THE GOPHERS' CLASS OF 2021
The Gophers football team has 17 scholarship players in its recruiting Class of 2021 who signed letters of intent Wednesday, the start of the three-day early signing period. Players listed are ranked by star grade and listed with position, height and weight.
Deven Eastern, DE, 6-6, 280, ****
From Shakopee High School. Committed to the Gophers after their 11-2 season in 2019 when he wasn't ranked.
Mar'Keise Irving, RB, 5-10, 190, ****
From Hillcrest High School (Country Club Hills, Ill.). Could end up with a similar build as current Gophers running back Mohamed Ibrahim if he puts on some weight.
Athan Kaliakmanis, QB, 6-4, 205, ****
From Antioch Community High School (Antioch, Ill.). The dual-threat QB has been committed to the Gophers since March 2019 and ranks second in his state and 12th among all 2021 quarterbacks.
Steven Ortiz, CB, 6-0, 175, ****
From Desert Edge High School (Goodyear, Ariz.). Committed to the Gophers sight unseen during this recruiting dead period.
Austin Booker, DE, 6-6, 240, ***
From Center Grove High School (Greenwood, Ind.). Named to the Indiana Football Coaches Association's Top 50 all-state team for 2020.
Brady Boyd WR, 6-1, 185, ***
From Carroll High School (Southlake, Texas). Broke his wrist in an early October game but returned to the field by late November.
Lemeke Brockington, WR, 6-0, 195, ***
From Colquitt County High School (Moultrie, Ga.). Named the All-Region 1-7A Athlete of the Year in 2020 for his prowess as a receiver and kick returner.