What's up guys? It's been a while since I posted anything, but since the last post I've had nothing but good news.
1) I have a job! Yeah! D-Day was last Thursday, and I'm still around. Kind of a nice to have an income when you buy a new house and have a baby due any day.
2) Sam Maresh - scar tissue, awesome. Looks like lady luck might finally be on Sam (and the Gophers) side for a change.
3) Joe Crede - how money is this signing?!? and at only $2.5M guaranteed? nice. This is the right-handed power hitter we've been asking for over the last 5 years.
4) TCF BANK STADIUM - we went to the NW hoops game on Sunday, which was the first time I had seen it. My god - a tear came to my eye as we approached Dinkytown and the new structure came into view. The scoreboard is HUGE - seriously, I knew it was big, but it is ridiculous. I can't wait to see the final touches and select my new seats. You should definitely swing by and see it if you get the chance, it gave me chills.
5) New Phone - I'm going to finally break into the smartphone generation. Anna is upgrading me for my B-day so I'm trying to decide between a blackberry or possibly the iPhone. Either way, expect way more texting from me now that it won't take 2 days to type a sentence.
6) Ellie won "fan of the game" at the Gophers-NW game, Anna took her pic and emailed it in during the game, then they showed it on the scoreboard and we got a $50 gift card to BBY. It was pretty sweet...but Ellie's highlight came when Goldy walked up our row and gave her a big hug and high-5, she was so pumped. Not to mention an easy Gophers W, which was MUCH NEEDED
So that's about it. We are in a holding pattern waiting for #2 to show up and get us on our new 2 hour sleep schedule at night. Honestly, we're super excited and are ready for this to happen - I'll let you all know when it does. All in all, we're coming out of the snoozing, boring time of the year and into the next big round of sports highlights. March madness will be coming soon, I'll try and have a pool again for the 4 of us. I also thought about NBA/NHL playoff challenge for something fun to do. I'm watching Tiger right now - looks rusty...not. He might beat this slug he's playing in 10 holes. I heard him talking earlier today and saying how playing money games with the boys isn't quite the same as teeing off on #1 in a tourney. Honestly, who in their right mind plays a $ game against Tiger F'ing Woods! Does he give you like 2 shots a hole? It's like challenging Roe in the NCAA Football Regular Season - you just will not come out on top.
Per tradition, PJ - not sure why I chose this one, but it's been in my head all day and is currently playing as I write this.
She scratches a letter
Into a wall made of stone
Maybe someday
Another child
Won't feel as alone as she does
It's been two years
And counting
Since they put her in this place
She's been diagnosed
By some stupid fuck
And mommy agrees
Why go home?
Why go home?
Why go home...
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
LAME
How much does this suck? Well, I suppose we can't jump to any conclusions until we know more, but what a kick in the nuts for Maresh and Gopher Nation. Obviously, the guy's health is the first concern - but all signs are positive from what I've heard that it is not cancer. Once we know he'll be okay, the focus will shift to what this means for Maresh getting on the field. I heard a report this morning that he may still be ready to play in the fall after surgery and rehab...but I gotta believe that is a long shot. I think the best case scenario might be for him to work into it very slowly throughout the year and get ready for the next 3 years. He may even be able to get another medical redshirt year through the NCAA which would make him a freshman again in 2010. Who knows, just have to hope for the best for this poor guy who can't seem to catch a break.
In other news, the Wolves might not win again. They may make some noise on Thursday, but I'm not holding my breath. I love anything that invloves getting a living, breathing player or pick in exachnage for McCants. We'll see, but this team is unwatchable for the rest of 09...call me when it's draft time and I'll start paying attention. Although we could probably make some cash betting against them the rest of the year!
208 days until kick-off BTW...after some early B10 analysis, I like us to be right around 5th-6th in the B10 again this year. Very tough schedule, but we could surprise some people depending on how the message lands from the new coordinators. I'm thinking of starting some pre-spring ball extensive conference previews next week...I know you're all excited for that.
WHO HATES IOWA?!?!
So the 2 tards on the ESPN2 morning show have provided a couple of ranting topics for me this week:
1)If the Vikes sign Garcia, they are the NFC favorite.
Really? I know he had some flashes last year, and he's familiar with the system, but do we really feel like at 39 he can take this team to the promised land. I definitely don't hate the move, and I think it COULD be an upgrade - but I'm not ready to book my tickets to the big game if we sign this guy. Cassell is not the answer either - giving up 2 picks for the next Scott Mitchell is never a good plan.
2) Steroids. Anyone who has seen this morning show knows that this is their FAVORITE ALL-TIME topic ever. I flipped it on when I woke up and watched for 5 minutes and all they talked about was 'roids. Is it cheating? What we're the players thinking? Why didn't Bud stop it? same sh*t we've been talking about for like 3 years. So I turned it off, and flipped it on nearly an hour later and they were having the same conversation!! How about talk about Spring Baseball, NFL Free Agency, NCAA Hoops, god even the NHL would be more interesting than this garbage. These guys really bug me.
