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With P.J. Fleck picking apart Western Michigan’s recruiting class after his recent departure to Minnesota, Toledo has quickly took grasp of the top 2017 recruiting class in the Mid-American Conference.
Even though they’re still trying to secure pledges from senior prospects, the Rockets coaching staff has found more than enough time to keep a close eye on talented 2018 recruits.
Always looking towards the future, Toledo played host to a number of junior prospects on Monday.
Want to know what some of the visitors had to say about their time on campus with the Toledo coaching staff? Hustle Belt caught up with the following prospects and had them break down their junior day experience at UT:
2018 ATH La’Darius Jefferson
Town/School: Muskegon,MI/Muskegon
Size: 6’2/210
Offers: Toledo, Ball State
Thoughts: “The trip was amazing. It’s amazing here. I had a chance to meet all the coaches and see all the majors, career centers and where recruits would stay. The basics basically. They had a lot to say. They were very overwhelmed when they seen me and they love me a lot and said I’ve got an opportunity to be special for the program. I'm just blessed to have a opportunity to play at the next level.”
2018 DB Darnell Shields
Town/School: Lakewood,OH/St. Edward
Size: 6’0/180
College interest: Toledo, Akron, Pittsburgh, etc
Thoughts: “The visit was great. They treated me just like family. They told me upfront I was a top priority, so I appreciated that. I got a chance to talk their defensive scheme and really have a sit down on what Coach Watson is all about. He drove me through the campus to checkout the facility. That was cool.”
2018 TE Keaton Upshaw
Town/School: Lima,OH/Lima Senior
Size: 6’7/200
Offers: Toledo
Thoughts: “The trip was amazing. I really liked it. The best thing was building a relationship with the coaches, mainly Coach Discher and seeing the whole campus, and seeing how the offense and the whole program runs. They really like my film and said I was a great player.”
2018 WR Jalin Cooper
Town/School: Medina,NY/Medina-Webber
Size: 6’4/180
Offers: Toledo
Thoughts: “I had a real good time. Today we had presentations from all the coaches, then offense specifically, and then position specifically. It was a big day for me because I got to meet the new WR coach, Mike Bellamy. Coach Sage who left for Washington State after the bowl game was the coach that had recruited me and offered me a scholarship. It was great to meet coach Bellamy and I also got to meet personally with coach Candle for a long time today and talk about recruiting and Toledo's system. I saw the football facility which is amazing. I saw that last time I came for a bowl practice and also the indoor practice facility which is great too.”
2018 DE Isaiah Mullens
Town/School: Columbus,OH/Harvest Prep
Size: 6’6/255
Offers: Toledo, Akron, Bowling Green, Iowa State, etc
Thoughts: “My trip was awesome. I really enjoyed it. I seen the indoor facility, the rec center, the stadium and I met the coaches. Really good experience. I loved it.”