Minnesota Football Recruiting: OT Kyle Sassack commits to Gophers

(*Editor's note...What the heck does "Commitment to Eight" mean? It is our new recurring title for recruit commitments referencing a commitment to work towards the Gopher's Eighth National Championship.)

Another commitment to Coach Fleck and this comes from a big offensive tackle from Pontiac, Michigan. Kyle Sassack has decided to join the Gophers.

Quotables

Ryan Burns of GopherIllustrated ($cout).

"Coach Fleck has told me that my athletic ability and passion for the game separate me from the rest," Sassack told GopherIllustrated. "When I called him to commit, coach Fleck was ecstatic and told me I could not have made a better choice. I have always wanted to play for a Big Ten school and after doing lots of research with my parents, I saw how beautiful the campus and facilities were and decided that it was the place for me. I'll be taking my official visit on January 20th with my family. The recruiting process is over for me as I'll be attending Minnesota. I want Gopher fans to know that I just can't wait to be a part of the Minnesota family!"

ESPN Scouts analysis

Aggressive finisher who gets off the ball, attacks the defender and works to the whistle. Will need work to get his elbows in and be effective with his hands. Using his hips will benefit his balance and keep him off the ground.

Sassack is a long OT prospect with several traits that suggest he can develop as a FBS prospect. Tough, aggressive and is consistent to get point of attack movement. Has physical and positional development ahead of him, shows the upside to realize his potential.

Measurables

Height: 6' 7"
Weight: 260 lbs.

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Big 4 Ratings:

Power 5 Offers - Syracuse

Highlights

Senior year highlights:

TDG Analysis

In Two Words - if you have to remember just two things about this player...

• Long
• Tall

Absurd Comparisons

Jimmy Gjere is who this Sassack reminds me of. Of course Gjere never was able to really play for the Gophers before concussions ended his career, but watching his highlight tape reminds me of Gjere.

Scheme Fit

Long and athletic, Sassick has the attitude to play at this level but may need a year to develop and bulk up. This is typical for linemen in the Big Ten, but a year of adding the right kind of muscle will benefit him greatly.

Impact on Other Prospects?

With the two local linemen recruited by Claeys still committed to the Gophers and then the addition of Sassack and Schmitz, that gives us four incoming OL. Wouldn’t be surprised to see an addition but also less of a need with the two recent additions.