2020 Recruiting Thread

[businesslawyer]

Mensah here.. I did not know about this page until yesterday when my friend told me to look at what your fans were saying. I appreciate those who say I’m not good enough to make it to the NFL, that I’m not as good as the former players that played here, that I am “undersized”, not a good Pass blocker etc. I will still play the game that I love for me and for you guys. I will try my best to contribute as much as I can for this team sport. Whether you believe I will or will not make it to the next level, I am telling you that I will. Motivation is definitely something that fuels the student athlete and I appreciate the comments and everything. Our team will be different next year and I’m excited to show you guys. Thank you. Happy holidays. #GoHuskies

Young man: if that is you (and obviously none of us know), for your own sanity I would suggest you not try to follow what people say on here. Especially as most of us know relatively little.

That having been said, whether or not it is you, please be aware of the following: (i) as I said in this thread, Kevin Mensah has every right to be proud of the improvement that has been made while here -- as an example, his improvement as a receiver last year to this year was remarkable; (ii) everyone here, while we fight about almost everyothing else, wants to see the team and its players succeed; and (iii) let no one ever convince you to stop reaching for your dreams. Because even if you don't achieve them, much of life is in the satisfaction from knowing you did your best.

 

[gioff2323]

If I were reaching in to the portal and were limited to 2, I'd go w/pass rusher/WDE and a LB. I liked Morgan, but find us still not fielding a D1 LB crew. If we could add another piece to go along w/DJ i would feel so much better. I'm not seeing that guy on the roster, as of today.

 

[Bonehead]

Hoping Mensah doesnt tell Zergiotis about this place.

 

[Nextmanup]

Hoping Mensah doesnt tell Zergiotis about this place.

Trust me. They all know about the yard!

 

[CCSU97]

Totally 0T message:

Sacred Heart used to be a back up of back ups similar to Quinnipiac attracting many not so sharp affluent out of staters, but the resulting dinero, improving admissions requirements, and grad programs likely create(d) a decent financial status now.

However, total costs near $60K/year and minimalist facilities for an FCS program must be a challenge to success. Anyone know how many scholarships (total full versus combined partials) SHU offers?

Don't know exactly how many they offer, but they are the only NEC program that hasn't played it scheduled a FBS opponent.

NEC allows up to 45 athletic scholarships, plus another 15 grants in aid, that can be split up to no more than 85 players. There are no required minimums.

 

[metsfan2323]

Love Kevin Mensah, soon to be our all time leading rusher! Much respect to a player who has improved his game each season and didn't get the benefit of a redshirt year like D Brown and many others before him. If JZ can improve his game year over year like Mensah has we are bowling next season.

 

[mdkhusky]

Love Kevin Mensah, soon to be our all time leading rusher! Much respect to a player who has improved his game each season and didn't get the benefit of a redshirt year like D Brown and many others before him. If JZ can improve his game year over year like Mensah has we are bowling next season.

My god. Lmao

 

[uconnbill]

Am I blaming Mensah personally for our problems running the ball the last three years? Heck no. It's a team effort. That having been said, Mensah goes down on first contact much, much easier than Dixon or Brockington did. Each of them found another yard a carry with a little more elusiveness.

Disagree on the first contact comment. This year is the first time he didn't go down on the first contact and showed decent balance and the ability to break tackles. He still is a one gear running back, but he is better than you give him credit for.

 

[uconndogs]

I’ve stated before, IMO Mensah is as good as we’ve had since Brown and Todman.

 

[Exit 4]

Here's an RB the staff has been zeroing in since signing day; Devontae Houston - 5'10'' 163lb RB/CB from Handly HIgh school in Roanoke AL with sub 4.5 speed. Roanoke is on the AL/GA border - mid state.

Doesn't have any FBS or FCS offers yet. Watch the tape, extremely quick to the hole, has an extra gear which he displays regularly on O or D. The lack of offers is a little curious.

