Minnesota Golden Gopher head coach Jerry Kill wants guys with the right the character, attitude and passion. He also wants good football players that fit his system.
The Minnesota Golden Gopher football team signed 19 players on National Signing Day that the coaching staff hopes will fit those traits over their remaining eligibility.
Here is one of those recruits; offensive lineman Alex Mayes.
High School: Van Alstyne (Texas)
Hometown: Van Alstyne, Texas
Height: 6-5
Weight: 285
My analysis: Limited viewing - physical, relentless blocker - plays through the whistle - can pull, but is more of a straight-ahead road grater - when he gets his hands on a defender, they are out of the play - tends to block too upright.
ESPN's analysis: Clamps down on a defender and can control and sustain as a run blocker - good first step quickness along with the blocking base and persistent leg drive which enables him to sustain drive blocks - long arms should be an asset in pass protection - tough customer who displays a nasty finishing effort when run blocking.
GopherSports.com Overview: Earned a three-star ranking from Rivals.com and Scout.com - ranked as the No. 54 offensive tackle in the nation by Scout.com - ranked as the No. 86 offensive tackle in the nation and the No. 202 overall prospect in Texas this year by 247Sports.com - Attends Van Alstyne High School where he is an honor student - named Second Team All-State in 2011 and earned Honorable Mention All-State as a senior in 2012 - First Team All-District in 2012 - four-year starter at Van Alstyne - team reached the regional finals in 2011 - part of an offensive line that blocked for Jordan Barnes' 524-yard game in 2011, which was the fifth highest single game rushing total in Texas high school history - coached by Mikeal Miller - also competed in basketball and track and field at Van Alstyne.
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