SooToo

I see Rashad Gayden, a LB from Cooper HS, signed with Wahpeton. Reportedly, UND had some interest during the recruiting period. Also signing at NDSCS was Derek Earls, a RB/LB and all-metro player from Waconia. Future JUCO options? I'm surprised we haven't gone that route a little bit this year. Wasn't the plan to jump to the full complement of 63 scholarships with this recruiting class? I would think it would be nice to spread the new schollies out a little bit and bring in some immediate help at the same time. (Although if I remember right, some of last year's big class said there was going to be a bump in schlarship money for them once we officially were operating under FCS limits.)

I wonder if UND will release a list of "preferred walk-ons."

No need to "speak proper English," Gabe (although I don't recall grammar and syntax being bad things); it is helpful, however, if you can understand it. So practice your reading comprehension over the weekend and it will help you keep up when you're trolling next week.

Sorry, junior. I forget who might be listening in. I'll try to make it simpler next time. For our Bison "friends' who might be trying to follow along, let me rephrase the question; Does anybody know anything about Duraney White? Where did he go to school? How fast can he run? How high can he jump? How proficient (good) is he at catching the ball? I hope this clears up any confusion (mix-up).

Any words about Duraney White?

I'm amazed at the size of the recruiting classes for our former NCC friends as they face lower scholarship limits in the NSIC. It looks like everyone is announcing classes of 18-23 -- must be giving everyone busfare and change for a Coke. Obviously very difficult (and frustrating) to attempt to assess players based on awards, newspaper articles and internet chatter, but you've got to be impressed with Mankato. In addition to Campbell, they also signed RB Chris Echols from Wisconsin Lutheran, a 1st team AP all-state rumored previously to be headed to UNI, 1st team AP RB Micheal Sewall from Kimberly, WI, and Beau Illikainen, TE/athlete from Wayzata who was rumored to have D1 interest. Oh well, so much for rumors...

And your enthusiasm for the Gateway has what relation to the scheduling of the "final non-conference game next year"?

It was telling that Mussman started his remarks with unsolicited comments regarding the recruits that backed out. Clearly, I think they were blind-sided by this, and it sounds like recruiting suffered a bit because they weren't prepared with back-up plans. Doubt that will happen again. I agree with GeauxSioux that coach is not the most polished orator out there -- lots of stuttering and stammering, but the passion seems to be there. He may want to contact the regional master of coach-speak, Mr. Clean from down south, for some pointers. I'd pass on the plastic smile, though.

For anyone who might be interested, coach Mussman is scheduled to be on the Dan Hammer Show, 740 AM on your radio dial, at 1 p.m. CST today to discuss this year's recruiting class. Streaming audio feed is available via their website, 740thefan.com. Sounds like there should be some new names to kick around, given the GF Herald report today of an expected signing class of 16-20 players. I noticed Mussman said they "learned a few lessons" on the recruting trail this year. That might be interesting, too. Finally, I see the Star-Trib article referenced by '92, '96 fails to list several NDSU verbals. Probably an oversight. Sure hope they haven't suffered some "decommits," too.

I'm surprised, too, by the possible commitments of some of the Wisconsin players. No slight to Mankato, but it makes me wonder if UND "interest" failed to translate into UND "offer" in some cases.

Considering recent recruitment "non-revelations" (Benjamin, Watkins, Magstadt), count me among those who suspect we may have some quality recruits not yet known. And even though it's the eleventh hour, it appears there may be a number of prospects still out there. Among others, I've yet to see commitments reported for: Minnesota Dan Brown; KARE 11/Star-Tribune All-Metro WR (6'5") Derek Earls; KARE 11/Star-Tribune All-Metro RB/LB(?)/Punter (6'3", 215) Mathew Muenchow; DB/QB/Punter with previous interest from UND and NDSU Rashad Gayden; LB with prior UND interest Willy Baregi, Holy Angels; LB with prior UND interest Jarid Jackson; highly-graded Champlin Park LB Andrew Anderson, Crookston; OL (6'7"?) Jordan Anderson, NewFolden; Minnesota nine-man All-Stater, OL/DL Wisconsin Damon Campbell, Wisconsin Lutheran; AP player of the year at LB; prior reported UND and UNI interest Tyrell Rosemeyer, Fennimore LB; AP First Team (6' 220#); Has UND offer (and Wisconsin walk-on in vite Tony Lyght, Fennimore OL; Prior reported UND interest (6'5" 290#) Harold Lloyd, Janesville; AP First Team at both OL and DL

Prospective RB recruit Bradie Ewing has decided to decline a UND offer in favor of a preferred walk-on invitation from Wisconsin, per a poster on WisSports.Net

I guess this would be the "minor hiccup" Lennon predicted would result from his departure. In retrospect, it appears there's been just enough time since he left town for a few recruits to get a little panicked -- no doubt with the encouragement of competing coaching staffs. I, too, find it hard to fathom losing recruits to SDSU. This year, I'll chalk it up to uncertainty and maybe a little of the play-off eligibility thing; Next year, it's unacceptable.

Gotta wonder whether there are eligibility issues with Damen Campbell; AP POY and top six or better linebacker in the state of Wisconsin yet no offers -- nada -- at least acording to Wisconsin Sports.Net I also understand Brady Ewing may have a basketball walk-on offer from UW. What's the likelihood of additional RB recruits? Any North Dakota prospects being considered? Jared Gowan from GF? Earlier and elswhere, there was speculation about a couple of small-school running backs who were supposed to have some talent: Michal MacAtee of North Prairie and Lance Johansen of Lakota. Anyone have any idea if any of these guys might be eleventh-hour recruits or possibly preferred walk-ons? (We can do that now, can't we?)

A poster on ND Preps is claiming Mitch Haugeberg from Minot has decided to play at Minot State. Have we lost another?