Minnesota is looking to build a solid recruiting class for 2009, and Detroit duo Kenny Watkins and Jeremy Gainer would be valuable additions to the program. Both players initially committed to Indiana, but have yet to make their final decisions.

Kenny Watkins is a 6′0, 185 pound safety with a 4.47 forty time. I couldn’t find video of Watkins on Youtube, but from what I’ve read his size, speed, and aggressive play would be a great addition to Ted Roof’s Gopher defense. Tramaine Brock and Kyle Theret have put up strong numbers in Roof’s defensive scheme, and hopefully Watkins will decide to spend his college years in Minneapolis to do the same.

Jeremy Gainer is a quarterback and linebacker who at 6′1 with a 4.56 forty time and a broad frame could develop into a talented Big Ten linebacker. With Deon Hightower and Steve Davis graduating, the Gophers need strong linebacker prospects moving forward. Here’s a Youtube video of Gainer in action:

Hopefully Watkins and Gainer decide to wear maroon and gold for a Gopher defense that should continue to improve in years to come.