Bruins Pick Up A Linebacker From The JUCO Ranks

by Nestor on Nov 16, 2010 4:16 AM PST

Bruins waded into the JUCO ranks to picks up our 10th commitment for this year's recruiting class. Ryan Hofmeister, 6-1, 210 LB from Riverside Community College committed to Bruins yesterday. From the Press Enterprise:

Hofmeister, whose Tigers face LA Harbor in a bowl game Saturday at Wheelock Field, finished the regular season as the top tackler in the East Division, with 42 solo tackles, 85 assists and 10 tackles for losses. He also had 1 1/2 sacks, 3 pass break-ups, a forced fumble and a blocked kick.

Not bad for a guy who was considered undersized coming out of high school. This would seem to be the perfect example of the community college's role, taking a guy who hasn't quite gotten on the four-year schools' radar for whatever reason and putting him there.

Hofmeister is coached by Tom Craft, who is none other than the proud Dad of Kevin Craft.

Given the recent injury issues with Patrick Larimore and the ongoing nagging injury concerns with guys like Todd Golper and Jared Koster. Plus at this point we should be recruiting with the assumption that Akeem Ayers will not be with us next season. So, this is a solid pickup for depth purposes.

When I read about this commitment, I immediately thought of bigger and stronger Westgate. Hopefully that's how it pans out for Ryan. Let's all welcome him to Westwood.

GO BRUINS.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of BruinsNation's (BN) editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of BN's editors.

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I'd rather us save the ride

Even with injury concerns to Golper, Koster and AA likely leaving for the NFL, I think we have enough depth at LB. We’ll add Oly, Kendricks and Wallace next season so I’m not so sure we need another LB in this class. I’d rather use the limited ride on another big ugly on either side of the lines.

by BlueReign on Nov 16, 2010 8:25 AM PST reply actions

Depends...

Perhaps CRN doesn’t see the new guys developing as fast as expected. Plus, JC transfers usually equate to bigger & stronger now with solid experience. Hopefully Hofmeister fits the mold. Looks like Tom Craft and CRN have no hard feelings.

Nice reporting Mr N.

by suctoejam on Nov 16, 2010 9:31 AM PST reply actions

Yep

Despite all the concern trolling by Chris Foster and LAT, no hard feelings whatsoever between Craft and Neuehisel. There never was.

by Nestor on Nov 16, 2010 9:39 AM PST up reply actions

Right

I don’t purport to know a thing about Hofmeister, but I highly doubt that Wallace will be anywhere near playing next year. Depth at LB is/was a concern, and JuCo players are generally ready to step in and play.

by AllHailMightyBruins on Nov 16, 2010 3:19 PM PST up reply actions

I Admire his Heart

but I’m not a huge Sean Westgate fan. No doubt Westgate’s height and weight on the official site are somewhat inflated, but if Hofmeister’s height and weight are similarly inflated, he is only an inch taller while 15 pounds lighter than Westgate. Don’t see how this makes him bigger and stronger – more athletic perhaps, but even that is unclear. Westgate is fleet afoot (I recall a play vs. Cal when he ran down Shane Vereen from behind), but he seems too easily overwhelmed on runs at the point of attack.

by snorkeldorf on Nov 16, 2010 10:54 AM PST reply actions

Size schmize... this guy's a football player

When the guy has contributed to nearly 130 tackles, more tackles than our entire defense combined, it says something about his football instincts, toughness and tackling prowess (and goodness knows we need those things).

by rich87 on Nov 16, 2010 4:29 PM PST reply actions