Closing it out with a little PJ once again...SOMETIMES
large fingers pushing paint
you're god and you've got big hands
the colors blend... the challenges you give man
seek my part... devote myself
my small self... like a book amongst the many on a shelf
sometimes i know, sometimes i rise
sometimes i fall, sometimes i don't
sometimes i cringe, sometimes i live
sometimes i walk, sometimes i kneel
sometimes i speak of nothing at all
sometimes i reach to myself, dear god
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQn6yaWPlWY
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Another blow for Gopher's Football?
Difficult news for Sam MareshPosted on February 17th, 2009 – 11:35 AMBy Kent Youngblood
It looks like Sam Maresh has another battle on his hands.
The former Champlin Park star linebacker and Gophers recruit had just recently been cleared to resume his football career after recovering from heart surgery that cost him his 2008 season. He had enrolled in school and was anticipating taking part in spring practices.
Now doctors have found a tumor in his left calf. The news was disclosed by the Maresh family on the CaringBridge.com website in a post written by Sam’s father, Bill.
”With all the focus on Sam’s heart and his lifting going so well, we were not really focusing on Sam’s left calf hurting him,” Bill Maresh wrote. ”We just kept icing and riding the bike instead of running. Sam called me the other day and said it just wouldn’t get better and asked if I would take him in to get it checked out. Through x-ray, ultra-sound and MRI the doctors came in and said ‘Well Sam, I guess with you it’s never easy’ …They found a tumor in his left calf.”
The good news, according to the post, was the bone in Maresh’s leg looks good. There is a very low chance that the tumor is cancer.
It looks like Sam Maresh has another battle on his hands.
The former Champlin Park star linebacker and Gophers recruit had just recently been cleared to resume his football career after recovering from heart surgery that cost him his 2008 season. He had enrolled in school and was anticipating taking part in spring practices.
Now doctors have found a tumor in his left calf. The news was disclosed by the Maresh family on the CaringBridge.com website in a post written by Sam’s father, Bill.
”With all the focus on Sam’s heart and his lifting going so well, we were not really focusing on Sam’s left calf hurting him,” Bill Maresh wrote. ”We just kept icing and riding the bike instead of running. Sam called me the other day and said it just wouldn’t get better and asked if I would take him in to get it checked out. Through x-ray, ultra-sound and MRI the doctors came in and said ‘Well Sam, I guess with you it’s never easy’ …They found a tumor in his left calf.”
The good news, according to the post, was the bone in Maresh’s leg looks good. There is a very low chance that the tumor is cancer.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
214 Days - 7 months exactly
We're down to 7 months until TCF opens. 214 days....and counting.
Looking waaaaaaaayyyyy ahead to a potential VEGAS weekend for next season, wanted to see what you guys think:
SEPT 5: at SYR
SEPT 26: at NW
OCT 17: at PSU
OCT 24: at OHIOST
NOV 21: at IOWA
These are all of the road weekends for the GOPHS. I'm thinking probably around our usual OCT timeframe, so I guess I'm leaning toward the PSU or OHIOST games. We'll see what else will be happening on these weekends once all schedules are released, but I think that makes the most sense. Then we can hit baseball once again as well - can't beat the over/under total H/R/E bets!!!
In other news, the 4**** RB Trabis Ward apparently got a passing score on his test, so it sounds like he'll probably be joining the club after his scheduled visit this weekend. I read a post on Collegefootballtalk.com that talked about this, and the guy basically called out Brewster for recruiting these kids with questionable grades. My questions is, doesn't nearly every single successful program in the country recruit these same kinds of kids? Why do we get called out for joining the club and trying to recruit the best players regardless of academic ability? We probably have a little more riding on specific high-risk guys than team like FLA, but should we really be called out for taking a shot on them rather than sticking with our typical 2** midwest Mason recruit?!? I'm just sick if hearing this bullsh*t every time Brew goes after someone who might have a little difficulty qualifying. Did anyone else read that the Gopher football team had the most B10 Academic All-Americans in the entire conference this fall with 27 guys who carry a 3.0 or better. Funny, that doesn't make front page or lead the news on all of the Gopher hating stations out there...but if we take on a RB that might not qualify, or we have a QB who's score gets flagged and then he passes the test and qualifies anyway - that's front page news.
I just wonder why everyone wants to see this team fail, or see this coach fail. Outside of a select few, this really seems to be the vibe the media puts out. I hate to say it, but once the Purple are gone everyone is going to be jumping on the bandwagon because it will be the only game in town.
