Minnesota Football Recruiting: Luke Rasmussen Commits

What a weekend -- three commits in less than 24 hours is exciting stuff!

Is the recent spree of pledges a sign that recruits are rushing to get on board in a class with limited spots? Alternatively, are the commits from the weekend an indication the staff narrowed in on several players with skills and frames they wanted for the 2014 class, setting up for an exciting sprint to February?

My interpretation is the latter. On to the commits!

I have now officially committed to the University of Minnesota!! #GopherRas #MinnesotaBound

— Luke Rasmussen (@Rasquatch75) December 14, 2013

Brookfield (WI) Central HS offensive tackle Luke Rasmussen selected Minnesota this afternoon, becoming the 13th member of the Gophers' 2014 recruiting class and 2nd offensive linemen. Rasmussen caught the eye of the Gopher staff this summer at one of their camps and kept in contact with the big framed tackle throughout his senior season. Once Matt Limegrover pulled the trigger on an offer this week, it was a quick decision for the Brookfield native.

Rasmussen is rated as a 2 star prospect according to 247Sports' Industry Composite, with listed offers from Bowling Green, Ball State, Wyoming, Western Michigan and Air Force, plus a host of FCS programs.

Quotables

Gopher247's Kyle Goblirsch with a commitment article ($):

"A lot of it was when I went to camp this summer, I really liked everything I saw on campus, the stadium, facilities and from the coaching staff. I’m really excited where everything is headed with the University of Minnesota. I’m proud to be a Gopher"

(Likely Fraudulent) Measurables

Height: 6'6"-6'7"
Weight: 265-270 lbs.

Highlights

Senior year, via Hudl.

Thoughts

I find Rasmussen's commitment, and the timing of his offer, quite interesting. No, I don't believe it has anything to do with how the staff feels about their chances with Frank Ragnow whatsoever.

Luke was a camp prospect that didn't earn an offer immediately afterwards; quick offers after live summer evaluations are a big tell. Instead, Rasmussen received his scholarship opportunity after his senior year, much like current Gopher and the future at left tackle, Ben Lauer. Similar to Lauer, Rasmussen has a huge frame with room to grow. He also came from a very successful high school program at Brookfield Central, much like Ben at Wayzata High. Rasmussen had offers from MAC programs and NDSU, a school that covets tall offensive tackles, same with Lauer.

What are the Gophers getting in Rasmussen? Length and athleticism at offensive tackle, along with a sterling academic background (Luke has a listed 33 ACT score and 4.1 GPA). He'll need to work on technique and lower body flexibility, in addition to the always requisite bulk and strength. He's very much a developmental tackle prospect, though Limegrover can take that approach with Connor Mayes already committed and the program reportedly sitting well with Ragnow. Minnesota intends to select 3 offensive linemen in the 2014 class, so - again - don't read into anything.

Rasmussen doubles as a long snapper, so he could potentially add value to the program in a number of ways down the road.