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It’s National Signing Day and Tracy Claeys’ first official group of signees could reach as many as 30 names today. Check back for frequent updates whenever players sign.
The headline of the day doesn’t match the headline of this story (more on that below). The No. 1 talker is that 4-star wide receiver recruit Dredrick Snelson, who committed to the Gophers previously only to reopen his recruitment, signed with the University of Central Florida. Snelson had three hats on the table to stage some drama, but the Gophers didn’t even make the table. His top three were Central Florida, Maryland and Penn State.
Minnesota kids staying home
- Seth Green, QB, East Ridge
- Carter Coughlin, LB, Eden Prairie
- Antoine Winfield Jr., DB, Eden Prairie/Texas
- Connor Olson, OL, Monticello
- Phillip Howard, ATH, Robbinsdale Cooper
- Kamal Martin, ATH, Burnsville
- Drew Hmielewski, WR, Marshall (will play baseball, too)
- Tyler Johnson, ATH, Minneapolis North
- Sam Schlueter, OL, Chaska
- Dan Pietruszewski, LB, South St. Paul
- Connor Mohs, FB, Woodbury
The Star Tribune notes that Coughlin, ranked the top recruit in Minnesota this year, is just the fourth top in-state recruit to sign with the Gophers in the last 15 years.
Based on the videos below, the Gophers plan to transition Howard and Johnson to wide receiver and Martin to linebacker. Johnson could also play some safety and cornerback.
Definitely with all of those local kids who could help the program. https://t.co/RQH3GhsaUa
— Marcus R. Fuller (@Marcus_R_Fuller) February 3, 2016
247 Sports has a more in-depth look at each recruit right here.
Under the Radar signee from Tartan
A signee that’s flying a bit under the radar is former Tartan High School wide receiver Kieran Johnson, who led all junior college players in the country last fall with 1,404 receiving yards and 24 touchdowns. Johnson did his damage at Central Lakes College in Brainerd.
Signee Tracker