I'll close this post, and all future posts with something similar (generally from the greatest band in the world, but occasionally dipping into other areas):
Today, PJ-Present Tense, take a chance stick your neck out and forget the past - all that matters is what's ahead.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwamCGQU7_s
do you see the way that tree bends?
does it inspire?
leaning out to catch the sun's rays
a lesson to be applied
are you getting something out of this all encompassing trip?
you can spend your time alone, redigesting past regrets, oh
or you can come to terms and realize
you're the only one who can't forgive yourself, oh
makes much more sense to live in the present tense
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Random Thoughts
Wow, I haven't blogged about anything on here for a long time...so here are some thoughts of my own at the moment...
First of all, the big game tonight. UNC-Duke. It's easily the best rivalry in college hoops, but is it the best rivalry in sports? Right now I say it is. 8 miles apart, both teams back in the elite of the game. In my opinion, it's jumped ahead of OSU-Mich, Red Sox-Yanks, and is light years ahead of any NBA rivalry. Tonight, UNC probably has too much for them...they do have more talent, and unless the Dukies unleash a barrage of threes, Carolina will make it four in a row at Cameron.
Right now, my Final Four is UConn, UNC, Pitt, and Oklahoma...not creative I know, but those teams have established themselves as the best four in the country.
As for A-Rod, who has had a bigger fall from grace? Britney Spears or A-Rod. Discuss.
It certainly wasn't shocking that A-Rod's name came out in the steroid discussion. But it does really hurt the integrity of his records. When he ends up blasting 850 homers at the end of his career, it's just going to be another mockery of the game. I say let's go back to 61 and 755, and go from there.
The rest of the Minnesota Timberwolves season will be unwatchable.
Speaking of unwatchable, the Gopher hockey team has picked the wrong time of the year to go on a bad slide...they need a pair against mighty Anchorage this weekend.
I'll give you LeBron for the first 40 minutes of the game, but I'll take Kobe for the last 8.
Tiger Woods, Tiger Woods, Tiger Woods, Tiger Woods, Tiger Wo....
No single athlete drives his/her sport like Tiger does...no one even thinks about paying attention unless he is playing.
Michael Phelps...come on...you can't get photographed at a college party with half of your face stuffed down a bong pipe. You're world-famous now. And who the hell at a college party at the University of South Carolina knew Michael Phelps to get him to come to the party in the first place? That is the question that I want answered. One thing we do know for sure now is we have finally figured out how Phelps was able to eat that 10,000 calorie a day diet they spoke of during the Olympics. Guy simply had the munchies.
Gopher hoops is going nowhere...hate to say it. No go-to guy, and way way too many turnovers. It's been a nice story, but they won't get out of the first weekend, and it's certainly not guaranteed they will make the tournament yet.
I've taken plenty of time now, I'll be cheering for the Heels tonight for sure, go Gophs and have a great day.
Kobow
First of all, the big game tonight. UNC-Duke. It's easily the best rivalry in college hoops, but is it the best rivalry in sports? Right now I say it is. 8 miles apart, both teams back in the elite of the game. In my opinion, it's jumped ahead of OSU-Mich, Red Sox-Yanks, and is light years ahead of any NBA rivalry. Tonight, UNC probably has too much for them...they do have more talent, and unless the Dukies unleash a barrage of threes, Carolina will make it four in a row at Cameron.
Right now, my Final Four is UConn, UNC, Pitt, and Oklahoma...not creative I know, but those teams have established themselves as the best four in the country.
As for A-Rod, who has had a bigger fall from grace? Britney Spears or A-Rod. Discuss.
It certainly wasn't shocking that A-Rod's name came out in the steroid discussion. But it does really hurt the integrity of his records. When he ends up blasting 850 homers at the end of his career, it's just going to be another mockery of the game. I say let's go back to 61 and 755, and go from there.
The rest of the Minnesota Timberwolves season will be unwatchable.
Speaking of unwatchable, the Gopher hockey team has picked the wrong time of the year to go on a bad slide...they need a pair against mighty Anchorage this weekend.
I'll give you LeBron for the first 40 minutes of the game, but I'll take Kobe for the last 8.
Tiger Woods, Tiger Woods, Tiger Woods, Tiger Woods, Tiger Wo....
No single athlete drives his/her sport like Tiger does...no one even thinks about paying attention unless he is playing.
Michael Phelps...come on...you can't get photographed at a college party with half of your face stuffed down a bong pipe. You're world-famous now. And who the hell at a college party at the University of South Carolina knew Michael Phelps to get him to come to the party in the first place? That is the question that I want answered. One thing we do know for sure now is we have finally figured out how Phelps was able to eat that 10,000 calorie a day diet they spoke of during the Olympics. Guy simply had the munchies.
Gopher hoops is going nowhere...hate to say it. No go-to guy, and way way too many turnovers. It's been a nice story, but they won't get out of the first weekend, and it's certainly not guaranteed they will make the tournament yet.
