According to GopherIllustrated.com, defensive back Jonathan Dandridge made his official commitment to Minnesota at around 8 p.m. Tuesday night.
Dandridge, a Rivals.com three star recruit from Detroit Highland Park High School, will most likely play cornerback for Minnesota starting next year.
The high school senior said to Gopher Illustrated.com Tuesday night, “I just did it, I am now a Golden Gopher. I really feel relieved right now and I really happy because I know that I made the right choice. My entire family is very excited about my decision and are thrilled that I made the best decision for me.”
Dandridge says that the people of Minnesota combined with his experience during the Ohio State game weekend made him “feel at home.”
Ranked as the 17th best prospect in the state of Michigan, and the 48th best cornerback in the nation for the class of 2008, Dandridge will bring play-making ability and versatility to the Gophers in the years to come.
Dandridge said to GopherIllustrated.com, “I am a corner but I can play anywhere and make plays. I think that I could play corner or safety and I could also return punts and kicks. You put me on the field and I will make plays. I am most comfy at corner but I can also play safety is certain schemes.”
Dandridge said that he immediately called the Minnesota coaching staff, but there was one coach in particular that was the most excited.
“The best one to talk to was Coach Brewster, Dandridge said in the GopherIllustrated.com report. “He was really fired up and was the most excited to get the news. He was really hyped up and told me that he had big plans for me.”
The 6’1”, 175 lb. Dandridge may have to put on some weight to compete in the Big Ten, but his height combined with his 4.48 speed will be a big asset for the Gophers.
The Detroit product also received offers from schools such as Colorado and Michigan State, but ultimately chose Minnesota after a big recruiting weekend in which the Gophers brought in at least 10 high school players for official visits.
The hope is that the commitment of Dandridge will act as a domino effect for the other recruits, maybe even one from Minnesota who reportedly wanted to be challenged in practice by some top cornerbacks.
