On signing day many Gopher fans were disappointed to find out that long-time Miami Central LB commit, Brian Nicholson did not sign his letter of intent. Luckily, as reported by Ryan Burns at Gopher Illustrated, Nicholson still plans to be in Minnesota come June. It appears grades are not the issue holding Nicholson back, instead it is personal matters. This goes to show you the power of internet rumors and how often they are so so wrong.

In 2012 the Gophers will be without their top LB from the last two years in MLB Gary Tinsley. However, the Gophers are returning both of their starting OLBs from the last two season in Keanon Cooper and Mike Rallis. The team is somewhat deep as far as experience goes. Other players returning with playing experience include Ryan Grant, Spencer Reeves, Lamonte Edwards, Aaron Hill and Joey Balthazor. The problem with the group lies with the underclassmen.

The team returns just five underclassmen on scholarship, a relatively low number. For the 2012 recruiting class, Jerry Kill was looking not just to add bodies, but athletic ones. Typically most LBs entering the college game spend at least one year putting on weight or losing “baby fat”. This group does not seem different and will be judged later on down the road.

Duke Anyanwu ATH Blaine HS, Blaine, MN 6’4″ 225 lbs

A late offer by Jerry Kill and staff, Anyanwu was a multi-dimensional QB in high school who will likely be asked to move to the defensive side of the ball for the Gophers. Based on his size and speed most project Anyanwu as a linebacker. He will likely red-shirt in 2012 and spend a few years on special teams before breaking into the 2-deeps. Anyanwu is definitely a longer term project, but could prove to be worth the wait when all is said and done.

Prediction: Your guess is as good as mine here. I would not expect to see Anyanwu playing significant snaps until 2015 as a RS Junior.

Jack Lynn LB Lake Zurich HS, Lake Zurich, IL 6’3″ 210 lbs

Lynn is another tall and athletic prospect who will join the Gophers on the defensive side of the ball in 2012. He spent time at WR during his senior, showcasing his straight-line speed and athleticism. Lynn is good in his pass drops and takes good pursuit angles to the ball. He needs to work on keeping his knees bent and although he projects as an OLB, Lynn needs to learn to keep his feet underneath him while playing inside the box.

Prediction: Lynn is another prospect who I see taking some time to progress into an impact player for the Gophers. This is not to say he will not be a great player, but his development will be slower than other players. Expect to see Lynn playing significant snaps in 2015.

Brian Nicholson LB Miami Central HS, Miami, FL 6’1″ 221 lbs

Even with the limited amount of film I saw on Nicholson, I could tell he was a hitter and that he never quite on a play. Nicholson made quite a few plays coming from the opposite side of the formation. Nicholson transferred to Miami Central prior to his senior year and that may be a reason he did not receive any other offers than that from Minnesota. He will come in highly regarded from both Rivals.com and Scout.com.

Prediction: Nicholson will red-shirt in 2012 and compete for special teams playing time in 2013 before competing for a starting job the year after.

Nick Rallis LB Edina HS, Edina, MN 5’11″ 220lbs

The Gophers’ coaches are concerned with an injury Rallis sustained during his senior season, but expect him to contribute to this team down the road. Rallis is a great tackler who lays the wood. Go to the 20 second mark of the video clip below to see exactly how big of a hitter he is. Rallis is a little short for LB and spent time at safety while in high school. If he can come back from his injury expect production similar to his brother and SR LB Mike Rallis, but with a lot harder hits.

Prediction: Rallis will red-shirt in 2012, but be a big contributor on special teams in 2013. Should compete for starting position in 2014.

Coming into the 2012 season the Gophers actually seem to have some optimism at the defensive end position. Sophmores Ben Perry and Michael Amaefula finished the season on a high note and continually pressured opposing QBs when starting together. Behind them is senior D.L. Wilhite who started 8 games a season ago, junior Matt Garin, and promising freshman Thieren Cockran. This is one of two positions on the defense I feel good about coming into the season (the other being LBs).

On the other hand, the DT spots are a completely different story. The position returns just three players with playing experience in Ra’Shede Hageman, Eric Jacques and Cameron Botechelli. Coach Jerry Kill and his staff attempted to address this problem by signing four DTs in this class, including one JUCO.

Needless to say, expect a lot of these recruits to see some playing time in 2012.

Scott Ekpe DT Lewisville HS, Lewisville, TX 6’4″ 265 lbs

Ekpe enrolled at Minnesota for the spring semester after graduating high school early. He is an athletic DT, with quick hands and a few good inside moves already. Ekpe needs to put on some weight to compete in the B1G Ten, but by enrolling early he gets a head start on the Gopher’s nutrition and weight programs. Ekpe also needs to work on staying low of the ball as he has a tendency to stand up.

Prediction: Ekpe needs to learn some of the nuances and skills associated with playing defensice line. He has potential but will red-shirt in 2012. He should be ready to compete for playing time within 2-3 years.

Jordan Hinojosa DT Miami Central, Miami, FL 6’3″ 275 lbs

The Gophers’ coaching staff was in desperate need of help at DT and may have found some immediate help in Hinojosa. Playing for one of the nation’s premier programs in Miami Central, Hinojosa has proven he can hang with top competition. That is good news for Gopher fans as defensive coordinator Tracy Claeys stated he expects Hinojosa to get some playing time come fall. Hinojosa brings a lot to the table at DT. He explodes off the ball and has a great pad level which allows him to control offensive lineman. Currently needs to add at least 15 lbs to play regularly in the B1G Ten, but he has seven months to do so.

Prediction: May need to put on some weight to play consistently next season, but should be a three-year starter when all is said and done.

Roland Johnson DT Butler County C.C., El Dorado, KS 6’2″ 295 lbs

Unlike the other junior college transfers, Roland Johnson will not be in Minnesota until summer. Johnson will play NT for the Gophers and is noted for his run-stopping abilities. Watching him on film, nothing pops out. However, Gopher coaches cite a relentless motor and passion for the game as his driving forces. I think those two qualities are often overlooked when scouting players; meaning Johnson may surprise some in his two seasons with Minnesota.

Prediction: I expect Johnson to provide depth this year and compete for a starting spot next season. Whether he gets that spot or not depends on how well he takes the coaching and grasps the scheme.

Alex Keith DE Hickman HS, Columbia, MO 6’3″ 230 lbs

Keith is a promising prospect with great size potential and explosive speed. . Keith comes off the ball quickly and has shown good power on initial contact. He will need a few years in the weight room to compete with B1G Ten linemen, but could be a multi-year starter for the Gophers. He also needs to develop some more reliable pass rush moves to be a consistent starter. If he can add 20-30 lbs to his frame and keep his quickness, Keith will become a solid starter for the Gophers. The weight-room is where this prospect will need to make most of his improvement.

Prediction: Alex Keith will spend two years bulking up before competing for the backup spots to Michael Amaefula and Ben Perry.

Lincoln Plsek DE Reicher HS, Waco, TX 6’4″ 245 lbs

I am listing Plsek as a defensive end for now, but he could very well end up on the other side of the ball in John Rabe’s position H-Back position. Plsek shows a great closing burst on ball carriers and violent hands at the point of attack with O-Linemen. He routinely sheds blockers with ease, showing great strength. Plsek also shows great awareness as he seemingly always cuts the QB off before he can escape the pocket. Plsek is a very sound tackler who routinely attempts to strip the ball from ball carries as well, resulting in many turnovers. He needs to work on his jump off the line, but overall I am extremely impressed with his performance and upside.

Prediction: Whether its at DE or H-Back, Plsek will see playing time in 2012. He is strong right now and will only improve as the fall approaches. I expect him to challenge for the starting spot at either position in 2013.

Yoshoub Timms DT Ft. Walton Beach HS, Ft. Walton Beach, FL 6’2″ 265 lbs

Timms was the last edition to the Gophers’ class, committing just days before signing day. He is an athletic big man who is quick of the ball and has good speed. He has shown a mature set of pass-rush skills and decent closing speed on ball carriers. Timms played DE in a 3-4 in high school, so moving to DT should not be too foreign to him. Right now his biggest opponent is his size and strength. Timms will need to be a workout warrior to make a significant impact with the Gophers. If he can add strength and mass to his frame, he has the technique to be a solid starter.

Prediction: Timms is certainly a longer term project. He will likely take at least 3 years before providing significant help on the defensive interior.