Minnesota Football Recruiting: Coney Durr Commits

More CBs for the CB God.

#Blessed! pic.twitter.com/T28FdQpong

— Coney Durr (@CD4ERA) December 13, 2015

Great news for the Gophers tonight!!

— Jay Sawvel (@JaySawvel) December 13, 2015

Geismar (LA) Dutchtown HS cornerback Coney Durr committed to the Golden Gophers tonight, becoming the 17th prospect of the 2016 class and the second pledge today. Durr, a former teammate of current Gopher freshman Zo Craighton, is rated a 3 star prospect according the the 247 Industry Composite, choosing Minnesota over Kansas State, with listed offers from Memphis, Purdue, Louisiana Tech, Toledo, Southern Miss, and late interest from Tennessee. Coney is the 4th defensive back commitment of the current cycle, though he'll most likely not be the last.

Minnesota has the 43rd ranked class according to the 247Sports Industry Composite, good for 9th in the Big Ten.

Quotables

Film review from Gopher247's Will Henry ($):

Durr plays much bigger than his size, showing no fear on the field. He's a physical zone corner with the awareness and physicality to function in space. He's an outstanding run support corner who will find a niche in the Nickel making plays around the LOS. Can make an immediate impact on special teams as well.

ESPNU evaluation($):

Durr is a good football player who understands the game and consistently makes plays. Has some development of his size and footwork for the next level to realize. Has Power 5 skills if not asked to play outside of his strengths. Added development of man skills will help him to become more complete.

(Likely Fraudulent) Measurables**

** The section title is a bit. It's an 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: 5'10"
Weight: 180 lbs.
Fake 40 Time: 4.56s electronic
SPARQ Rating: 108.15

Big 4 Ratings:

Highlights

Senior year highlights:

Thoughts

Absurd Comparisons

With his height, playmaking ability, and aggressive attitude on the field, Durr is reminiscent of current Gopher and fan favorite: Briean Boddy-Calhoun. However, Coney may have better upside than BBC and is better against the run, though he may give up something in man-to-man/press coverage.

Scheme Fit

Jay Sawvel knows CBs, so he'll be able to mold Coney's talents into something that more than works within the Gopher defensive philosophy. Initially, Durr will excel in the nickel and in off-zone coverage, where his underneath breaks and short area quickness will allow him to get a jump on receivers, plus attack running backs on run blitzes and in the alleys.

However, if Durr can improve his footwork and man-to-man skills, translating his natural strength on the press, Durr could make an outstanding Field corner in the Gophers' system. He simply makes plays, and could develop into an excellent all-around corner.

Impact on Other Prospects?

Durr's pledge will wrap up high school defensive back recruiting for the current class, though expect the staff to augment the depth chart with 1-2 JUCOs to prevent a situation like the 2015 season from happening again.