I've taken plenty of time now, I'll be cheering for the Heels tonight for sure, go Gophs and have a great day.
Kobow
Dead time
Hey Guys -
For me, this is officially the dead time of year for sports. I know, I know, we've got lots of teams playing, but nothing great going on. But, I've got 20 minutes to spare right now, so here's where I'm at on a few topics - this is truly what a blog is for anyway, right?
A-ROD
Who cares?!? I know he's a huge name, and this "revelation" of him admitting to steroids is big news. But seriously, if you've watched ESPN the last 3 days you'll realize this is the only thing they can show and talk about. And really, how much is there to say? Everyone knows baseball is/was as crooked as can be with cheaters everywhere, so what more is there to say about it? I really don't understand the fascination with this whole topic over the last few years.
ALOMAR
Did I miss this a while back? I guess Roberto Alomar has full blown AIDS and is being sued by a girlfriend for knowingly giving it to her. I always thought maybe he swung the other way, so I'm not sure if the AIDS thing or the girlfriend thing is more shocking.
TRABIS WARD
Do you think his mom wanted to name him "TraVis" but didn't know how to spell? Either way, he's a 4**** RB with his sites set on the U assuming he gets a passing score on his ACT/SAT which comes back tomorrow. My thought is that you can never have enough star talent on your squad, and depth at the RB position is a must as we learned this season. Sounds like a done deal for the Gophs as long as he qualifies.
GOPHER HOOPS
This squad is getting more frustrating to watch by the week. At least it was a win last night, because a lost would have been a disaster. But they will need to pick tihngs up quite a bit to win 3-4 more games and have a decent spot in the Big Dance.
WOLVES
Well, it's a shame we won all those game in JAN. With Big Al out, this team won't win 10 more the rest of the season, so we should have a Top 5 pick once again come June. Not the worst thing that could have happenend...as long as Al comes back at 100%.
Schedules are starting to be finalized around the country, so an EARLY EARLY EARLY look into NCAA Football 2009-10 is what's on my mind. I'm thinking a conference by conference breakdown coming in the near future. Who do you guys like in the SunBelt this year?
Latest I'm hearing on the Spring game is St. Thomas, or Minnetonka HS...hopefully more details will come around soon and we'll get this set up. Other than that, we're 4 weeks out until Baby Boy Rollins comes into the world...over/under on height at
3'6" out of the womb. So that's pretty much what I'll be doing for the forseeable future...hope to talk to you guys soon.
Later.
For me, this is officially the dead time of year for sports. I know, I know, we've got lots of teams playing, but nothing great going on. But, I've got 20 minutes to spare right now, so here's where I'm at on a few topics - this is truly what a blog is for anyway, right?
A-ROD
Who cares?!? I know he's a huge name, and this "revelation" of him admitting to steroids is big news. But seriously, if you've watched ESPN the last 3 days you'll realize this is the only thing they can show and talk about. And really, how much is there to say? Everyone knows baseball is/was as crooked as can be with cheaters everywhere, so what more is there to say about it? I really don't understand the fascination with this whole topic over the last few years.
ALOMAR
Did I miss this a while back? I guess Roberto Alomar has full blown AIDS and is being sued by a girlfriend for knowingly giving it to her. I always thought maybe he swung the other way, so I'm not sure if the AIDS thing or the girlfriend thing is more shocking.
TRABIS WARD
Do you think his mom wanted to name him "TraVis" but didn't know how to spell? Either way, he's a 4**** RB with his sites set on the U assuming he gets a passing score on his ACT/SAT which comes back tomorrow. My thought is that you can never have enough star talent on your squad, and depth at the RB position is a must as we learned this season. Sounds like a done deal for the Gophs as long as he qualifies.
GOPHER HOOPS
This squad is getting more frustrating to watch by the week. At least it was a win last night, because a lost would have been a disaster. But they will need to pick tihngs up quite a bit to win 3-4 more games and have a decent spot in the Big Dance.
WOLVES
Well, it's a shame we won all those game in JAN. With Big Al out, this team won't win 10 more the rest of the season, so we should have a Top 5 pick once again come June. Not the worst thing that could have happenend...as long as Al comes back at 100%.
Schedules are starting to be finalized around the country, so an EARLY EARLY EARLY look into NCAA Football 2009-10 is what's on my mind. I'm thinking a conference by conference breakdown coming in the near future. Who do you guys like in the SunBelt this year?
Latest I'm hearing on the Spring game is St. Thomas, or Minnetonka HS...hopefully more details will come around soon and we'll get this set up. Other than that, we're 4 weeks out until Baby Boy Rollins comes into the world...over/under on height at
3'6" out of the womb. So that's pretty much what I'll be doing for the forseeable future...hope to talk to you guys soon.
