Football Recruiting - Midwest Region: Minnesota Golden Gophers
After seeing Iowa State the first time, Hartland (Wis.) Arrowhead outside linebacker Sam Seonbuchner knew he wanted to make a return trip.
When he did, he decided he had seen enough.
Seonbuchner committed to the Cyclones on Saturday while on his second visit to the campus this spring, giving Iowa State its fourth commitment of the 2014 class.
"I visited back in March for spring practice and visited the school and came away very impressed with everything," Seonbuchner said. "I wanted to go back, which [I did] today. I was even more impressed [with] the facilities, the coaches, academics, everything they have to offer. I knew I was ready to make a decision, and I committed."
The 6-foot-2, 215-pound prospect also held offers from Ball State, Bowling Green, North Dakota State and Ohio. He also held interest from Minnesota, Northern Illinois, Penn State and Wisconsin. Seonbuchner was recruited by Iowa State defensive graduate assistant Derek Day.
When he did, he decided he had seen enough.
Seonbuchner committed to the Cyclones on Saturday while on his second visit to the campus this spring, giving Iowa State its fourth commitment of the 2014 class.
"I visited back in March for spring practice and visited the school and came away very impressed with everything," Seonbuchner said. "I wanted to go back, which [I did] today. I was even more impressed [with] the facilities, the coaches, academics, everything they have to offer. I knew I was ready to make a decision, and I committed."
The 6-foot-2, 215-pound prospect also held offers from Ball State, Bowling Green, North Dakota State and Ohio. He also held interest from Minnesota, Northern Illinois, Penn State and Wisconsin. Seonbuchner was recruited by Iowa State defensive graduate assistant Derek Day.
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Tales From the Road spotlights players who stand out to RecruitingNation writers at camps, combines and various events. Here is a look at a few Midwest prospects who recently performed at a high level:
DE Jashon Cornell
Vital stats: (2015 / Saint Paul Cretin-Derham Hall / 6-foot-4, 225 pounds
Considering: Offers from Iowa, Minnesota and Rutgers
DE Jashon Cornell
Vital stats: (2015 / Saint Paul Cretin-Derham Hall / 6-foot-4, 225 pounds
Considering: Offers from Iowa, Minnesota and Rutgers
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2015 DE Cornell stands out 
March, 25, 2013
Mar 25
2:18
PM ET
By
Tom VanHaaren and
Jared Shanker | ESPN.com
When 2015 defensive end Jashon Cornell (St. Paul, Minn./Cretin-Derham Hall) walked into the building at the adidas invitational, he stood out among his peers. Standing 6-foot-4, 225 pounds, Cornell was also a standout on the field during the one-day camp.
The talented junior to be has already been offered by Iowa, Minnesota and Rutgers, but says there are a few other schools already in contact.
The talented junior to be has already been offered by Iowa, Minnesota and Rutgers, but says there are a few other schools already in contact.
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Noles offer sparks Ragnow's recruitment
March, 21, 2013
Mar 21
11:28
AM ET
By
Jared Shanker | ESPN.com
When the Seminoles offer a scholarship to a prospect from Minnesota, programs across the country are bound to take notice. So now offensive tackle Frank Ragnow (Victoria, Minn./Chanhassen) is on every program’s radar, especially in the Midwest.
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Swain has eight offers, academic goals
March, 20, 2013
Mar 20
10:51
AM ET
By
Damon Sayles | ESPN.com
For players like Jimmie Swain IV (Lee’s Summit, Mo./Lee’s Summit, Mo.), saying academics are important in the recruiting process and actually believing it are two totally different things.
Swain, an outside linebacker with eight offers, said his decision ultimately will be made after taking his official visits. Along with trying to find his place and comfort level on the field, Swain is all about finding the best place to continue his education.
Swain, a player who recorded triple-digits in tackles, wants to pursue a degree in the business field, suggesting a possible double major in business administration and marketing. He also wants to minor in leadership.
