Jerry Kill talks 2013 recruiting class - KMSP-TV

Jerry Kill talks 2013 recruiting class

Jerry Kill stood before the assembled media and talked about his recruiting class that appears on paper at least to address depth shortcomings at several key positions.

"It's been lengthy.  Our coaches have done an outstanding job," said Kill. "I appreciate their hard work and all the people that are surrounded with our football program because there's many to get things done in the recruiting."

Offense:

The Gophers gained a speed burner in the backfield with very good football roots in tailback Berkley Edwards.

"He's one of Top 10, 12 sprinters in the country," said Kill. "Those things we need.  And he's a great fit for us at running back because we got some big backs, but we'd like to have one just to hand it off and it's over.  Goodnight.  And he can do that because he's got that kind of speed."

Edwards is the younger brother of Braylon Edwards who played his college ball at Michigan.

Nate Wozniak, the 6'9 tight end out of Center Grove high school officially committed to the Gophers and his new head coach is excited about the opportunity to work with a big physical receiver.

He'll be the biggest tight end you've seen.  I thought Matt Spaeth, I always looked and said, boy, I want to have one that looks like Matt Spaeth," said Kill "Well, I can't wait to see Matt because I want to get this kid next to him because I think we might have found a guy that's ‑‑ I think Nate's at least 6'9 and 260 and can bend."

The team picked up a pair of wide receivers including Drew Wolitarsky. The 6'3 wide out set the California state record for career catches (281) and yards (5,148).

Defense:

Shoring up the linebacker corps as well as the defensive backfield was key for the team and the team didn't disappoint. De'Vondre Campbell was the sneaky good surprise of the day when the 6'5 225 JUCO transfer selected the Gophers.

"We had about eight or nine linebackers, this is our target, this is who we're going to go after," said Kill. "We're very fortunate that we were able to get five of those young men."

They also picked up a pair of defensive backs in Daletavious McGhee and Jalen Myrick.