Later.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
CentSports - the fall of Tree
So I'm not sure how many of you guys pay a whole lot of attention to this site anymore, but I have been fairly active on there over the last 2 months or so. I was having a lot of success and reached some new heights of around $12.00 for my bankroll.
Then the wheels fell off as I made bad bet after bad bet starting with the Super Bowl loss of $3.00...stupid. Then I got housed the last 2 nights for another $5-$6...so I am back to reality at about $3.00 again. Damn. Basketball is hard to bet on - I like the money lines, but predicting points is insane.
We're heading off on vacation tomorrow...to Duluth. Beautiful this time of year I guess. Actually, Anna has a work thing up there, and she's staying at a water park/hotel, so E and I are going with. Should be a good time, and it's as close to a vacation as I am going to get this winter. I'm pumped for the 35 degree streak that's coming up over the next 5 days...I'm ready for a thaw.
Tubby's team looked good last night. WTF? I know Sparty is rock solid, but that game was over about 8 minutes in! Once again, I think we are defintiely a tourney team, but I don't think we threaten anyone this year with our inability to have a consistent half court game. Who do we count on for points? When we have a bad shooting night, like last night, we are toast. I'm still hoping for a strong finish, but 2010 will be the year to really look forward to March.
Looks like Ray Edwards is the odds on favorite for the title in Common's prepostuous statement tourney - I think he was the favorite going in, so this shouldn't be a surprise.
A McCants sighting last night for the Wolves!!! He looked solid offesnively, like always, but I doubt he will see much more time this season without a significant injury to someone. Looks like Miller may have found his shot again, thank god - that was getting ridiculous. We've got some nice pieces in place, but still a star away from having a playoff team.
Almost time to start throwing baseballs around again...not sure what I think of the Twinks this year, we'll have to get back to that as we get closer to opening day...but I can't believe it's that time of year again already. I still think we need relievers and a 3B option...god I hope Punto isn't an everyday player again.
All I got for today - hope everyone has a great weekend, I'll be gandhi starting tomorrow for the weekend, but I'll try and catch up with you guys sometime soon.
Then the wheels fell off as I made bad bet after bad bet starting with the Super Bowl loss of $3.00...stupid. Then I got housed the last 2 nights for another $5-$6...so I am back to reality at about $3.00 again. Damn. Basketball is hard to bet on - I like the money lines, but predicting points is insane.
We're heading off on vacation tomorrow...to Duluth. Beautiful this time of year I guess. Actually, Anna has a work thing up there, and she's staying at a water park/hotel, so E and I are going with. Should be a good time, and it's as close to a vacation as I am going to get this winter. I'm pumped for the 35 degree streak that's coming up over the next 5 days...I'm ready for a thaw.
Tubby's team looked good last night. WTF? I know Sparty is rock solid, but that game was over about 8 minutes in! Once again, I think we are defintiely a tourney team, but I don't think we threaten anyone this year with our inability to have a consistent half court game. Who do we count on for points? When we have a bad shooting night, like last night, we are toast. I'm still hoping for a strong finish, but 2010 will be the year to really look forward to March.
Looks like Ray Edwards is the odds on favorite for the title in Common's prepostuous statement tourney - I think he was the favorite going in, so this shouldn't be a surprise.
A McCants sighting last night for the Wolves!!! He looked solid offesnively, like always, but I doubt he will see much more time this season without a significant injury to someone. Looks like Miller may have found his shot again, thank god - that was getting ridiculous. We've got some nice pieces in place, but still a star away from having a playoff team.
Almost time to start throwing baseballs around again...not sure what I think of the Twinks this year, we'll have to get back to that as we get closer to opening day...but I can't believe it's that time of year again already. I still think we need relievers and a 3B option...god I hope Punto isn't an everyday player again.
All I got for today - hope everyone has a great weekend, I'll be gandhi starting tomorrow for the weekend, but I'll try and catch up with you guys sometime soon.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Christmas in February - National Signing Day 2009
20 new toys signed on the dotted line today for Brew & Co. Perhaps the biggest surprise came this morning/last night when previous WV commit Michael Carter, Tyrone's cousin, sent in his LOI to Coach Brewster and became a Gopher. Carter had previously committed to WV on ESPN during the HS AA Game, but apparently had a change of heart and will be in the Maroon and Gold and add sme much needed talent to our secondary.
Here's our list with some thoughts on each:
QB-Moses Alipate 3***
Very raw QB, but has a big arm and a head on his shoulders - should get a reshirt this season, and then battle it out with Gray and Weber over the next few years. Might be a better fit for our offense if we truly shift away from the spread as much as has been rumored.
ATH - Bryant Allen 3***
This guy will be a lightning quick WR/RB in the Percy Harvin mold for this team. Super fast and elusive, should contirbute next year already.
OL-Josh Campion 3***
Local kid from Fergus Falls - sounds like he'll be an OG, but will be looking to add about 30 pounds. Should be a multi year starter down the road.
