State<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Strengths: </b>Tackling<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-size: x-small;"><b>Video:</b> <span class="MsoHyperlink">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3sn0si0CPmc</span></span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Jason’s Thoughts:</b><b> </b>Lynn played WR and DE in high school. He will be used by the Gophers likely at OLB. I think he’ll almost certainly red-shirt to add size to his frame. He has a good sized body, and has a great motor on the field (theme with Kill’s recruits), but I think he lacks the skill to be a solid player in the near future.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9Tgxh30up80/Tyl7CozhfgI/AAAAAAAABCQ/Q6CVNywbsu8/s1600/6a00d83451b26169e2015432be8b8e970c-800wi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9Tgxh30up80/Tyl7CozhfgI/AAAAAAAABCQ/Q6CVNywbsu8/s1600/6a00d83451b26169e2015432be8b8e970c-800wi.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Jordan Hinojosa, DT </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Miami, Florida <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3-STAR, 2-STAR, 2-STAR</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6’3" / </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">265-275 lbs.</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Offers:</b> Michigan State, Wake Forest, West Virginia<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>40: </b>5.23<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Shuttle: </b>5.79<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Vertical:</b> 23inches<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>SCOUT:</b> No. 111 DT<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>ESPN:</b> No. 133 DT, No. 730 regional, No. 262 state<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-size: x-small;"><b>Strengths:</b> Pursuit</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Jason’s Thoughts: </b>I really like Hinojosa. He plays EXTREMELY hard, and has great height and size already. He has a nice offer list as well. Look for a redshirt season to work on technique and add strength, and then we could see a lot of Hinojosa the next 4 years.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_3HybShb_0Q/Tyl78xyAuJI/AAAAAAAABCY/uUUIxekX-Jw/s1600/HCP_2971_small.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_3HybShb_0Q/Tyl78xyAuJI/AAAAAAAABCY/uUUIxekX-Jw/s1600/HCP_2971_small.JPG" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Nick Rallis, S</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Edina, Minnesota <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3-STAR, 3-STAR, 2-STAR</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5’11"-6’0" / </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">200-205 lbs.</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>RIVALS: </b>No. 9 ranked MN player<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>SCOUT: </b>No. 66 OLB<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>ESPN: </b>No. 119 safety, No. 228 region, No. 10 state<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Strengths:</b> Zone Coverage/Run Support<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-size: x-small;"><b>Video:</b> <span class="MsoHyperlink">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLKeHmKMkG4</span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #2a2a2a;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Jason’s Thoughts:</b> Nick is the brother of starting linebacker Mike Rallis. Nick had actually committed to Brewster’s staff many moons ago. Rallis is a very tough kid that played both ways at Edina. He reminds me a LOT of his brother minus the hair. He is going to be either a safety or OLB at the next level. He lacks all the measurables to be recruited by high-end programs.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</span></o:p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v9IyyBeh6HY/Tyl8jsJK5sI/AAAAAAAABCg/ww4ldNhQRj8/s1600/1011323.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v9IyyBeh6HY/Tyl8jsJK5sI/AAAAAAAABCg/ww4ldNhQRj8/s1600/1011323.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Lincoln Plsek, DE</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Waco, Texas<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3-STAR, 2-STAR, 3-STAR</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6’3"-6’4" / </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">235-240 lbs.</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>40: </b>4.7<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Offers:</b> Air Force, Army, Rice, Stephen F Austin<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>ESPN: </b>No. 102 DE, No. 174 Region, No. 135 State<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Strengths:</b> Run Defense</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Jason’s Thoughts:</b><b> </b> Plsek played both ways in HS, and could end up at TE for the Gophers. I still see him being given a shot mainly at DE, however. A typical Kill-type recruit yet again… not overly flashy, but makes plays, and is another lunch bucket type of player.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7bnUeaaISoQ/Tyl9V-83aJI/AAAAAAAABCo/_70-CQU9Ztw/s1600/KJMaye.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7bnUeaaISoQ/Tyl9V-83aJI/AAAAAAAABCo/_70-CQU9Ztw/s1600/KJMaye.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">K.J. Maye, Athlete</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mobile, Alabama<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3-STAR, 2-STAR, 3-STAR</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5’10" / </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">175-193 lbs.