I shared this over on the scout.com board and wanted to post it here too. 

I went and checked out a couple of Kill verbals tonight in Lewisville TX.  Ekpe didnt play in the first half.(I had to leave at halftime with Lewisville up 19-0).  But Williams looked great, this kid is big and has good speed and is a downhill between the tackles when running.  But he has really soft hands and caught a few balls in the flat with one going for about 80 yards where he outran the LB's, broke a couple tackles and outran the DB's for Grand Prairie.  After that play he looked to be cramped up(it was 105 at a 7:30 PM kickoff), but in earlier runs it took 4-5 guys to take him down.  Kids looks like a great recruit as a NR by scout so far.  Saw some MaxPreps guys there reporting and taking photos of him.  Im really excited about him.  Reminded me of a Marion Barber type runner.

GN NOTE:  re-published and put on front page.  Great stuff by our official-unofficial Texas high school recruiting expert.

From the Startribune.com and Myron Medcalf:

"The Gophers lost their fifth player in nearly a year when junior center Colton Iverson was granted a release from his scholarship earlier this week, according to Iverson's former AAU coach Lance Friesen and a source close to the program.

Friesen said the Gophers coaching staff asked Iverson to reconsider before releasing him.  

Based on the conditions of his release, Iverson can't transfer to another Big Ten school or to a program that the Gophers face next season.

If he transfers to a Division I school, he'll have to sit out for year but he'll be eligible to play during the 2012-13 season.

"It was a little bit of a process, it took about a week," Friesen said. "They asked him to think it over."

Iverson earned All-Big Ten tournament honors last year but averaged 5.4 points and 5.0 rebounds in 18.3 minutes during the 2010-11 season."

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I will be attending the game on 1/4, anyone else going?  Its my last night in town...going out with a Gopher victory!!

I'll be at some watering hole in the mid afternoon...not sure where yet as I have not made the call...Have to check out the old stomping grounds...Fraternity etc..etc...Is anyone else meeting up before the game?  Are there any new bars that are good before hoops games?

Go Gophers!!

From Scout.com report

"James Green, Tallahassee (Florida) Leon, has committed to Minnesota. Green is on his official visit and notified Golden Gopher head coach Tim Brewster of his intent Saturday evening. Bill Greene has the story on the commitment.
The Minnesota Golden Gophers landed a huge commitment Saturday when they received a pledge from James Green, Tallahassee (Florida) Leon. Green, a four-star wide receiver committed on his official visit to head coach Tim Brewster.

"Yes, I have committed to Minnesota," Green announced this evening. "I feel so blessed to be a part of such a great program. I think I have a chance to play next year."

Green, a 2008 graduate, originally signed with Tennessee coming out of high school, but a problem with his test score caused him to not be admitted into school.

"I feel so blessed to have this opportunity, and I have to thank God for getting me this second chance. I will be enrolling in January and I will be going through spring football. I am completely qualified academically, and I am eligible right now."

"Coach Brewster was very happy I committed as was the entire coaching staff," Green exclaimed. "I'm very happy to be a Golden Gopher. I hope I can contribute right away, and I think I bring size and speed to the table. This is one of the happiest days of my life."

Rivals shows that Kip Smith a highly recruited kicker has bailed on Brewster and is now committed to UCLA.....nice going Brew.  Why would he  come to MN....to ride the pine and come in to kick once every three games ....gotta give the incumbent kicker the chances...after all, he gives us the best chance to win.  Good for him....smart choice....no reason to flounder on this team and freeze your ass off.  You can at least flounder with UCLA, play and get a tan.

I think Seantrel was at the USC game....they got trounced by Oregon.  I hope this is true, although I think USC is down on his list as the Trojans will probably go on probation for the Reggie Bush fiasco(no evidence...just my gut feeling).  

Anyway....I think MN may have moved up in his selection with a disjointed and jacked up win over MSU.  I think the SDSU game will put him over the top to sign with MN.  Thats if the Gophers win...if they lose, he may end up in South Dakota....thats how it works right?

Ok...I have read that MN had quite a few recruits at the home opener.  Does anyone have any info or word on what those recruits are saying or if we have had an verbals out of it.  It seems like if we can't get 1 or 2 guys to verbal after an event like that then there may be some issues with our staff or with MN as a program itself.  On the other hand it could be a smashing success.  Just looking for info.