WR-Hayo Carpenter 4**** - JUCO
Greatest name ever maybe...Hay-O, love it. Big-time playmaker with speed in the 4.4 range. He should be a great compliment to Decker next season and give us the BEST WR TRIO IN THE B10...yep, I said it.
DB-Michael Carter 4****
Our last second additon, will likely see nickel time this year. He's small, only 154 lbs, but fast and makes plays...a lot like Tyrone. Let's hope he tackles like that as well and we'll be golden!! Will be a starter for sure as a Soph, maybe this year.
DE-Matt Garin 3***
Aplle Valley kid, needs to add some pounds to be an effective B10 DE, but has all the indication of being a WVD clone. Should be able to play extensively in his 2nd year...maybe a redshirt this season?
ATH - Kendall Gregory-McGhee 3***
6-4 214, 4.6 speed...sounds like a TE or DE...personally I like him on the DE spot if he can add some weight. If a guy could make an impact on either side, I lean toward Defense (DE/OLB?). Might depend on where Hageman ends up as well.
TE-Rashede Hageman 3***
Big-time TE prospect, but sounds like he may move to OT or DE/DT. Tough to say, but he's a great athlete, and will make a mark somewhere on this team.
OL-Eric Jacques 3***
Another last second additon - Carter's buddy from HS, but looks to be a decent OG in his own right.
WR-Victor Keise 3***
6-0 with 4.5 speed, not great numbers, but will probably reshirt and provide more depth at the critical WR position.
DB-Kerry Lewis 3***
Smallish DB from Texas, but sounds like a player. I could see him get a look early with the holes we have at S this season.
RB-Hasan Lipscomb 4****
Out of Louisiana, 4.38 speed, 5-10 201 - built like a rock. Depending on how Bennett comes back next year, this guy might get a long look in the fall to be a player. We do have a ton of RB depth, but if he impresses he will play.
OL Brooks Michael 3***
Big dude from Indiana, 6-7 280, fits the prototype for the lineman we want to start bringing in. Should play eventually at OT or maybe move inside.
OL Ed Olson 3***
Another giant, 6-7 285, from Mahtomedi, and his younger brother already committed to Brew as well. He'll get a look, like all of these new OL will with our struggles last season.
K-Dan Orseske 2**
How do you rate kickers? Ummm...he kicks it long and straight. yay. i just hope he can make XP and short FG's...that's all I ask for. Might be more of a P it sounds like...maybe he'll do both?
ATH-Nick Rengel 3***
Sartell kid, not sure where he plays. I would bet LB eventually.
DT-Joey Searcy 3***
Might have grade issues, but looks to fit the part of a B10 DT. 6-0 276, with room to grow. We need guys in the middle, so hopefully it all works out. Another Texas kid, so I have to believe he can play a little.
LB-Brent Singleton 3***
We stole this guy from a verba to Spurrier...which tells me he can play. If he was going to play on that defense, then he might get a shot right away with us. 6-0 194 with 4.58 speed...should be a factor in 2010 for sure.
DB-Kenneth Watkins 3***
Michigan kid with 4.4 speed. 6-0 185, I like him as a S or CB with that size. Like I said with Lewis, he should get a look immediately.
OL-Jeff Wills 3***
If you thought our other OL recruits were big, you ain't seen nothing yet...6-7 350, yep that's a 3 in front of that number. Ginormous fella, has 3 years of eligibility left I think, already in school and we'll get a chance to see him this Spring. I bet he starts game #1 vs. the 'Cuse.
That's it. Smaller than last year, but great quality throughout. We have 7 guys who are listed as 3*** but could be fringe 4**** guys. Not that these rankings are the end all be all, but they definitely are an indication of what type of overall player you are bringing in.
Fun stuff. I'm ready for the Spring game. It sounds like we'll get a LONG look at Marqueis Gray during the Spring game since Weber will be non-contact all Spring. Not a bad thing, we know what he can do and I'm confident that's Fisch's offense won't take 2 years to master like Dunbar's encyclopedia. All in all, another successful year in 2009, and hopefully some really big things to come in 2010.
Seantrel Henderson, the CDH OT, appears to be the #1 player in the entire nation entering next season. MN may also have about 3-4 other 4**** kids in the state, so it's a huge year to lock down the borders!!! Go Timmy B!!
Big one tonight for Tubby - this team could actually be in 1st place with a Win tonight over a Sparty club without Morgan and likely without Suton...I smell upset. Let's keep the good vibes going!!
Later Guys. Have a great day.
Here's our list with some thoughts on each:
QB-Moses Alipate 3***
Very raw QB, but has a big arm and a head on his shoulders - should get a reshirt this season, and then battle it out with Gray and Weber over the next few years. Might be a better fit for our offense if we truly shift away from the spread as much as has been rumored.