Media Tweets by Devontae Houston (@primetimetae342) | Twitter

The latest media Tweets from Devontae Houston (@primetimetae342). RB at The University of Connecticut #BlockC #Speedkills⚡️. Bama (334) to UCONN (860)

twitter.com

 

[Bubba1957]

I’ve stated before, IMO Mensah is as good as we’ve had since Brown and Todman.

I agree. For a number of reason, back then the line would dominate opponents. So many memories of the line just completely caving in the defense. Much easier to run when you are not forced to make moves just to get out of the backfield. Think about the times Kevin has had to do that. Hoping with a better passing attack and some nastier play up front, he'll have a really big year.

 

[Exit 4]

And one other notable dude that fits our needs might be Khari Johnson up at Suffield Academy. He really developed nicely during his PG year, looking stronger and faster than HS. Has a nose for the ball, plays with a good pad level when tackling, gets in there and makes effective shoulder drive tackles.

He visited Akron on 12/7 and received a late offer from Arkansas on signing day 12/18. Per 247 he is set to visit Arkansas on 1/17. He also has offers from Fordham and Rhode Island. Coming out of HS he had an offer from Navy and Howard.

Khari is a Mass kid. Wonder if a CT offer would mean anything.

Khari is a 6'0'' 180lbs Corner/WR - claims 4.5X speed.

Khari Johnson, Boston College Eagles, Cornerback

HIGH SCHOOL: Letterwinner at Suffield Academy in Suffield, Connecticut … Played on both sides of the ball, recording 36 tackles, one for loss, with four...

247sports.com

 

[HobokenHusky]

dude needs to charge his phone

 

[Buffett10]

And one other notable dude that fits our needs might be Khari Johnson up at Suffield Academy. He really developed nicely during his PG year, looking stronger and faster than HS. Has a nose for the ball, plays with a good pad level when tackling, gets in there and makes effective shoulder drive tackles.

He visited Akron on 12/7 and received a late offer from Arkansas on signing day 12/18. Per 247 he is set to visit Arkansas on 1/17. He also has offers from Fordham and Rhode Island. Coming out of HS he had an offer from Navy and Howard.

Khari is a Mass kid. Wonder if a CT offer would mean anything.

Khari is a 6'0'' 180lbs Corner/WR - claims 4.5X speed.

Khari Johnson, Boston College Eagles, Cornerback

HIGH SCHOOL: Letterwinner at Suffield Academy in Suffield, Connecticut … Played on both sides of the ball, recording 36 tackles, one for loss, with four...

247sports.com

No chance.

 

[ktuck911]

Mensah here.. I did not know about this page until yesterday when my friend told me to look at what your fans were saying. I appreciate those who say I’m not good enough to make it to the NFL, that I’m not as good as the former players that played here, that I am “undersized”, not a good Pass blocker etc. I will still play the game that I love for me and for you guys. I will try my best to contribute as much as I can for this team sport. Whether you believe I will or will not make it to the next level, I am telling you that I will. Motivation is definitely something that fuels the student athlete and I appreciate the comments and everything. Our team will be different next year and I’m excited to show you guys. Thank you. Happy holidays. #GoHuskies

THANK YOU brother. LOVE THIS. I admit, I am a frustrated fan because of our lack of success in the win column I over the last nearly 10 years, BUT I respect the hell out of you and the guys on the team that are fighting the good fight, and growing into men. I salute you and the rest of the fellas in the team bro. Us armchair QBs are quick to judge, but don't have half the heart nor physical abilities to do what you guys do. This post makes more appreciative of you as well as the team. You reminded me today that you are a STUDENT athlete. Keep grinding fam. Regardless of what many may say, you're winning the entire time. #Respect #UConn4Life

 

[huskyblooz]

Arguably the best DL in Connecticut the last 3 years has been jermaine Williams from StJoes. 6’3” 290. Was the anchor of that stout defense. I heard Juco or prep school. Does anyone know for sure?