Swain, an outside linebacker with eight offers, said his decision ultimately will be made after taking his official visits. Along with trying to find his place and comfort level on the field, Swain is all about finding the best place to continue his education.
Swain, a player who recorded triple-digits in tackles, wants to pursue a degree in the business field, suggesting a possible double major in business administration and marketing. He also wants to minor in leadership.
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Thompson alters timeline after new offers
March, 19, 2013
Mar 19
3:05
PM ET
By
Jared Shanker | ESPN.com
Less than a month ago, Dylan Thompson (Lombard, Ill./Montini Catholic) believed his recruitment would not go on much longer. He expected a few more offers and then a spring or early summer decision.
Now, the talented defensive lineman will delay it as long as possible.
Now, the talented defensive lineman will delay it as long as possible.
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OSU extends offer to Watch List DT
February, 27, 2013
Feb 27
5:20
PM ET
By
Brad Bournival | ESPN.com
Urban Meyer was at it again Wednesday with yet another offer to a defensive lineman.
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Offers piling up for ATH Dareian Watkins
February, 26, 2013
Feb 26
5:20
PM ET
By
Jared Shanker | ESPN.com
Dareian Watkins (Galion, Ohio/Galion) acknowledges he has some tough decisions to make.
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Growth spurt helps LB land Gophers offer
February, 20, 2013
Feb 20
3:31
PM ET
By
Jared Shanker | ESPN.com
CLEVES, Ohio -- It was just a matter of a few inches for Lake Zurich (Ill.) linebacker Colton Moskal.
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QB Dimonic McKinzy up to four offers
February, 18, 2013
Feb 18
10:50
PM ET
By
Damon Sayles | ESPN.com
The last time Wyandotte High School in Kansas City, Kan., was in the mouths of many following college football recruiting, a linebacker by the name of Lyron Collins was preparing to sign with Notre Dame.
That was in 1993 -- 20 years ago.
Dimonic McKinzy is well aware of the history -- or lack thereof -- of Wyandotte football, and he is on a mission to turn the program around. In his first year at Wyandotte after moving from University Academy in Kansas City, Mo., McKinzy led the Bulldogs to a winning record and helped the program get one step closer to becoming relevant in the world of Kansas high school football.
That was in 1993 -- 20 years ago.
Dimonic McKinzy is well aware of the history -- or lack thereof -- of Wyandotte football, and he is on a mission to turn the program around. In his first year at Wyandotte after moving from University Academy in Kansas City, Mo., McKinzy led the Bulldogs to a winning record and helped the program get one step closer to becoming relevant in the world of Kansas high school football.
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After a nice visit up north, running back Brock Broughton (Kearney, Mo./Kearney) is preparing to take a visit a little closer to home.
Broughton went to Minnesota last week for the Golden Gophers' junior day. On Saturday, the 5-foot-11, 190-pound back will take in Manhattan, Kan., and attend the Kansas State junior day -- roughly two hours away via car from his home. This is a return trip to Kansas State, as he toured the campus on an unofficial visit in November.
“I’m just looking to see how dedicated the coaches are and how much they care for their program,” Broughton said. “I’ve seen the school; I was there for an unofficial visit and saw the locker rooms and facilities. I just want to get a little more in-depth on what I saw on my unofficial visit.”
Broughton went to Minnesota last week for the Golden Gophers' junior day. On Saturday, the 5-foot-11, 190-pound back will take in Manhattan, Kan., and attend the Kansas State junior day -- roughly two hours away via car from his home. This is a return trip to Kansas State, as he toured the campus on an unofficial visit in November.
“I’m just looking to see how dedicated the coaches are and how much they care for their program,” Broughton said. “I’ve seen the school; I was there for an unofficial visit and saw the locker rooms and facilities. I just want to get a little more in-depth on what I saw on my unofficial visit.”