ATH - Bryant Allen 3***
This guy will be a lightning quick WR/RB in the Percy Harvin mold for this team. Super fast and elusive, should contirbute next year already.
OL-Josh Campion 3***
Local kid from Fergus Falls - sounds like he'll be an OG, but will be looking to add about 30 pounds. Should be a multi year starter down the road.
WR-Hayo Carpenter 4**** - JUCO
Greatest name ever maybe...Hay-O, love it. Big-time playmaker with speed in the 4.4 range. He should be a great compliment to Decker next season and give us the BEST WR TRIO IN THE B10...yep, I said it.
DB-Michael Carter 4****
Our last second additon, will likely see nickel time this year. He's small, only 154 lbs, but fast and makes plays...a lot like Tyrone. Let's hope he tackles like that as well and we'll be golden!! Will be a starter for sure as a Soph, maybe this year.
DE-Matt Garin 3***
Aplle Valley kid, needs to add some pounds to be an effective B10 DE, but has all the indication of being a WVD clone. Should be able to play extensively in his 2nd year...maybe a redshirt this season?
ATH - Kendall Gregory-McGhee 3***
6-4 214, 4.6 speed...sounds like a TE or DE...personally I like him on the DE spot if he can add some weight. If a guy could make an impact on either side, I lean toward Defense (DE/OLB?). Might depend on where Hageman ends up as well.
TE-Rashede Hageman 3***
Big-time TE prospect, but sounds like he may move to OT or DE/DT. Tough to say, but he's a great athlete, and will make a mark somewhere on this team.
OL-Eric Jacques 3***
Another last second additon - Carter's buddy from HS, but looks to be a decent OG in his own right.
WR-Victor Keise 3***
6-0 with 4.5 speed, not great numbers, but will probably reshirt and provide more depth at the critical WR position.
DB-Kerry Lewis 3***
Smallish DB from Texas, but sounds like a player. I could see him get a look early with the holes we have at S this season.
RB-Hasan Lipscomb 4****
Out of Louisiana, 4.38 speed, 5-10 201 - built like a rock. Depending on how Bennett comes back next year, this guy might get a long look in the fall to be a player. We do have a ton of RB depth, but if he impresses he will play.
OL Brooks Michael 3***
Big dude from Indiana, 6-7 280, fits the prototype for the lineman we want to start bringing in. Should play eventually at OT or maybe move inside.
OL Ed Olson 3***
Another giant, 6-7 285, from Mahtomedi, and his younger brother already committed to Brew as well. He'll get a look, like all of these new OL will with our struggles last season.
K-Dan Orseske 2**
How do you rate kickers? Ummm...he kicks it long and straight. yay. i just hope he can make XP and short FG's...that's all I ask for. Might be more of a P it sounds like...maybe he'll do both?
ATH-Nick Rengel 3***
Sartell kid, not sure where he plays. I would bet LB eventually.
DT-Joey Searcy 3***
Might have grade issues, but looks to fit the part of a B10 DT. 6-0 276, with room to grow. We need guys in the middle, so hopefully it all works out. Another Texas kid, so I have to believe he can play a little.
LB-Brent Singleton 3***
We stole this guy from a verba to Spurrier...which tells me he can play. If he was going to play on that defense, then he might get a shot right away with us. 6-0 194 with 4.58 speed...should be a factor in 2010 for sure.
DB-Kenneth Watkins 3***
Michigan kid with 4.4 speed. 6-0 185, I like him as a S or CB with that size. Like I said with Lewis, he should get a look immediately.
OL-Jeff Wills 3***
If you thought our other OL recruits were big, you ain't seen nothing yet...6-7 350, yep that's a 3 in front of that number. Ginormous fella, has 3 years of eligibility left I think, already in school and we'll get a chance to see him this Spring. I bet he starts game #1 vs. the 'Cuse.
That's it. Smaller than last year, but great quality throughout. We have 7 guys who are listed as 3*** but could be fringe 4**** guys. Not that these rankings are the end all be all, but they definitely are an indication of what type of overall player you are bringing in.
Fun stuff. I'm ready for the Spring game. It sounds like we'll get a LONG look at Marqueis Gray during the Spring game since Weber will be non-contact all Spring. Not a bad thing, we know what he can do and I'm confident that's Fisch's offense won't take 2 years to master like Dunbar's encyclopedia. All in all, another successful year in 2009, and hopefully some really big things to come in 2010.
Seantrel Henderson, the CDH OT, appears to be the #1 player in the entire nation entering next season. MN may also have about 3-4 other 4**** kids in the state, so it's a huge year to lock down the borders!!! Go Timmy B!!
Big one tonight for Tubby - this team could actually be in 1st place with a Win tonight over a Sparty club without Morgan and likely without Suton...I smell upset. Let's keep the good vibes going!!
