One of the top recruits in the Gophers’ 2009 recruiting class was Hasan Lipscomb, a 5-11, 190lb RB from Houston who many hoped would come in and immediately contribute to Minnesota’s running attack. But Lipscomb’s path to Dinkytown was delayed when the Cypress Ridge High School star failed to qualify out of high school. Lipscomb enrolled at Blinn College, a community college in Texas that just won the NJCAA national championship.

Lipscomb, who took a medical redshirt season due to a partial tear in his ACL, still plans on becoming a Gopher in due time. This is increasingly important as Minnesota lost a commitment today from Josh Huff, the 8th rated RB in the nation, who de-committed for the second time (first from Utah) and now from Minnesota to TCU.

GopherHole recently caught up with Lipscomb to discuss his thoughts on the Gophers, the staff and if he’ll end up in Dinkytown.

Gopher fans were excited about you being a Gopher, what happened that you weren't able to start at the U this year?

I had some injury issues but would have faced a medical redshirt. I had a partial tear in my ACL. My SAT fell kind of short as well. I felt it was best to go to a competitive (JUCO) school for football and I wanted to go somewhere I could prepare for that.

What are you doing this year?

I am at Blinn College in Brenham, Texas. I’m preparing for rehab and working on school, time management and all things to get me ready for D1.

What did the Gopher staff say when you told them you weren't coming?

They were down, but I have a good relationship with the staff and they understand that I want to be a part of the Gopher family. They said they'd stick by me if I start here in Texas and handle my work. This is a challenge. It took me a little while but I couldn't get it done in the end and I am trying hard to work on it and get back on track.

You said you want to be part of the Gopher family after JUCO, is that your top choice still?

Oh yea, I just love the Gopher family. I want to be a top RB there.

What made you commit to Minnesota in the first place?

My relationship with the coaches. They stayed on me. They showed a lot of love. I was like man, a RB can make them a championship team. They send a lot of RBs to the NFL and I did my homework on it and want to be a part of it.

Did you get to see the Gophers play much this year?

Yea, I saw them play every other week. I saw them play Ohio State and Penn State, Syracuse, Purdue. I caught quite a few games this year.

What can you add to the running game?

I can be that break out runner that breaks tackles and the speed that goes the distance.

Were you involved with the football team this year?

I am on a medical redshirt so I helped them game plan. I tried to help the defense get better so they’re prepared come game time. The surgery will be in the winter.

When will you be in Minnesota?

My plan is to end up in Minnesota. I have to qualify and I want to take the SAT again if possible. I need to do things to get there as soon as possible. If I have to do two years here I'll do it, whatever it takes. If I take the SAT again and do well I can play right away but if not it will be two years.

Are you considering any other schools?

No, I want to go there. I am focused on Minnesota.

Talk about Hasan Lipscomb and Gopher football recruiting on the Brew's Crew message board.