Freedom 2013 Safety, Nate Godwin has verbally committed to The University of Minnesota. The 5-11/190lbs athlete had verbal offers from Minnesota, USF, West Virginia, FIU, South Alabama, FAU, Arkansas State, Buffalo, Ohio, Bowling Green, Western Kentucky, Western Michigan, Middle Tenn. State, Ball State, Iowa State, FAU. He selected Minnesota over South Florida and West Virginia.
“Top three were USF, West Virginia and Minnesota. [Minnesota] Showed me a lot of love. Through mail showing up at my school, being one of the first DBs they offered and taking care of me on the visit”. Godwin visited the Twin Cities this past weekend and thoroughly enjoyed it. “I love the school in general. Very big school, third largest school in the nation. Facilities, locker room and weight room are all top notch and everything is there for me to be successful”. Godwin would become only the second University of Minnesota signee from Hillsborough County since 1997.
Godwin had offers from several teams, affiliated with several different conferences. The Gophers are a Big 10 team which Godwin saw as very attractive. “…and a lot, they play in Big Ten. Which is a great conference which is on national TV every week”.
The recent struggles of South Florida and West Virginia, somewhat effect Godwin’s decision. But, he more so fell in love with Minnesota more than anything else. “Yes they [USF and West Virginia’s on field play] did effect my decision and I appreciate them recruiting me. But I just loved Minnesota,” explained Godwin.
Godwin really jumped on the recruiting scene after a solid 2011 season where he accounted for 227 yards rushing on 58 carries, 3 TDs, 1 INT, 5 PD and 43 total tackles. He then participated in a number of off-season showcases. Including the the BHSN/BCP Ignite Showcase and 9 Route 7 on 7 tournament. Godwin was also a member of the Team Tampa. An elite 7 on 7 all star team of some of Tampa Bay’s most talented players. When did recruiting take off for Godwin? “When I received my first offer from Iowa State. I knew recruiting was going to start coming in fast and I needed to prepare for it”.
“Recruiting process was great. A lot of offers came in, visits were good and everything was just fun to get noticed and get recognized on a national level”. This season, the Freedom Patriots are struggling but Godwin is still thriving on the field. To date, he has 33 total tackles, 1 INT and 130 rushing yards. Missed two games due to a debatable suspension because of this debatable illegal hit – Click Here.
In the end, Minnesota felt right to the Freedom safety. “The visit really made me want to go there. Young team, bright future and they really take care of their players up there. Fan base and all, you get a lot of love up there”.
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