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One of the top recruits in Minnesota's 2027 class commits to Gophers

The 6-foot-4 edge rushers still has two years to develop before joining the Gophers.

Joe Nelson

Nov 29, 2024; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers head coach P.J. Fleck looks on during the first quarter against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Nov 29, 2024; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers head coach P.J. Fleck looks on during the first quarter against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images / Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
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Eli Diane, one of the top football recruits in Minnesota's high school graduating class of 2027, committed to the Gophers on Saturday.

The Wayzata defensive lineman is listed by 247Sports at 6-foot-4 and 235 pounds. He's just now finishing his sophomore year of high school, so he has two full years to continue blossoming before enrolling at the University of Minnesota.

That also means he has two years to keep receiving offers from schools that will undoubtedly attempt to get him to de-commit and consider other programs. Diane chose the Gophers over early offers from the likes of Wisconsin, Iowa, Iowa State, Kansas State, Rutgers, and Colorado State.

While star ratings and state rankings aren't produced for 2027 recruits by services like 247Sports, Rivals, and On 3, Diane is widely considered a high-end local recruit. On his X account, he describes himself as a four-star edge rusher and the No. 1 recruit in the state.

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Joe Nelson
JOE NELSON

Joe Nelson has more than 20 years of experience in Minnesota sports journalism. Nelson began his career in sports radio, working at smaller stations in Marshall and St. Cloud before moving to the highly-rated KFAN-FM 100.3 in the Twin Cities. While there, he produced the popular mid-morning show hosted by Minnesota Vikings play-by-play announcer Paul Allen. His time in radio laid the groundwork for his transition to sports writing in 2011. He covers the Vikings, Timberwolves, Gophers and Twins for On SI.

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