</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Offers: </b>Kentucky and many non-BCS teams<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>ESPN:</b> No. 95 athlete, No. 36 state, No. 426 region<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Strengths:</b> Versatility<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-size: x-small;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><b>Video:</b> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHwgW8dSM8c</span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #2a2a2a;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Jason’s Thoughts: </b>He played QB in High School and actually looks like he could play QB at small D1 or D2 school. He will come to the Gophers as either a DB, or more likely a slot receiver. He is very quick and elusive, but has a VERY small frame. His high school film reminds me most of current Gopher Troy Stoudermire, who also was a HS QB. However, Stoudermire, although short, has much more solid build. His video on youtube is long, but the first play at the 30-to-38 second mark is worth the watch.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N29nXRNAquI/Tyl-CqPm6BI/AAAAAAAABCw/by3A1-uMQAU/s1600/953321.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N29nXRNAquI/Tyl-CqPm6BI/AAAAAAAABCw/by3A1-uMQAU/s1600/953321.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Rodrick Williams Jr., RB</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lewisville, Texas<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3-STAR, 2-STAR, 2-STAR</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5’10"- 5’11" / </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">215-220 lbs.</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Offers:</b> Iowa, Utah<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>SCOUT:</b> No. 138 RB<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>ESPN: </b>No. 88 RB, No. 279 region, No. 222 state<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Strengths:</b> Power, Hands<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-size: x-small;"><b>Video: </b><span class="MsoHyperlink">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eg5fRsMF2Bo</span></span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Jason’s Thoughts: </b>Williams Jr. reminds me of current Gopher Donnell Kirkwood. He is the short and stocky build and keeps his legs moving. He also catches the ball well out the backfield. His speed isn’t real good for Big10 level, and for a bruising type of back needs a little more strength. I see him red-shirting, with starting potential in his upperclassman years. Side note: Williams is a top-rated Heavyweight Wrestler in Texas.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jfIm8Xhwa5A/Tyl_FTDc2WI/AAAAAAAABC4/0WZWEVvd-GU/s1600/a7hn116_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jfIm8Xhwa5A/Tyl_FTDc2WI/AAAAAAAABC4/0WZWEVvd-GU/s1600/a7hn116_large.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mitch Leidner, QB (</span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">P-S)</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lakeville, Minnesota</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2-STAR, 3-STAR, 2-STAR</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6’4"-6’4.5" / </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">220-225 lbs.</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">40:</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;"> 4.9<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Bench:</b> 270<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Squat:</b> 350<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Scout:</b> No. 56 QB<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>ESPN:</b> No. 110 QB, No. 224 Region, No. 9 state<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Strengths:</b> Reads<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-size: x-small;"><b>Video:</b> <span class="MsoHyperlink">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPwNutO00jA</span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 10pt;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Jason’s Thoughts:</b> Leidner also graduated HS early and is enrolled at the “U” and will take part in spring practice. He has great size, and is tough to bring down. He seems a little robotic and not overly smooth throwing. With his great size, if he can’t work his way up the QB depth chart, he would likely be moved to Tight End.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CZwfuq-lOns/Tyl_63NzdKI/AAAAAAAABDA/19nOHf9IrnU/s1600/61562.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CZwfuq-lOns/Tyl_63NzdKI/AAAAAAAABDA/19nOHf9IrnU/s1600/61562.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Antonio Johnson, S </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cleveland, Ohio<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3-STAR, 2-STAR, 2-STAR</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5’11"-6’0" / </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">185-190 lbs.</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>40: </b>4.5<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Vertical:</b> 35 inches<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Offers:</b> Akron, Ball St, Buffalo, Eastern Mich, Kent St., Toledo<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Rivals: </b>No. 43 Safety<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Scout: </b>No. 180 OLB<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>ESPN:</b> No.132 state, No. 157 safety, No. 307 region<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Strength: </b>Run support<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-size: x-small;">Video: <span class="MsoHyperlink">http://cleveland.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1307289</span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #2a2a2a;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Jason’s Thoughts:</b> Johnson committed to Ball St. prior to having a Gopher offer. Johnson also played RB in high school. I am high on Johnson and think he could be a solid defender for the Gophers. Of course, all these D1 prospects look like studs when you’re the most athletic kid on the field. But Johnson looks the part of a legit safety.