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ESPN RecruitingNation has signing day covered. Follow ESPNU’s coverage, chat with analysts and get breaking news on our Signing Day Live page beginning at 7:30 a.m. ET through 7 p.m. ET. For more on what to expect on signing day, check out the Big Ten conference breakdown 
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Bold prediction: Penn State will hang on to a top-25 class, even if just by the slimmest of margins. Bill O'Brien and his staff deserve all the credit in the world for having to originally put together a class after the scandal and then reshaping it after NCAA sanctions were levied in July.
Illinois
Biggest need: The Illini's offense was arguably the worst in the Big Ten in 2012, and Illinois needs help just about everywhere on offense, especially at the skill positions.
Biggest recruit: Four-star athlete Aaron Bailey is the future at quarterback for Illinois, and the coaches will expect him to be ready to take the reins once Nathan Scheelhaase moves on.
Indiana
Biggest need: To just put up a fence around Indianapolis and the state of Indiana. Kevin Wilson did that, assuaging defensive line concerns in the process by adding Indianapolis linemen David Kenney III and Darius Latham.
Biggest recruit: The Hoosiers are not accustomed to landing ESPN 150 prospects, but not only did they get Rashard Fant, but they got him all the way out of Georgia.
Iowa
Biggest need: After having several productive running backs over the past decade, the Hawkeyes are hurting in the backfield due to injuries and off-the-field issues.
Biggest recruit: The Hawkeyes were after Berkley Edwards for a while, but once that fell through they put the screws to former Boston College running back commit LeShun Daniels. He flipped shortly after an official visit to Iowa.
Michigan
Biggest need: Brady Hoke is transitioning to a pro-style offense, and he needed a pocket passer and a running back who makes his living in between the tackles.
Biggest recruit: ESPN 150 quarterback Shane Morris is that pro-style quarterback, but he is also the unquestioned leader of Team 134 and helped put together one of the nation’s top classes.
Michigan State
Biggest need: The Spartans will lose their top two rushers from 2012, including Big Ten rushing leader Le’Veon Bell, so running back is a priority. They are bringing in two.
Biggest recruit: ESPN 300 dual-threat quarterback Damion Terry is a capable thrower and runner, and he led his high school to a state title as a senior. Andrew Maxwell did not exactly lock down the starting quarterback job with his performance last season.
Minnesota
Biggest need: Donnell Kirkwood is a promising player at running back, but he struggled against some of the league’s better defenses and wore down late in the season. A complement is sorely needed.
Biggest recruit: Three-star running back Berkley Edwards is the younger brother of former Michigan receiver Braylon Edwards. Berkley is one of the Gophers’ highest-rated commitments, and running back is a position that lends itself to an easy transition.
Nebraska
Biggest need: Nebraska needs to return to its days of the Blackshirts, as the Huskers' defense was gashed on the ground all season. The Huskers need help along the defensive line.
Biggest recruit: Elite 11 finalist Johnny Stanton is a dual-threat quarterback, but he’s a much more polished passer than Taylor Martinez, who has taken his share of lumps since his flashy start in Lincoln.
Northwestern
Biggest need: Now that the Wildcats are a legitimate threat in the Big Ten under Pat Fitzgerald, the next step is to get better athletes to compete with Michigan and Ohio State. Fitzgerald is doing that with Ifeadi Odenigbo in 2012 and Godwin Igwebuike in 2013.
Biggest recruit: ESPN 300 dual-threat quarterback Matt Alviti had offers from some big programs including Notre Dame, but he chose nearby Northwestern. The Wildcats have an unsettled situation at quarterback, and as a local product Alviti could be called for by the fans if the quarterback play does not improve.
Ohio State
Biggest need: Linebacker was the biggest need for the Buckeyes, and after a shaky start Urban Meyer wrapped up a nice haul at the position with ESPN 150 products Trey Johnson and Mike Mitchell.
Biggest recruit: It’s a tie between Jalin Marshall and Dontre Wilson, who are separated by just a few spots in the ESPN 150. Both have game-breaking ability as a receiver or out of the backfield.
Penn State
Biggest need: Despite significantly improved play from Matt McGloin in 2012, the Nittany Lions have not been blessed with quarterbacks the past decade, with the exception of a few good seasons from Michael Robinson and Daryll Clark.
