Minnesota Football Recruiting: Three-star LB Charlie Jilek commits to the Gophers

Two commitments in one week? In this economy? Recruiting has warmed up for the Golden Gophers, as Michigan linebacker Charlie Jilek announced Wednesday that he is flipping his commitment from Central Florida and will instead sign with Minnesota to play for head coach P.J. Fleck and co.

Height: 6’5”
Weight: 240

Power 4 Scholarship Offers: UCF

Jilek was named All-State last season after recording 100 total tackles, eight tackles for loss, three sacks, one interception, and a forced fumble. With his size, he’ll likely play mike linebacker at Minnesota, though his frame does leave the door open for him to grow into a defensive lineman. He reminds me of current Gopher linebacker Matt Kingsbury — both big linebackers with good athleticism and instincts. While Jilek has all the makings of a physical, downhill linebacker, I have questions about his speed and how well he can hold up in pass coverage. There is a lot to be refined at the collegiate level, but he seems to have the physical tools.