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></o:p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NqycmHvLbec/TymBXqdXKdI/AAAAAAAABDI/dU7-sO6Z6kA/s1600/MAXX-WILLIAMS-(2012)_150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NqycmHvLbec/TymBXqdXKdI/AAAAAAAABDI/dU7-sO6Z6kA/s1600/MAXX-WILLIAMS-(2012)_150.JPG" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Maxx Williams, TE</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Waconia, Minnesota<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3-STAR, 3-STAR, Unranked</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6’3"-6’4" / </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">220-225 lbs.</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>40:</b> 4.75<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Bench: </b>305<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Shuttle:</b> 4.27<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Vertical: </b>33 inches<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>GPA:</b> 3.6<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>RIVALS: </b>No. 7 MN<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-size: x-small;"><b>SCOUT: </b>No. 49 Tight End</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Jason’s Thoughts: </b>Yet another Minnesota kid committed to the Gophers. He’s intriguing to me as his name Maxx has two x’s, and he looks like Sherman from the American Pie series. Williams looks a bit small on the field. He shows good leaping ability and good hands. I think Williams ends up starting at TE for the Gophers at some point.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I9BgPAeNGYQ/TymCEstmoVI/AAAAAAAABDQ/S7p1jzd7QUo/s1600/942498.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I9BgPAeNGYQ/TymCEstmoVI/AAAAAAAABDQ/S7p1jzd7QUo/s1600/942498.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Scott Ekpe, DT </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lewisville, Texas<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2-STAR, 2-STAR, 2-STAR</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6’3"-6’4" / </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">250-265 lbs.</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>40:</b> 4.8<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Bench: </b>310<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Squat: </b>515<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>SCOUT: </b>No. 175 DE<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>ESPN:</b> No.142 Position, No. 339 region, No. 267 state<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-size: x-small;"><b>Strengths: </b>Lateral Range, Pass Rushing, Size</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Jason’s Thoughts:</b><b> </b> Ekpe played the nose in a 3-4 in HS. He has a frame to be a DT in college. He is a long ways from being a viable DT in the Big10 and will need lots of coaching and time in the weight room. Fortunately, Ekpe joins Nelson and Leidner as December high school grads and will get an extra spring practice session with the team.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></o:p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CyH978oaIos/TymC8AeQyDI/AAAAAAAABDg/KKyaD9Eh9ac/s1600/090310_HickmanFootball_02_t_w600_h1200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CyH978oaIos/TymC8AeQyDI/AAAAAAAABDg/KKyaD9Eh9ac/s1600/090310_HickmanFootball_02_t_w600_h1200.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Alex Keith, DE </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Columbia, Missouri<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2-STAR, 2-STAR, 2-STAR</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6’3"-6’4" / </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">205-235 lbs.</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>ESPN: </b>No. 192 position, No. 313 region, No. 19 state<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Strengths:</b> Pursuit<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-size: x-small;"><b>Video:</b><b> </b> <span class="MsoHyperlink">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZbjnb7FSm8</span></span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><b><br />
</b></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Jason’s Thoughts:</b> Yet another Kill recruit with a good “motor”. He also has a nice frame for a DE. He seems like he plays a little tight and upright, but hopefully some good coaching will help with that.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</span></o:p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3LPeqzqjUfo/TymDqqQw3LI/AAAAAAAABDo/7eEJ5chgo1o/s1600/929760.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3LPeqzqjUfo/TymDqqQw3LI/AAAAAAAABDo/7eEJ5chgo1o/s1600/929760.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Duke Anyanwu, Athlete/WR</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Blaine, Minnesota<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3-STAR, 2-STAR, 1-STAR</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6’2"-6’4" / </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">200-225 lbs.</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>40: </b>4.96<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Shuttle: </b>4.95<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Vertical: </b>26.0<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Offer: </b>Air Force<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Scout:</b> No. 291 WR<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>ESPN:</b> No. 289 WR, No. 17 state, No. 392 region<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-size: x-small;"><b>Video:</b> <span class="MsoHyperlink">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CFz3NIFudrc</span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #2a2a2a;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Jason’s Thoughts: </b>Anyanwu lined up everywhere in HS including QB, RB, WR & LB/Safety. While he looks like a man amongst boys on film, he is pretty slow for a D1 receiver. It will be a work in progress no matter what position he ends up at. Anyanwu is very young and not highly recruited. He may end up gray-shirting, meaning he doesn’t start with the football team officially until Jan. 2013, leaving him five years to play four at that point. Basically fudging the NCAA rules and getting two years to red-shirt.