Ra'Shede Hageman Commits to Minnesota

Ra'Shede Hageman, a 6-foot-6, 260-pound tight end/defensive end from Minneapolis (MN) Washburn, has committed to Minnesota during his official visit, according to his father, Eric. Hageman is one of the state's top two-sport athletes in the Class of 2009 and is a three-star prospect and the No. 13 tight end in the nation.

Ra'Shede Hageman was named to the KARE 11 preseason all-Metro team and helped lead the Millers to an 8-2 mark this season, losing to Simley in the section 3 Class AAAA semifinals.

Hageman caught 19 passes for 547 yards and 12 touchdowns as a junior for the Millers, who finished 9-3. He was named Channel 5 Prep Athlete of the Week after scoring two touchdowns and making a game-saving tackle of a two-point conversion in the Millers' 42-41 section title victory over St. Thomas.

Hageman caught 24 passes for 506 yards and five touchdowns as a sophomore. His best game of his sophomore season was in a 42-13 win over St. Paul Johnson in the Twin Cities championship game. He caught three passes for 145 yards and one score.

Hageman picked Minnesota over interest from Ohio State, Wisconsin, Michigan State and Florida.

Hageman recently talked GoldenSports.Net about Minnesota and that there was plenty to like about the school and football program.

"I am Minnesota born and raised. That is why Minnesota sort of gets a head start. I have been in contact with all the coaches. I've got a good good connection with Tim Brew (Brewster) and D Lewis. They are kind of ahead of everyone because of that. I'm from here, so I get the most love from them," he said.

Hageman said that he liked what he saw from the Minnesota offense and how they used their tight ends, Jack Simmons and Nick Tow-Arnett. The two have combined for 31 receptions for 401 yards and three touchdowns this season.

"I definitely did my homework and analyzed the tight end today. The tight end definitely was involved a lot and got a touchdown," he said. "I'm pretty happy with what I saw. It helped me make my decision in the future."

Hageman felt that he could see himself as a future Gopher.

"I definitely could see myself playing with Tim Brewster and this team," he said. "He does utilize the tight end a lot and coach D Lewis does let the tight end play, and that it was what I like about him too. He likes to use tight ends a lot."