Eden Prairie's Mobley picks Buckeyes over Gophers

The lineman dealt a blow to Minnesota's in-state recruiting efforts, which now include only one of the state's top five sought-after recruits.

By Chip Scoggins, Star Tribune

Last update: December 1, 2007 - 12:40 AM

Eden Prairie defensive lineman Willie Mobley woke up Friday morning ready to end his recruitment and went with a "gut feeling" in giving a verbal commitment to Ohio State.

Mobley, a four-star recruit who is considered the state's second-best prospect, had narrowed his finalists to Ohio State and Minnesota. Gophers coach Tim Brewster was scheduled to make an in-home visit with Mobley today, but Mobley said he's made his final decision.

"The last couple of days have been hard, but this is my gut feeling," Mobley said. "Ohio State felt like a big Eden Prairie when I visited, and it's where I want to spend the next four or five years."

Mobley's departure is another blow to Brewster's in-state recruiting efforts. Brewster's staff has enjoyed early recruiting success with 22 verbal commitments already for the 2008 class, including four players who are rated four-star recruits by Rivals.com. The Gophers' 2008 class -- based on nonbinding verbal commitments -- is ranked No. 27 nationally by Rivals.

However, Brewster, who vowed to close the border when he was hired, has landed only one of the state's top five players -- Champlin Park linebacker Sam Maresh.

Those going elsewhere are Cretin-Derham Hall wide receiver Michael Floyd (Notre Dame), Cretin-Derham Hall offensive lineman Joe Schafer (Wisconsin) and Holy Angels defensive end Brendan Kelly (Wisconsin).

Former Gophers coach Glen Mason was often criticized for the annual loss of top recruits to other programs. Brewster has received verbal commitments from five of the state's top 10 recruits in his first full season of recruiting.

Mobley said Minnesota's 1-11 record this season was not a big factor in his decision and said he has a good relationship with Brewster and his staff.

"I cannot be fake to people," Mobley said. "Like I said, I went with my gut feeling and I'm really happy with my decision. I'm just relieved to have this off my shoulders so I can enjoy my senior year. Now I can get some sleep at night."

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