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(*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.)
The first commit to the offensive line is an athletic Michigan native known for his toughness and attitude on the field. Jalen Mayfield visited the Gophers this weekend and committed while here over offers from Michigan State, Iowa and others.
Mayfield was a 1st Team All-State selection for his division and also dominated on the defensive side of the ball with 14.5 sacks and 17 TFLs. Also important to note that recruiting players from winning programs is something this staff values. Mayfield’s Grand Rapids Catholic Central squad were Division 4 State Champs in Michigan this past Fall.
I am extremely blessed and proud to announce that I will continue my academic and athletic career at Minnesota!!!! pic.twitter.com/OvuTILaEzx
— Jalen Mayfield (@jay_may_11) February 18, 2017
Quotables
Scout’s Midwest Analyst, Allen Trieu
This kid plays mean. He's the kind of kid whose opponents can't stand because he plays to the whistle and he plays physically. You have to look too that his high school head coach was a college offensive coordinator at Grand Valley State, so he has played in an offense which has asked him to make a variety of blocks. He has experience in pass pro, he has experience pulling and blocking on the move and second level and has played in a college type system.
Measurables
Height: 6' 5"
Weight: 245 lbs.
Big 4 Ratings:
Power 5 Offers - Michigan State, Iowa
c2Eight - Mayfield.csv
| Site | Stars | Rating | Pos. Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Site | Stars | Rating | Pos. Rank |
| Scout | 3 | n/a | n/a |
| Rivals | 3 | 5.5 | n/a |
| 247 | 3 | 86 | 36 |
| ESPN | n/a | n/a | n/a |
Highlights
Junior year highlights:
TDG Analysis
In Two Words - if you have to remember just two things about this player...
- Tough
- Athletic
Absurd Comparisons
Matt Anderle comes to mind as a Mayfield is tall, athletic and not terribly huge. Both are basketball players as well and move very well for their size. Anderle was also a 2-way player who ended up at OT and was drafted after his senior year.
Scheme Fit
Athletic kid who plays offensive line with a mean streak? Yes please! Mayfield will need to add more strength to his frame, but I suspect he is going to be a very good fit in the Fleck offense.
Impact on Other Prospects?
None yet, too early and not enough guys on the list yet to say we are done at any position. I suspect that we will see more guard signings than tackle in this class, but probably 5 or 6 offensive linemen wouldn’t be a shocker.
Recruiting Map
be patient