SIGNING DAY: THE GOPHERS' EXPECTED CLASS

A closer look at the Gophers' expected incoming football recruiting class. Photos courtesy of rivals.com:

• Eric Carter, WR, Lakeland Lake Gibson (Fla.), 5-10, 175: Three-star recruit picked the Gophers after de-committing from Cincinnati.

• Rayfield Dixon, LB, Loxahatchee Seminole Ridge (Fla.), 6-3, 195: Picked Minnesota over West Virginia; needs to add bulk.

• Berkley Edwards, RB, Chelsea (Mich.), 5-9, 195: Breakaway speed, good bloodlines; father (Stan) and brother (Braylon) reached NFL.

• Hendrick Ekpe, DE, Lewisville (Texas), 6-3, 230: His brother, Scott, started at defensive tackle for the Gophers last season as a freshman.

• Jordan Hinojosa, DT, Coffeyville (Kan.) Community College, 6-2, 295: Signed with Gophers last year, but academic issues sent him to junior college.

• Donovahn Jones, QB, Hampton Dutchtown (Ga.), 6-3, 190: Reportedly flipped his commitment from Missouri to Minnesota.

• De'Niro Laster, LB, Cleveland Heights (Ohio), 6-3, 220: Converted wide receiver; reportedly had late interest from Florida State.

• Alex Mayes, OL, Van Alstyne (Texas), 6-6, 275: Good-sized lineman had offers from Colorado and Kansas State.

• Daletavius McGhee, DB, (not pictured), Ellenwood Cedar Grove (Ga.), 6-2, 180: Two-star recruit needs to add bulk but could develop into a safety.

• Jalen Myrick, DB, Savannah Christian School (Ga.), 5-10, 200: Speedy two-way player whom the Gophers plan to use at cornerback.

• Demaris Peppers, DT, Memphis Fairley (Tenn.), 6-3, 260: Hard worker needs to add bulk to make an impact on defensive line.

• Owen Salzwedel, DE, Beaver Dam (Wis.), 6-6, 235: Has the size and athleticism to become the sleeper of this class.

• Ryan Santoso, K, Pace (Fla.), 6-5, 270: A converted soccer goalie, he played in Under Armour All-America Game.

• Chris Streveler, QB, Marian Central Catholic (Ill.), 6-3, 205: Passed for 2,397 yards and rushed for 1,124 yards last fall.

• Damien Wilson, LB, Jones County Junior College (Miss.), 6-2, 230: Good junior college tackler has a chance to start at middle linebacker this fall.

• Chris Wipson, LB, Wayzata, 6-2, 220: Strong tackler from high school linebacker factory; tore ACL in his left knee in November.

• Drew Wolitarsky, WR, Canyon Country Canyon (Calif.), 6-3, 215: Though not a speedster, he's California's all-time leading receiver.

• Nate Wozniak, TE, Greenwood Center Grove (Ind.) 6-9, 255: Had offers from Miami (Fla.) and Purdue. Size might force him to the offensive line.

JOE CHRISTENSEN