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8VqzqaBDOK4/TymEkIi_14I/AAAAAAAABDw/15uz8ioE7F0/s1600/Untitled-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8VqzqaBDOK4/TymEkIi_14I/AAAAAAAABDw/15uz8ioE7F0/s1600/Untitled-1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Roland Johnson, DT</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Butler Community College (South Carolina)<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3-STAR, 2-STAR, Unranked</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6’1"-6’2" / </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">285-295 lbs.</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Offers: </b>Indiana, other non-BCS schools<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Strengths:</b> Disruptiveness<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-size: x-small;"><b>Video:</b><b> </b> <span class="MsoHyperlink">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omlne-0JFVk</span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #2a2a2a;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jason’s Thoughts: Johnson has less than ideal size for the D-Tackle. His height and arms length could limit his success. Like so many of Kill’s recruits, is known for a hard work ethic and relentless motor. As a JUCO will provide immediate depth on the D-line. He could even be used at DE.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bMoklFWYmhk/TymFEi34hWI/AAAAAAAABD4/Ja00JU4214E/s1600/Briean+Boddy,+defensive+back,+Delcastle,+sr..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bMoklFWYmhk/TymFEi34hWI/AAAAAAAABD4/Ja00JU4214E/s1600/Briean+Boddy,+defensive+back,+Delcastle,+sr..jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Briean Boddy, CB</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Coffeyville Kansas Community College <o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3-STAR, 2-STAR, Unranked</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5’11" / </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">175 lbs.</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-size: x-small;"><b>Video</b>: <span class="MsoHyperlink">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLyDZmSk5Nc</span></span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Jason’s Thoughts: </b>He has three years of eligibility remaining, had four picks and three fumbles recovered last fall as well as was a key return man for Coffeyville. I like JUCO transfers a lot more that have three years vs. two. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rklImH_6mRE/TymF0-fwvpI/AAAAAAAABEA/bwGGFa7moNo/s1600/James-Gillum.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rklImH_6mRE/TymF0-fwvpI/AAAAAAAABEA/bwGGFa7moNo/s1600/James-Gillum.png" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">James Gillum, RB</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Perkinston Mississippi Gulf Coast CC <o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3-STAR, 2-STAR, Unranked</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5’11" / </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">195 lbs.</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-size: x-small;"><b>Offers: </b>Louisiana Tech</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Jason’s Thoughts:</b> Gillum was recruited by Kill’s staff at Northern Illinois out of high school. He ran for over 1,000 yards in both of his seasons at Miss Gulf Coast CC. Gillum might be the most impactful recruit of the class next season. He could end up on the bench or be the No. 1 RB—I’m not sure where he’ll stack up.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WGFW_YNRR9I/TymGSAhgDVI/AAAAAAAABEI/mw_6EUmro0I/s1600/g25800000000000000057746a0c09c05c261d36c84c3924760e18677b52.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WGFW_YNRR9I/TymGSAhgDVI/AAAAAAAABEI/mw_6EUmro0I/s1600/g25800000000000000057746a0c09c05c261d36c84c3924760e18677b52.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Martez Shabazz, CB</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Athens, Texas (Trinity Valley CC) <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3-STAR, 2-STAR, Unranked</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5’10"- 5’11" / </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">165-170 lbs.</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Offers:</b> Baylor & Non BCS Schools<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-size: x-small;"><b>40: </b>4.36</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Jason’s Thoughts: </b>Shabazz was clocked as the fastest player for all defensive players by ESPN. He has two years of eligibility remaining and will compete immediately for a starting corner position. I have not seen video of Shabazz. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HGITxREOPqU/TymGuQ1ZSnI/AAAAAAAABEQ/oP6SrMxs5Q4/s1600/i.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HGITxREOPqU/TymGuQ1ZSnI/AAAAAAAABEQ/oP6SrMxs5Q4/s1600/i.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Damarius Travis, S</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pensacola, Florida<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3-STAR, 2-STAR, Unranked</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6’1" / </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">185-194 lbs.</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>40: </b>4.67<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Shuttle:</b> 4.75<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Vertical:</b> 27.9<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-size: x-small;"><b>Offers: </b>Florida International, Western Michigan</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Jason’s Thoughts: </b>No video, but based on the Gophers secondary, depth is great. And Florida HS experience is a plus, too.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wwrZN8RJ-Gc/TymHQhPuA8I/AAAAAAAABEY/TB-NpJ07tYY/s1600/1027975.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wwrZN8RJ-Gc/TymHQhPuA8I/AAAAAAAABEY/TB-NpJ07tYY/s1600/1027975.