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Super Preps 2008: A different kind of Minnesota nice
Three top football prospects helped garner attention for a state not typically known for its high school talent.

By CHIP SCOGGINS, Star Tribune
Last update: January 26, 2008

At the height of his recruitment, Eden Prairie senior Willie Mobley received 80 text messages a day from college coaches, media members and recruiting analysts.

"Every day I had to delete my inbox because it got so full," he said.

Those three brought star power to a state not known nationally for its football prowess.

"It's big to us," Mobley said. "I think Minnesota football is very underrated. We have a lot of good players and teams here

Not for Mobley, who admits he enjoys the recruiting meat grinder. While many recruits eventually tire of the time demands, Mobley embraces it. He is friendly almost to a fault, the kind of guy who meets a stranger and finds a friend. He is the recruiting version of Minnesota Nice.

"I never think I'm better than anyone else or anything like that," he said. "I just like the fact that you get to know different people across the country and get to learn about different schools. I got a lot of new friends out of this situation."

At 6-3 and 265 pounds, Mobley is a talented big man with a soft side, a self-described "mama's boy with crazy hair." He will likely play rush end in college initially but could bulk up to become a defensive tackle. He said Ohio State coaches have even mentioned using him at fullback in situations.

"I don't know if they were just kidding me," he said, laughing. "But I'm a defensive guy."

ONE TAKE ON THE TRIO
Mike Farrell is a Rivals.com national recruiting analyst. His take on the top three in-state football recruits:

Willie Mobley: Good pass rusher who could grow into an inside guy at Ohio State because he lacks great height and long arms. I could see him putting on 30 pounds and playing tackle for them or strongside end. Has very good upside, just needs to work on being more consistent.

Super Preps 2008: A different kind of Minnesota nice