Minnesota Football Recruiting: Noah Shannon 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.)

PJ Fleck and staff have already landed the #1 defensive tackle in the state of Illinois (Elijah Teague) and now they’ve added the #2 guy on the list (15th overall). Defensive tackle was a huge need and priority in this class and the Gophers have landed three already in this class and three they should be pleased with.

Shannon has a very strong offer sheet and as of a month ago, both Michigan State and Iowa were feeling good about their chances to land him. But Shannon decided he was Golden and will be a huge addition to the Gophers. Also worth noting that Shannon currently gives the Gophers 3 of the top 15 players in the state of Illinois.

Quotables

Allen Trieu’s analysis on Scout.

Shannon should complement fellow Chicagoland defensive tackle commit Elijah Teague very well for the Gophers, who continue to beat other Big Ten schools for their commitments. Shannon had offers from Iowa, Indiana, Rutgers and Michigan State in the conference, but also Missouri, Virginia, Iowa State, Kansas State and more. He was a very productive, disruptive player as a junior and we would expect him to be more of the same in college.

Measurables

Height: 6' 2"
Weight: 305 lbs.
Fake 40 Time: 5.67

Big 4 Ratings:

Power 5 Offers - Arkansas, Michigan State, Iowa, Missouri, Washington State, Iowa State, Indiana, Virginia, Rutgers, Kansas State, Duke

• Scout - 3 stars
• Rivals - 3 stars (5.7 rating)
• 247 - 3 stars (85 rating)
• ESPN - n/a

Junior year highlights:

TDG Analysis

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

• Quick - gets off ball quick and seems to move more like a linebacker
• Strong - gets low and pushes guys around a little bit

Absurd Comparisons

A taller Stephen Richardson. Watching his film you see Shannon staying low, using his strength and being a quick big man. Nothing plodding about this kid who’s approaching 300 lbs.

Scheme Fit

This staff likes their tackles to be big. Richter is 6’4”, 280. Teague is 6’3” 290. And Shannon, at least on one recruiting site, is coming in 6’1”, 305! Shannon fits the mold and I like his agility that comes along with this girth.

Impact on Other Prospects?

It is only May and this class is filling up fast. 14 commits and there may only be 10-12 more. But there are now 3 DTs on the board and I’d be surprised if they took a 4th. With that said, Ryan Burns of Gopher Illustrated believes they’ll take a 4th.

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