 

[huskymedic]

Arguably the best DL in Connecticut the last 3 years has been jermaine Williams from StJoes. 6’3” 290. Was the anchor of that stout defense. I heard Juco or prep school. Does anyone know for sure?

I don’t think he’s that tall (under 6 ft) and I believe he’s north of 310. Someone lead me to believe he was looking Prep to see if he can grab FBS offers. Don’t know that first hand.

 

[noeynox]

He looked 5"11 about 330. Solid HS NG though.

 

[ktuck911]

He looked 5"11 about 330. Solid HS NG though.

We had JULIAN CAMPENNI not so long ago. He was about that height.

 

[noeynox]

We had JULIAN CAMPENNI not so long ago. He was about that height.

A true beast for us for sure.

 

[Watchdog]

Here's an RB the staff has been zeroing in since signing day; Devontae Houston - 5'10'' 163lb RB/CB from Handly HIgh school in Roanoke AL with sub 4.5 speed. Roanoke is on the AL/GA border - mid state.

Doesn't have any FBS or FCS offers yet. Watch the tape, extremely quick to the hole, has an extra gear which he displays regularly on O or D. The lack of offers is a little curious.

Media Tweets by Devontae Houston (@primetimetae342) | Twitter

The latest media Tweets from Devontae Houston (@primetimetae342). RB at The University of Connecticut #BlockC #Speedkills⚡️. Bama (334) to UCONN (860)

twitter.com

Wow. Speed AND cutback ability. When was the last time we had that? Todman?
Hard to understand how he could have no offers when he looks as fast as Darius Butler with his 4.29 times.

 

[UC1995]

Some general updates and posts on a few guys we have offers on. Really like Cobbs but I think he is going to a P5 by February.

 

[UC1995]

No context in tweet thread!

 

[UC1995]

 

[Exit 4]

Here's another WR/DB dude to watch; Kai Felder from Maryland. He has an odd story in that he committed to GT in November, but didn't sign on signing day. He didn't update his twitter account until a couple days after 12/18 to acknowledge GT wasnt happening. Some posters on one of the GT boards said he never had a commitable offer (yes, I used that term) and called it out weeks before signing day.

Zys and Moyseenko started following a few weeks ago. Felder just played in the Crab Bowl, Maryland's all star game.

He claims offers from GT, Buffalo, UT Chattanooga and Louisiana.

He visited Syracuse, Mid Tenn, Rutty over the fall. Looks like he hit the camp circle pretty well last spring/early summer.

K9 (@KaiFerrell15) | Twitter

The latest Tweets from K9 (@KaiFerrell15). Kai Felder (ATH) Class of 2020 6'0 170 Franklin High .. https://post original url/FL3aY05dSH GVilleST 2024. Reisterstown, MD

twitter.com

 

[huskymedic]

GA DB/WR Michael Holmes (CMU Decommit):

 

[huskymedic]

In order of offer -> Houston Baptist, Incarnate World, Western Illinois, UConn, UTSA and Oregon.

 

[Exit 4]

It’s unfortunate for us - but it’s interesting to see what looks like clear legit P5 talent get recognized. Cobb is probably next.

 

[Watchdog]

It’s unfortunate for us - but it’s interesting to see what looks like clear legit P5 talent get recognized. Cobb is probably next.

If the Oregon fans are like us, they'll look at the offer list and say "we gave a full scholarship to a guy UConn wanted?"

 

[UConnRock]

Crownover is a great example of 1) Edsall's and staff's ability to recognize talent, and 2) the value of the early signing period where UConn wrap up recruiting of the top targets before getting poached by P5s.

UConn was close as he visited, but he just wasn't ready to commit. One thing we know is that Crownover's star rating will skyrocket. Makes me wonder if Oregon is taking a shot at his brother (4 star TE) who didn't commit in the early period