Buck Bravo

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.

Following are videos of players that may still be on the radar for Minnesota’s 2009 recruiting class:

Taylor Lewan is a four star recruit scheduled to be visiting Minnesota this weekend, and would be a great commit for the Gophers.  The Gophers need offensive linemen and Lewan looks like the real deal:

Daryl Robinson is rumored to be visiting this weekend, and his highlight video justifies all four of those Scout.com stars:

Jeremy Gainer is another four star recruit who is also rumored to be visiting, and lays some vicious hits on defense in this video:

Bryant Allen visited Minnesota recently, and runs the 40 in a blazing 4.3 seconds:

Edward “Eddie” Nuckols is still undecided and could end up in Maroon and Gold.  A 290 pound four star recruit who is also a fullback, Nuckols’ video is impressive to say the least:

Delano Johnson is playing at College of the Sequoias with Clint Brewster.  He would be ready to play next year:

Anthony “Juice” Leon is a 6′3, 230 pound four star safety also playing at College of the Sequoias.  Leon hits like a truck and would be a perfect fit for Ted Roof’s aggressive defense:

Randall Dent is also uncommitted, and still lists Minnesota as a school of interest: