MWC Recruiting Roundup 1-8

Recruiting has officially slowed down to barely even a crawl. News was definitely sparse, but there are a few updates to be enjoyed below.

Since news is a bit lacking, here’s some recruiting calendar dates which may be helpful or interesting (all information is from ncaa.org):

Dead Period ends: January 11th

Key Weekend Visits: January 13th, 20th, 27th, February 3rd

National Signing Day: Wednesday, February 7th

Looking Ahead: Eval Period starts April 15th and goes through May 31st

You’ll hear a lot now and over the next weeks that teams or coaches will be able to “get started on 2019 recruiting”. What does that mean exactly? Especially when rules prohibit coaches from having the same amount of contact as they do the 2018 recruits. Most likely, much of the work will be finding 2019 players, identifying position needs, watching film, evaluating players and starting to build their recruiting boards, as well as handing out a few offers. This article can be helpful in understanding some loopholes or different ways coaches and athletes can be in conversation with one another.

Commitment Spotlight:

DE Logan Wells (Air Force)

“The biggest factors for me were getting a quality education, not having to worry about student debt, and joining an FBS football team. I love the culture at the Air Force academy, and with the exception of other military academies, I couldn’t find anywhere that came close. The more I looked into the military, the more it looked good for me. Also having a leadership position in the military is something that would make my great grandfather proud. Having a guaranteed job after college and living in Colorado Springs for four years were nice perks too. But above all, the chance to play football at the highest level was important for me. I met the coaches at a camp in July, and I spoke to Coach Lobo in person a few months later. Although I don’t personally know the coaching staff very well, I know that they’re the right fit for me. They want me to play defensive end and the staff likes my athletic ability and high motor. I specialize in pass rushing, but I’m competent in stopping the run and playing traps as well. I make sure to get my job done, I don’t play hero defense.”

OL Jacob Foster (Air Force)

“The biggest factor as far as choosing the Air Force Academy would be how much opportunity the Academy provides not only during my time at the Academy but after graduation. The Academy will provide me with the tools to build a successful life for myself with many benefits. And of course I’m very excited to play football for a division 1 football program. It’s a privilege to continue playing football at the next level. My recruiter was John Rudzinski, he was the first recruiter that reached out to me at school and he seemed very optimistic about the Academy and excited to recruit me. He also was the one to give me the news of my offer and has stayed in contact with me. He was very willing to answer any questions I had about what exactly the Academy was and what it provided. He was always enthusiastic about recruiting me and played the main role helping me with my decision. They’re recruiting me as a guard but they are also open to convert me to a center. They really liked the physicality I brought to the field and my ability to pull and block in the open field.”

Recruiting Tidbits:

Offers:

• QB Riley Smith was offered by Boise State
• TE Brayden Willis was offered by Boise State

Committments:

• OL Kiko Nunez committed to Air Force
• OL Jacob Foster committed to Air Force
• DE Logan Wells committed to Air Force

On the horizon: A look at the top uncommitted players being targeted by Mountain West schools. (to be posted mid-week)