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Youshoub Timss, DT</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fort Walton Beach, Florida<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2-STAR, Unranked, 3-STAR</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6’2" / </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">260-270 lbs.</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Offers:</b> Syracuse & many non-BCS teams<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>ESPN: </b>No. 83 Position, No. 171 State, No. 497 region<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-size: x-small;"><b>Strengths:</b> Strength (funny)</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Jason’s Thoughts: </b>He lined up at end a lot in his video and clearly doesn’t have the body shape or speed to be an end in college. The good news is he appears very strong. He has a lot of technique refining, and adding 20-30lbs to be a solid DT producer in the Big10. From his interview he seems like a great kid!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XweDnZv0Km0/TymH24zVapI/AAAAAAAABEg/UKWhm1rk6oA/s1600/1000191.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XweDnZv0Km0/TymH24zVapI/AAAAAAAABEg/UKWhm1rk6oA/s1600/1000191.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Jeremy Baltazar, CB</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Brenham, Texas (Blinn CC)<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2-STAR, 2-STAR, Unranked</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6’0" / </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">195-196 lbs.</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>40:</b> 4.4-4.5<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Bench: </b>365<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Squat: </b>425<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Shuttle:</b> 4.32<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Offers:</b> 2 Non-BCS<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-size: x-small;"><b>Video:</b> <span class="MsoHyperlink">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2OhYNFaQCk</span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #2a2a2a;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Jason’s Thoughts: </b>Baltazar is projected as a cornerback, but has the strength and size to move to safety if needed. He has two years of eligibility remaining.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6hBJEkcZ2zY/TymIlBr3a4I/AAAAAAAABEw/9M6PB5BdOFo/s1600/1099537601_4HmaF-L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6hBJEkcZ2zY/TymIlBr3a4I/AAAAAAAABEw/9M6PB5BdOFo/s1600/1099537601_4HmaF-L.jpg" /></a></div><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Isaac Fruechte, WR</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rochester CC<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2-STAR, 2-STAR, Unranked</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6’2"-6’3" / </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">205-210 lbs.</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>40:</b> 4.4<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Bench: </b>270<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Squat: </b>400<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Video: </b><span class="MsoHyperlink">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTJ8RxT_3EM</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Jason’s Thoughts: </b>Fruechte graduated from Caladonia, Minnesota and played one season at RCTC. He sat out this season allowing him three years of eligibility at the “U”. I am very excited about Fruechte and think he will do surprisingly well. He’s also the roommate of Phillip Nelson, which reminds me of the last two Minnesota kids that were QB/WR roommates, Weber and Decker.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WoYxV3qlwZk/TymJBlbo0nI/AAAAAAAABE4/iur7kaOKIrY/s1600/940137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WoYxV3qlwZk/TymJBlbo0nI/AAAAAAAABE4/iur7kaOKIrY/s1600/940137.jpg" /></a></div><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Eric Murray, CB</span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Milwaukee, Wisconsin <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2-STAR, 2-STAR, Unranked</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5’11"-6’0" / </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">173-180 lbs.</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-size: x-small;"><b>Rivals:</b> No. 4 ranked player in Wisconsin</span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Jason’s Thoughts:</b> Murray ranks as the No. 4 prospect out of Wisconsin and is a low profile recruit, which shows that Minnesota High School football is superior to the Drunken Sconnies. No video of Murray.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XPQ0hS857sA/TymJgKGCq9I/AAAAAAAABFA/qkX1-3-MktY/s1600/9bfb0cf48c5ecfeb8ca2593b853fcedf.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XPQ0hS857sA/TymJgKGCq9I/AAAAAAAABFA/qkX1-3-MktY/s1600/9bfb0cf48c5ecfeb8ca2593b853fcedf.jpeg" /></a></div><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Ben Lauer, OT</span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Plymouth, Minnesota<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Unranked, 2-STAR, Unranked</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6’6"-6’7" / </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">260-270 lbs.</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Offers: </b>North Dakota, North Dakota St.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Scout: </b>No. 169 OT<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-size: x-small;"><b>Video: </b><span class="MsoHyperlink">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UF57t9QcQuU</span></span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Jason’s Thoughts: </b>Another local kid with great size. It took me half way through his video to figure out who was being highlighted (not a good thing). But with his frame, and a good work ethic, he could be a factor down the road.</span><o:p></o:p></div>Ryan Boserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10297342002997748745noreply@blogger.com0