Biggest recruit: While the class did field its share of decommitments, the damage would have been irreparable if No. 1 QB Christian Hackenberg bolted. By staying on, he instilled confidence in several other recruits to stay or join him in State College.
Purdue
Biggest need: The quarterback situation at Purdue has been unsettled the past few seasons, which is not good when it comes to the most important position on the field.
Biggest recruit: An Elite 11 finalist, Danny Etling stuck with the Boilermakers through the coaching change. He will be looked at as the future of the program.
Wisconsin
Biggest need: While the Badgers always have a strong stable of backs, losing Montee Ball is going to hurt, especially in the red zone. Wisconsin addressed it with top commitment Corey Clement.
Biggest recruit: The loss of Russell Wilson left a major void at quarterback, but the Badgers landed quarterback Tanner McEvoy on Monday. McEvoy is ranked No. 44 among juco prospects nationally and the expectation is he will contend for a starting job immediately.
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Bold prediction: Penn State will hang on to a top-25 class, even if just by the slimmest of margins. Bill O'Brien and his staff deserve all the credit in the world for having to originally put together a class after the scandal and then reshaping it after NCAA sanctions were levied in July.
Illinois
Biggest need: The Illini's offense was arguably the worst in the Big Ten in 2012, and Illinois needs help just about everywhere on offense, especially at the skill positions.
Biggest recruit: Four-star athlete Aaron Bailey is the future at quarterback for Illinois, and the coaches will expect him to be ready to take the reins once Nathan Scheelhaase moves on.
Indiana
Biggest need: To just put up a fence around Indianapolis and the state of Indiana. Kevin Wilson did that, assuaging defensive line concerns in the process by adding Indianapolis linemen David Kenney III and Darius Latham.
Biggest recruit: The Hoosiers are not accustomed to landing ESPN 150 prospects, but not only did they get Rashard Fant, but they got him all the way out of Georgia.
Iowa
Biggest need: After having several productive running backs over the past decade, the Hawkeyes are hurting in the backfield due to injuries and off-the-field issues.
Biggest recruit: The Hawkeyes were after Berkley Edwards for a while, but once that fell through they put the screws to former Boston College running back commit LeShun Daniels. He flipped shortly after an official visit to Iowa.
Michigan
Biggest need: Brady Hoke is transitioning to a pro-style offense, and he needed a pocket passer and a running back who makes his living in between the tackles.
Biggest recruit: ESPN 150 quarterback Shane Morris is that pro-style quarterback, but he is also the unquestioned leader of Team 134 and helped put together one of the nation’s top classes.
Michigan State
Biggest need: The Spartans will lose their top two rushers from 2012, including Big Ten rushing leader Le’Veon Bell, so running back is a priority. They are bringing in two.
Biggest recruit: ESPN 300 dual-threat quarterback Damion Terry is a capable thrower and runner, and he led his high school to a state title as a senior. Andrew Maxwell did not exactly lock down the starting quarterback job with his performance last season.
Minnesota
Biggest need: Donnell Kirkwood is a promising player at running back, but he struggled against some of the league’s better defenses and wore down late in the season. A complement is sorely needed.
Biggest recruit: Three-star running back Berkley Edwards is the younger brother of former Michigan receiver Braylon Edwards. Berkley is one of the Gophers’ highest-rated commitments, and running back is a position that lends itself to an easy transition.
Nebraska
Biggest need: Nebraska needs to return to its days of the Blackshirts, as the Huskers' defense was gashed on the ground all season. The Huskers need help along the defensive line.
Biggest recruit: Elite 11 finalist Johnny Stanton is a dual-threat quarterback, but he’s a much more polished passer than Taylor Martinez, who has taken his share of lumps since his flashy start in Lincoln.
Northwestern
Biggest need: Now that the Wildcats are a legitimate threat in the Big Ten under Pat Fitzgerald, the next step is to get better athletes to compete with Michigan and Ohio State. Fitzgerald is doing that with Ifeadi Odenigbo in 2012 and Godwin Igwebuike in 2013.
