Rohr talks Gopher offer

Tight end Sam Rohr, a 2011 prospect from Brookfield Central received a Big Ten offer earlier this month, his first. The 6-foot-4, 235-pound prospect participated in the US Army Combine last month and has seen his interest increase. "When I returned home from the U.S. Army Combine in San Antonio, TX a letter arrived a few days later inviting me to Minnesota's junior day; it was January 23."

An excited Rohr was able to make the trip to Minneapolis and it was worth the trip. "Shortly after the morning tour of the facilities and Coach Brewster's welcome and introduction of his staff, they broke us up into offense and defense. Just before the receiver's coach was about to talk to the 10 offensive guys, Coach Lewis, the tight end's coach asked my Dad and I to come with him. In the hallway he told us Coach Brewster wanted to talk to us personally," explained Rohr.

"While we we're walking to Coach Brewster's office Coach Lewis told me he had reviewed my highlight tape and really liked what he saw. When we got to Coach Brewster's office we settled in and waited for him to come in. Coach Brewster came in about a minute later and started off by thanking us for coming and he too had reviewed my tape and was very impressed. He told me that he's looking to build a Championship team but he wants to do it with the right kind of guys. He told me I was the kind of individual he wanted in his program and he offered me a scholarship to become a Golden Gopher."

After years of puttiing in hard work and sacrifice, receiving his first offer was huge. "I was really excited because it was my first offer and I really had no idea it was coming. I was also really humbled because Minnesota is a real quality school and they have developed some really good tight ends."

What impressed Rohr most was the Gopher staff looked beyond the football field. "Coach Brewster and Coach Lewis both made me feel that they wanted me not only because of my football ability, but because of the kind of person they believe me to be."

For Rohr it was extra special because he was able to share the moment. "I was really glad my Dad was there to share the experience with me."

Rohr feels the Gophers have a lot of what he is looking for. "My dream has always been to play in the Big Ten so Minnesota's offer helps me fulfill that dream. With a good opportunity to play and being relatively close to home so my parents can come to the games, (the Gophers) are definitely one of my top choices."

Now that he has a Big Ten offer under his belt he has witnessed increased interest from other programs. "Since I've received my offer from Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa have invited me to their junior day. Indiana has shown a lot of interest as well as Kansas State and UCLA. Michigan and Northwestern have recently asked for tape."

2010 is definitely shaping up to be a great year for Rohr and the Gophers hold the early edge. "The next couple of months should be pretty exciting, but with Minnesota giving me such an early offer I've got a strong feeling for them."