What’s New in a Few – Big Weekend in the B1G
At CFB Saturdays we take a look at some of the latest headlines in College Football and provide some quick analysis. (Note: all recruiting rankings are based upon the 247sports composite).
Minnesota’s BIG Weekend
The Gophers received commitments from two three star offensive linemen – Austin Barber and Cameron James. Both players have excellent frames and look to have the physical traits necessary to play in the trenches in the Big Ten.
Cameron James was the first to commit and is listed at 6’8” 280 lbs while Barber is listed at 6’7” 315 lbs. Size is clearly not an issue for either prospect but James appears to be the more likely candidate to play tackle in college.
P.J. Fleck and his staff have proven to be some of the best identifiers and developers of talent in the country. With the excellent frames and natural ability of James and Barber it seems like it is only a matter of time before we see contributions from them.
Minnesota’s class now has 18 commitments including five four star players. The offensive line class is filling up quickly as the team already has a commitment from Logan Purcell (6’7” 245 lbs) who also possesses an ideal frame.
Michigan Adds Linebackers
The Wolverines received a commitment yesterday from four star OLB Junior Colson (6’2” 228 lbs). Colson is currently rated the #8 OLB and is a tremendous athlete for the position.
Expect defensive coordinator Don Brown to maximize the young athlete’s versatile skill set. Colson has the size, speed, and fluid mobility to be an excellent player in pass coverage and as a sideline to sideline player.
Colson was not the only linebacker to commit over the weekend as LB Jaydon Hood recently announced his commitment to the Wolverines. Hood (6’1” 212 lbs) is a very good athlete in his own right and has room to bulk up some more in college.
Hood is more of a run-first type of player in comparison to Colson but has the speed to make plays all over the field. He displays very good instincts in the run game but does need to clean up his pass coverage technique.
Don Brown continues to stack talent on Michigan’s defense and the linebacker position appears to be full this cycle with four commitments. That is an impressive feat considering we are still seven months away from the early signing period.
Another Blue Chipper for the Buckeyes
Arizona athlete Denzel Burke (6’0” 189 lbs) committed to the Buckeyes yesterday adding to a monstrous class. Ohio State currently holds the #1 recruiting class in the country as they continue to add elite talent.
Burke is expected to play defensive back for the Buckeyes and should start out at cornerback. With the defensive back track record of the program (#2 in DBU rankings) Burke seems to be set up for success at the next level.
Burke has good height and very good reach due to his long arms. He will need to add weight to his frame and may not be a candidate for early playing time but he shows the fluidity necessary for success at corner.
Ohio State now holds 19 commitments and a ridiculous 15 who are rated four stars or better in the 2021 recruiting class.
Don’t Sleep on Illinois’ Big Get
Coach Lovie Smith is coming off a roller coaster season but there were certainly signs of improvement. On Saturday, the team continued to improve and received a commitment from high three star guard Brody Wisecarver.
Wisecarver (6’4” 317 lbs) currently plays tackle but looks to be more of a guard at the collegiate level. Wisecarver is a true road grader as a run blocker and finishes off defenders in the run game. He may not be nimble enough to play tackle but he has good enough feet to hold the interior in pass protection.
Wisecarver is Illinois’ highest rated commitment and is a solid building block for the offensive line. If the team can have a little more success in 2020, there may be more players of his caliber joining the class.
Four star TE for the Badgers
Four star TE Jack Pugh (6’5” 235) committed to the Badgers earlier today. Pugh lines up at receiver for his high school team and shows the speed and natural pass catching ability to be an impact player for Wisconsin.
In Wisconsin’s offense Pugh will need to show he is willing to block but his upside as a pass catcher is enticing on its own. Pugh should be a nightmare for defenses on play-action passes and has legitimate big play ability for the position.
Wisconsin continues to stack offensive line talent and a player like Pugh adds some high end pass catching ability next to that talent.
Wisconsin looks to continue its run of success in the conference and currently has 11 commitments, four of whom are rated four stars.
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