The Gophers football program does not yet have a commitment for its 2025 recruiting class, but it already has a pledge for 2026.
The U offered a scholarship in January to Andrew Trout, an athletic and menacing offensive lineman from ROCORI High School in Cold Spring, Minn. He committed by the end of last month.
For next year’s class, it’s common for the Gophers to start receiving commitments from now into the summer. It’s rare for the U to work ahead two years out.
Trout grew up a Gophers fan; Rashod Bateman was his favorite player when he was younger. Trout then impressed at U camps last summer, formed a bond with offensive line coach Brian Callahan, visited Huntington Bank Stadium for two games in 2023 and, in the end, sought a leadership role in his recruiting class.
“That was another big reason: I wanted to spearhead the class, so I can be that leader and help other kids make their decisions on where to play,” Trout told the Pioneer Press. “Obviously, play for the Gophers.”
Trout had a great sophomore season at left tackle for ROCORI, with 69 pancake blocks and zero sacks allowed for a team that finished state runner-up in Class 4A last season. A mobile quarterback helped keep Trout’s sack stat spotless.
ROCORI head coach James Herberg wanted to be cautious in describing Trout, given his youth. But his size alone turns heads: 6-foot-6, 285 pounds with a 6-9 wingspan.
“He has the biggest ceiling that I’ve ever coached,” Herberg admitted. “I haven’t seen a kid that big move like he does. His feet are really, really good. His flexibility and mobility are off the charts.
“Obviously, there’s things he needs to work on,” Herberg continued. “But from a sophomore standpoint, his ability to want to bury kids in the ground, you usually don’t get that edge until you’re a junior or sometimes a…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/gophers-football-nets-big-menacing-205700364.html
Author : Pioneer Press, St. Paul, Minn.
Publish date : 2024-02-13 20:57:00
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