About damn time we get a defensive line recruit.
I am proud to say that I am committed to the University Of Minnesota!! #GoGophers #SkiUMah #BrickByBrick pic.twitter.com/j55q8rCKpP
— Mos. II (@Mose__vX2) January 27, 2015
Golden Ticket from the deep south. Another Big Time get! #BrickByBrick #Gophers
— William Glasscock (@BillyGlasscock4) January 27, 2015
Murphy (AL) HS defensive linemen Mose Hall committed to Minnesota this evening afternoon, the latest Murphy HS product to become a Golden Gopher in the Kill Era. Rated as a 2 star prospect according to 247Sports' Industry Composite, Hall selected Minnesota over finalists Maryland and Wake Forest, along with a listed offer from Illinois. Mose is the 22nd member of the 2015 class and just the first defensive linemen prospect of the cycle. Hall joins K.J. Maye and Gary Moore as former Murphy Panther standouts to sign with Minnesota since Jerry Kill took over the program in 2011.
Quotables
Hall with Gopher247's Kyle Goblirsch after his official visit ($):
"The visit was wonderful," the 6-foot-4, 245-pounder told 247Sports. "My favorite part was just exploring the campus which I really enjoyed."
While in Dinkytown, Hall had a visitor that made him feel right at home. "Gary Moore (former High School teammate) was my host this weekend. Was good to see both Gary and KJ Maye (also from Murphy)," Hall explained. "Both showed me a good time and around campus."
(Likely Fraudulent) Measurables**
** The section title is a bit. It's intentionally facetious comment on how recruiting sites (and even some college coaches) notoriously exaggerate traditional combine measures -- especially the 40. No offense is meant.
Height: 6'3"-6'4"
Weight: 230-250 lbs.
Fake 40 Time: 5.0s
Highlights
Senior Year:
Thoughts
Absurd Comparisons
At 6'4" 250, Hall is already in the tweener range for a high school defensive linemen. He could easily bulk up into the 280-285 range and slide down to tackle, or he could work on his explosiveness to remain at end as a run stuffer. Either way, Mose has a fair bit of versatility depending on how his frame responds to training. That versatility and overall frame are reminiscent of former Gopher Anthony Jacobs, who played running back in high school before moving to DE and eventually DT during his tenure in Dinkytown.
Scheme Fit
As mentioned above, it really depends on how he continues to fill out during his first few years on campus. That said, Kill has made it a priority to get bigger along the defensive line through recruiting, so that would suggest Hall is destined to stay at end. What Mose brings to the end spot in this defense is someone who can physically set the edge and provide an anchor against the run, something the Minnesota lines have struggled with a bit as the staff transitioned from the MAC (where they faced mostly spread offenses) to the Big Ten (where 3 of their rivals are zone based rushing attacks). Hall would join a rotation of Gaelin Elmore and Andrew Stelter as bigger defensive ends that can play a multitude of roles for Coach Claeys and Phelps.
Impact on Other Prospects?
The staff has mentioned they'd like to grab 3 defensive linemen for the current cycle, with at least 1 DE and likely 2 DTs. Hall could be either, though the bigger priority at tackle is Chicagoland recruit Jamal Milan. If Milan, with whom the Gophers currently lead for, does make the call, expect a new or two to pop up at defensive end. A speed rusher in this class would be nice.