MWC Recruiting Roundup 12-2-19

Alright. Starting today, it’s full-speed ahead in recruiting from now until Signing Day on December 18th. Buckle up and let’s have some fun.

This week, Wyoming led the way, plain and simple. They picked up two commits (plus a preferred walk-on) and have a really done a nice recruiting job so far this year. Their picture ends up as our lead picture.

2019 Cover Photo Total:

• San Jose State: 6
• Air Force: 5
• Colorado State: 5
• UNLV: 5
• Wyoming: 5
• Nevada: 4
• Boise State: 3
• Utah State: 2
• Fresno State: 1
• Hawaii: 1
• New Mexico: 1

Recruiting Calendar:

Starting Sunday December 1st (and lasting until December 15th), we will enter the time of year known or the Contact Period. This is the time of year where contact between recruits and coaches is at it’s highest point.

December 1 through February 1, 2020 [except for (1) and (2) below]: Six in-person off-campus contacts per prospective student-athlete shall be permitted during this time period with not more than one permitted in any one calendar week (Sunday through Saturday) or partial calendar week:

Obviously there is the Dead Period in the middle of these two months, but for now let’s focus on the contact. This is when coaches (including the head coach) can conduct in-home and in-school visits to a recruit. It’s not uncommon to see coaches visit a large amount of players each week as they travel all over the country. On campus official visits will still occur as well.

Air Force Commit Tracker:

Since the Air Force Academy routinely has near 100 commits each year, let’s start tracking the number and see how it rises between now and February.

• The Falcons are at 51 known commits.

December Recruiting Rankings:

You know the drill. First Monday of every month we update our MWC team recruiting rankings. If you wish, check out the previous month here. Then see this month’s rankings below:

1. Boise State

2. Nevada

3. Wyoming

4. UNLV

5. Colorado State

6. Air Force

7. Fresno State

8. SJSU

9. Hawaii

10. Utah State

11. SDSU

12. New Mexico

UNLV was staying strong in their recruiting but things are starting to unravel with the coaching change. Nevada is is holding their class but others are catching up. Wyoming has really picked things up over the past month. San Jose State and Hawaii have been steady all season and Air Force is doing its usual thing. San Diego State should start turning things up over the next few weeks, Boise State should close December strong, while Utah State, Fresno State and Colorado remain question marks. New Mexico will be really interesting. With a new staff coming in, will they stop going after JUCO players? The December signing period may be too soon to start targeting players from scratch, but it would not be surprising for them to fill the majority of their class in January and find one or two under-recruited players that become the cornerstones of the rebuilding program.

Commitment Spotlight:

DB Kamron Forest (Fresno State)

“I committed because I felt I could trust the coaches and had a great unofficial visit in October. The visit kind of sealed the deal to be honest. I could picture myself making plays on the field when it came to game time. They said they were super excited I joined the Bulldog family! The coaches plan on getting me on the field, making plays. Getting a congrats and excitement from the staff and head coach felt good. They said mostly see me as a corner at the college level. I’ll try and be on the field soon as possible at any position they need me.”

OL Tex Elliot (Air Force)

“I wanted a school with a great balance of school and football, and I think Air Force has that perfect balance. I also want to win, 10-2 going to a bowl is definitely winning! Last I want to serve my country and there isn’t a place to do that better than the Air Force! My coordinator was very happy. They have been recruiting me, and building a good relationship with me for a long time. I’m definitely excited to start working with them. I’m projected to be a tackle. One characteristic they like is how I play mean.”

Recruit Reactions:

Here’s what recruits from UNLV and New Mexico had to say following the coaching changes:

OL Jeminai Leuta-ulu

“The coaching changes have reopened my recruitment. Just seeking any other opportunities that may be a better offer, but if not I am staying at UNLV.”

LB Jabaz Myles

“The coaching change is not making me rethink about committing as of now I’m 100% committed.”

QB Doug Brumfield

“I’m still 100% commited to UNLV.”

Recruiting Updates:

Offers

• JUCO DE Shane Irwin was offered by Boise State
• JUCO DT Sione Tuitupou was offered by Boise State
• DE Tre Smith was offered by Fresno State
• JUCO DB Dallas Branch was offered by Hawaii
• WR/DB Isaiah Robinson was offered by SJSU
• JUCO DT Divine Obichere was offered by SJSU
• DB Jakob Robinson was offered by Utah State

Visits

• JUCO DB Dallas Branch visited Hawaii
• JUCO DB Sterling Ortiz visited Hawaii

In-home Visits

• Air Force: Coach Thiessen visited ATH Sterling Stokes

Commits

• ATH Payton Zdroik committed to Air Force
• OL Tex Elliot committed to Air Force
• An unknown player committed to Boise State
• DB Kamron Forest committed to Fresno State
• DE Caleb Robinson committed to Wyoming
• DB Brent VanderVeen committed to Wyoming (flipped from Eastern Washington)

Decommits

• OL Jeminai Leuta-ulu reopened his committment from UNLV
• DB Upton Stout decommitted from Utah State

Follow @Mike_SBN on Twitter for all the latest recruiting news and updates.