Biggest recruit: ESPN 300 dual-threat quarterback Matt Alviti had offers from some big programs including Notre Dame, but he chose nearby Northwestern. The Wildcats have an unsettled situation at quarterback, and as a local product Alviti could be called for by the fans if the quarterback play does not improve.
Ohio State
Biggest need: Linebacker was the biggest need for the Buckeyes, and after a shaky start Urban Meyer wrapped up a nice haul at the position with ESPN 150 products Trey Johnson and Mike Mitchell.
Biggest recruit: It’s a tie between Jalin Marshall and Dontre Wilson, who are separated by just a few spots in the ESPN 150. Both have game-breaking ability as a receiver or out of the backfield.
Penn State
Biggest need: Despite significantly improved play from Matt McGloin in 2012, the Nittany Lions have not been blessed with quarterbacks the past decade, with the exception of a few good seasons from Michael Robinson and Daryll Clark.
Biggest recruit: While the class did field its share of decommitments, the damage would have been irreparable if No. 1 QB Christian Hackenberg bolted. By staying on, he instilled confidence in several other recruits to stay or join him in State College.
Purdue
Biggest need: The quarterback situation at Purdue has been unsettled the past few seasons, which is not good when it comes to the most important position on the field.
Biggest recruit: An Elite 11 finalist, Danny Etling stuck with the Boilermakers through the coaching change. He will be looked at as the future of the program.
Wisconsin
Biggest need: While the Badgers always have a strong stable of backs, losing Montee Ball is going to hurt, especially in the red zone. Wisconsin addressed it with top commitment Corey Clement.
Biggest recruit: The loss of Russell Wilson left a major void at quarterback, but the Badgers landed quarterback Tanner McEvoy on Monday. McEvoy is ranked No. 44 among juco prospects nationally and the expectation is he will contend for a starting job immediately.
3-star LB Spearman lands in the Big Ten
February, 5, 2013
Feb 5
8:07
PM ET
By
Jared Shanker | ESPN.com
With two official visits still available, three-star Chicago Simeon linebacker Reggie Spearman decided to make an unofficial visit instead.
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Thorson gets help from former NFL QB
February, 4, 2013
Feb 4
10:30
AM ET
By
Chantel Jennings | ESPN.com
Watch List quarterback Clayton Thorson (Wheaton, Ill./Wheaton North) is lucky enough to have lived in the right place at the right time.
He’ll graduate from the same school as former Ohio State and NFL quarterback Kent Graham, who moved back to Wheaton to raise his own family. And since the two are in the same town, Thorson has a personal quarterback coach and a guide through his own recruiting process.
“It’s awesome,” Thorson said. “You get insight on just about every school and those offenses, so it’s a great asset to have.”
He’ll graduate from the same school as former Ohio State and NFL quarterback Kent Graham, who moved back to Wheaton to raise his own family. And since the two are in the same town, Thorson has a personal quarterback coach and a guide through his own recruiting process.
“It’s awesome,” Thorson said. “You get insight on just about every school and those offenses, so it’s a great asset to have.”
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Three-star Spearman sets decision date
January, 30, 2013
Jan 30
7:15
PM ET
By
Jared Shanker | ESPN.com
Three-star Chicago Simeon linebacker Reggie Spearman will not be making a signing-day decision.
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RECRUITING NATION MIDWEST COVERAGE
The Midwest Region consists of the states of Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin and is where the foundation of most Big Ten recruiting classes are made up of. It's also where the MAC finds most of its talent and national programs hunt for prospects.
More RecruitingNation blogs
RecruitingNation has the latest recruiting news from across the country:
• On The Trail
• East Region blog
• Midlands Region blog
• Southeast Region blog
• West Region blog
MIDWEST RECRUITING CONTRIBUTORS
Brad BournivalESPN Archive |
Chantel JenningsESPN Archive |
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