ESPN College Football

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Minnesota marks our final recruiting snapshot for Thursday. Check Friday's blog for snapshots of the five other Big Ten teams. 

Number of recruits: 20

Key needs: Offensive line, defensive back, wide receiver/tight end

Highest-rated player (Scouts Inc.): Moses Alipate (No. 11 nationally among quarterbacks)

The quote: "This year's class is smaller, but the quality of the class is outstanding. We're in a position now where we're building depth and that's a very positive thing for our program. We won't be asking as many of these kids to step in and play and make an immediate impact as freshmen, although some of them will do just that." -- Head coach Tim Brewster

Quick take: Minnesota had a greater sense of urgency in last year's class, which made waves nationally and included a whopping seven junior college transfers (very unusual for the Big Ten). This year's group hasn't attracted nearly as much attention, but it didn't really need to. Minnesota added players at the right spots, particularly both defensive back positions. The late signing of cornerback Michael Carter, a West Virginia commit, enhanced a class with one ESPNU 150 prospect (Alipate) and several skill players (running back Hasan Lipscomb, wide receiver Hayo Carpenter) who can make an early impact. After adding recruits from 16 different states in 2008, Minnesota improved its efforts within its borders and brought in some key pieces as it transitions back to being a power run team.