College football: Talent, versatility represented among Minnesota West recruits
Minnesota West football head coach Jeff Linder welcomes (from left) Kezery LeBeau, Eli Gonzalez, Quentaveis Fletcher, Dalton Slinger and Brayden Baartman to the team at a signing ceremony at the campus Wednesday. (Tim Middagh/The Globe)WORTHINGTON -- As a group, the five new football players introduced at Minnesota West Community and Technical College on Wednesday represent athleticism and versatility. The offense was addressed, and the defense was addressed, and head coach Jeff Linder said they’re the kinds of recruits who can push the envelope for a team that finished 2-6 in 2017.
“We just picked up some really good athletes,” Linder said. “And any time we can get some linemen, it’s good for our level.”
Signing to play for the Bluejays Wednesday morning were quarterback Brayden Baartman of Pipestone Area, wide receiver Dalton Slinger of Fulda, offensive lineman Eliseo Gonzalez of Fulda, running back/linebacker Kezery LeBeau of Kimball, S.D., and defensive lineman Quentaveis Fletcher of Huntsville, Ala.
Baartman comes from an outstanding high school program in Pipestone. He was a wide receiver for the Arrows in his sophomore and junior seasons, but he brings good legs and a strong arm with him to Worthington.
“In high school I was used more as a running back (in the quarterback position). But I want to develop more as a passer in college,” he said Wednesday at the colleges’ Center for Health and Wellness.
Slinger excelled at Fulda High School in football, basketball and track. He played several positions in football during his prep career, but he hopes his good hands will be what sets him apart at the college level.
“I’ll play wherever I fit best. I have a lot of intensity. I like to go 100 percent all the time,” he said.
Gonzalez, another Fulda Raider, is 6-1 and 315 pounds. He had an opportunity to attend a four-year school, he said, but he decided Minnesota West would be a good start for him.
“I’ve heard it’s a great local school. And it gives me a chance to keep playing the sport I love,” he said, adding, “I think I can bring leadership. I can bring a big body. I am very strong. I’m smart. I can learn the plays.”
LeBeau is described by Linder as a hard-nosed hard-running player who “sticks” opponents on defense. The South Dakota product said he was turned on to Minnesota West from a friend, and he’s anxious to get going on his freshman season.
“If you need five yards, I’ll get you five yards. That’s what my (high school) coach used me for,” he said.
Fletcher can play defensive end, defensive tackle, and probably several other positions, too. Solid and quick, he also intends to play baseball for the Bluejays.
The program at West, he said, fits him. He had planned to arrive last year, but he experienced problems locating housing. So he took a year off from football, and now he’s a real Bluejay.
“I’m not used to the cold, but it’s just something I need to adapt to,” said Fletcher, who might not need a lot of adapting to football issues. Though he’s penciled in on the line at West, Fletcher considers his best position to be inside linebacker.
