These next few days will mark the first of many crucial recruiting weekends for the Owls coaching staff.

With already 16 commitments pledged to this year’s recruiting class, there is still room to add more prospects before national signing day and address areas of need on the roster.

One position that should be replenished is defensive tackle. Seniors David Baptiste and Jimmy Jean will be lost to graduation, and only four scholarship tackles return for spring practice. Depth along the line was a glaring issue this season – and so far just one defensive lineman is committed.

North Dakota State College of Science defensive tackle Derek Butcher will be in Boca Raton this weekend for an official visit, and could be a vital addition to the recruiting class.

At 6-foot-5, 300 pounds, Butcher has yet to be offered by the Owls, but the visit signifies that there is mutual interest.

Butcher recorded 71 tackles and three sacks this season for a North Dakota State College of Science team that went 3-6 in the Midwest Football Conference. In two separate games he managed a season-high 16 tackles.

Gardner-Webb, Florida A&M and SE Louisiana all have offered Butcher, while Minnesota has recently got involved.

His highlight tape can be seen here.

Visitors list:

WR Kamrin Solomon Mandarin – Solomon has been committed to FAU for months, but was offered by North Carolina Central on Thursday night. The wide receiver appears to still be solid to the Owls, but has set up an official visit to the new school. His trip this weekend to campus will be an important one, as the coaches need to reaffirm their position.

OL Byron Pinkston Dean J.C. –FAU coaches Jeff Sims and Brian Wright both have stopped by Pinkston’s college in the past two months, and shown strong interest in the 6-foot-3, 295 pound lineman. Offensive line is another position of need, and locking up Pinkston would be huge.

DT Derek Butcher North Dakota State College of Science – Butcher has yet to be extended an offer by the Owls, but could very easily receive one this weekend. The lineman played high school football in Minnesota, so showing him the warm South Florida weather this time of year could be an advantage.

I would think Boca Raton really would be football in paradise for a kid who played in North Dakota lol

don't know or pretend to know much about these recruits. so anyone who does know, are these guys a step up from previous years?

Exit39 said

don't know or pretend to know much about these recruits. so anyone who does know, are these guys a step up from previous years?

It's hard to compare to the other coaching staff's recruits because these are JUCO guys. They are expected to come in and contribute right away. Have to like Butcher's size.

^^^and his legit scary last name. Who wants to be lined up across from the Butcher?

Add Dean College WR Rodney "Lucky" Whitehead to the list.

Whitehead holds offers from UConn, Bowling Green, Charlotte, Old Dominion and the Owls. Last week he took an official visit to UConn and has previously traveled to Old Dominion.

The 5-foot-11, 175-pound wide receiver is originally from Manassas, Virginia but had to attended JUCO because of grade problems. Since then he has turned things around and now has a 3.0 GPA.

I've been wondering when we would land a recruit from NDSCS

Corn fed boys from up that way, and a good run stoppers.

Lucky Whitehead said his visit went "great."

He will be making a decision on December 19th, which is junior college national signing day.

Andrew said

Exit39 said

don't know or pretend to know much about these recruits. so anyone who does know, are these guys a step up from previous years?

It's hard to compare to the other coaching staff's recruits because these are JUCO guys. They are expected to come in and contribute right away. Have to like Butcher's size.

Just like I thought Ragoo and Vile were supposed to.  Don't think either of them stepped on to the field this past season.