Later Guys. Have a great day.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Post-Season Wrap up, other Buzz
Hey Guys -
MK/JG - hope the trip was great. You actually missed some nice weather here for a couple of days, but I'm sure it was nothing like Jamaica. Please post a recap if you're up for it, or I'm sure we'll be talking in the next few days as well.
So the betting season is officially over. JG actually pulls out a W for the NFL prtion of the post-season, but unfortunately he falls short on the overall. Here's how the final standings shook out
MR - 65+19 = 84
MK - 60+22 = 82
JR - 54+24 = 78
JG - 48+30 = 78
So Roe wins both portions of the football betting challenge this year. Nice work Mike. We'll have to discuss a better payout method next time we get together, because this pay out when we see each other thing just doesn't really happen that often. We're waaaaaayyyy overdue to get squared up - I'll send a total recap out later this week of who owes what to whom.
Now it's looking forward to signing day this week, then March Madness and the Spring Football game and the Draft. Then we've got some golfing action before fall hits and we do it all over again.
There is some serious buzz that Michael Carter, 4 star DB, will de-commit from WV and sign with the Gophers on Wednesday. Apparently, Brew and co. we're in FLA this past weekend chatting with him again, and he has pulled all of his WV stuff off of his myspace page. This is some great news, as this team really needs a starting S to likely replace Brock. I guess Brew was on WCCO yesterday, and he expects to have a couple more big commits before signing day, which means the next 3 days. We'll see, but I love his optimism and relentless recruiting efforts. This is looking to be a solid class once again, and should set us up for some good depth this season and beyond.
I think hell has offically frozen over - Mankato sweeps the Gophers last weekend. Unreal. Not sure where this team is heading right now, but it doesn't look good.
Wolves have cooled off after getting shellacked by LAL and BOS, but a more favorable slate coming up should help them out a bit. Either way, I'm still enjoying the NBA more than I have in quite some time.
Gopher hoops all of a sudden has a GIANT game at MSU on WED. With a win, unlikely as it may be, we could seriuosly be thinking about the potential of a B10 title, or at least a top 2-3 finish. At least we appear to be a lock for the tourney, which is all I was hoping for at the start of the season. Hopefully, they'll make a nice little run in March and get things pumped up for next year when they could REALLY make some National noise.
Hope everyone is doing great - I'll keep you updated on the Spring Game/Draft weekend as we get more information. Otherwise, I'll probably be on lockdown for the forseeable future with #2 coming sometime in the next 6 weeks.
Later.
MK/JG - hope the trip was great. You actually missed some nice weather here for a couple of days, but I'm sure it was nothing like Jamaica. Please post a recap if you're up for it, or I'm sure we'll be talking in the next few days as well.
So the betting season is officially over. JG actually pulls out a W for the NFL prtion of the post-season, but unfortunately he falls short on the overall. Here's how the final standings shook out
MR - 65+19 = 84
MK - 60+22 = 82
JR - 54+24 = 78
JG - 48+30 = 78
So Roe wins both portions of the football betting challenge this year. Nice work Mike. We'll have to discuss a better payout method next time we get together, because this pay out when we see each other thing just doesn't really happen that often. We're waaaaaayyyy overdue to get squared up - I'll send a total recap out later this week of who owes what to whom.
Now it's looking forward to signing day this week, then March Madness and the Spring Football game and the Draft. Then we've got some golfing action before fall hits and we do it all over again.
There is some serious buzz that Michael Carter, 4 star DB, will de-commit from WV and sign with the Gophers on Wednesday. Apparently, Brew and co. we're in FLA this past weekend chatting with him again, and he has pulled all of his WV stuff off of his myspace page. This is some great news, as this team really needs a starting S to likely replace Brock. I guess Brew was on WCCO yesterday, and he expects to have a couple more big commits before signing day, which means the next 3 days. We'll see, but I love his optimism and relentless recruiting efforts. This is looking to be a solid class once again, and should set us up for some good depth this season and beyond.
I think hell has offically frozen over - Mankato sweeps the Gophers last weekend. Unreal. Not sure where this team is heading right now, but it doesn't look good.
Wolves have cooled off after getting shellacked by LAL and BOS, but a more favorable slate coming up should help them out a bit. Either way, I'm still enjoying the NBA more than I have in quite some time.
Gopher hoops all of a sudden has a GIANT game at MSU on WED. With a win, unlikely as it may be, we could seriuosly be thinking about the potential of a B10 title, or at least a top 2-3 finish. At least we appear to be a lock for the tourney, which is all I was hoping for at the start of the season. Hopefully, they'll make a nice little run in March and get things pumped up for next year when they could REALLY make some National noise.
Hope everyone is doing great - I'll keep you updated on the Spring Game/Draft weekend as we get more information. Otherwise, I'll probably be on lockdown for the forseeable future with #2 coming sometime in the next 6 weeks.
Later.
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