No Section

Here to stay

The bulk of the players from the Metro Area Dream Team say they'll play for the Gophers and new coach Jerry Kill in college.

By Jim Paulsen

August 31, 2011 at 11:08AM

Eden Prairie's running back Andrew Larson (28) broke free of a tackle attempt by Hopkins' defensive back Gideon Kendrick (11) for a 44 yard touchdown run. (Star Tribune/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

New Gophers football coach Jerry Kill has been a huge success, considering he has yet to coach a single game at his current school.

And the tsunami that has swept over Gopher Nation has carried along with it most of the top recruits in the metro.

Where Tim Brewster had trouble keeping the best players at home, Kill has been much more successful. Only three of the top recruits in the state have not committed to Minnesota. One, Eden Prairie's Nick Davidson, is a first-year transfer from North Carolina, and another, Hopkins wide receiver Andre McDonald, gave a verbal to Minnesota before backing away to weigh his options.

Here's a look at our selections for the Metro Area Dream Team for 2011. Pay attention; you just might be hearing many of these names for years to come.

OFFENSE

QUARTERBACK

Mitch Leidner, Lakeville South, 6-4, 225

The future Gopher is strong in the pocket and makes good decisions. Passed for 2,097 yards and 17 TDs in 2010.

RUNNING BACKS

Sam Sura, South St. Paul, 5-11, 190

• Classic Suburban offensive MVP in 2010 has a knack for finding holes and getting yards after contact. Rushed for 1,945 yards and 20 TDs.

Andrew Larson, Eden Prairie, 5-11, 195

• A combination of strength inside and acceleration through the hole, he ran for 1,780 yards last year. The best EP back since LeRoy McFadden in 1994.

RECEIVERS/TIGHT ENDS

Andre McDonald, Hopkins, 6-3, 205, WR

• The top skill-position prospect in the state. Overwhelms smaller DBs. Piled up 1,144 yards, 19 TDs in 2010.

Emeche Wells, Roseville, 6-3, 175, WR

• Explosive and a threat to go the distance any time he touches the ball. Also returns kicks and can play RB.

Will Johnson, Osseo, 6-7, 255, TE

• Big and athletic. Blocks as well as he catches. Considered among the top tight end prospects in the country. Auburn, Iowa and the Gophers have offered.

LINEMEN

Nick Davidson, Eden Prairie, 6-7, 275, T

• One of the top line prospects in the country. From North Carolina; transferred when father Jeff took Vikings coaching position. Clemson, Ohio State top his list.

Isaac Hayes, St. Thomas Academy, 6-3, 275, G

• Younger brother of Anthony Hayes, now playing at Stanford. Improved quickness to match straight-ahead power. Committed to the Gophers.

Chase Roullier, Burnsville, 6-5, 300, C

• Intelligent and strong and still growing. A powerful drive blocker who stays low and moves well when pulling.

Kevin Carroll, Edina, 6-3, 290, T

• The son of former Gophers tight end Jay Carroll improved markedly in 2010. Quick off the line with good agility in pass protection.

Lucas Wiborg, DeLaSalle, 6-3, 275, G

• A combination of brains (a 4.1 GPA) and aggression. Plays with a mean streak. Best lineman in the Tri-Metro.

DEFENSE

LINEMEN

Jonathan Harden, Cretin-Derham Hall, 6-0, 300, NG

• Overwhelming physical presence can take over a game. Moves extremely well and makes plays even when playing two-gap technique.

Karmichael Dunbar, Prior Lake, 6-2, 290, DT

• Excellent pedigree as the son of Vikings line coach Karl Dunbar. Space-eater who clogs up the middle. High-level Division I recruit.

Brett Pierce, Holy Angels, 6-6, 250, DE

• Intimidating size and strength. Can close off his side of the line. North Dakota and South Dakota have offered.

Tyler Hartmann, Andover, 6-2, 245, DT

• Northwest Suburban Conference defensive lineman of the year in 2010. Made 81 tackles, 21 of them behind the line of scrimmage.

LINEBACKERS

Drake Michaelson, Eden Prairie, 6-1, 205

• Impressive summer has increased his visibility. Relentless and athletic, moves well laterally and rarely misses a tackle.

Taj Rich, Cooper, 6-1, 210

• Fearless, quick and exceptionally smart. Led the Hawks in tackles in 2010. North Dakota has offered; Gophers and Ivy League schools interested.

Maxx Williams, Waconia, 6-4, 225

• Son of former Gophers and New York Giants lineman Brian Williams. Committed to the Gophers. Made 140 tackles in 2010. Also rushed for 1,200 yards as a QB.

Nick McBeain, Shakopee, 6-0, 205

• Relentless and instinctive. Equally good at stuffing the run and dropping into coverage. Led Shakopee with 129 tackles in 2010.

DEFENSIVE BACKS

Nick Rallis, Edina, 6-0, 200, FS

• Sure tackler with an excellent motor. Plays well in space and closes fast. Will join brother Mike with the Gophers.

Charles Webb, Minnetonka, 5-10, 175, CB

• A nose for the big play. Breaks on the ball well and not afraid to mix it up. Plenty of Big Ten interest.

Andy Moritko, Totino-Grace, 6-5, 205, FS

• Rangy and long, reacts well with great instincts and excellent ball skills.

ATHLETE

D.J. Hebert, Osseo, 6-2, 185

• Four-year starter at QB is a terrific athlete. Passed for 1,700 yards, ran for 625 in 2010. The Gophers are interested in him as a defensive back/wide receiver.