Lakeville South Quarterback Mitch Leidner Commits to Minnesota

Mitch Leidner, a senior quarterback from Lakeville South, went from being an afterthought to a must-have for the Minnesota Golden Gopher coaching staff after a strong performance during their annual 7-on-7 passing tournament. He decided to end his recruitment Wednesday by committing to Minnesota, making him the first Lakeville South player to get a scholarship to play athletics at a Division I school.

Minnesota had received a commitment from Mankato West signal caller Phil Nelson in February. Most college teams only recruit one quarterback for each class, so it looked like Leidner was going to have to leave the state to play Division I football or play at the different position with the Gophers.

Leidner played tight end at the Minnesota summer camp last Thursday, but it was his strong showing at quarterback Saturday that earned him a scholarship offer Monday night and made him commit to the homestate school this afternoon. 

Leidner led the Cougars to an 8-4 mark, losing to eventual state runner-up Rosemount in the state quarterfinals. He completed 152 of 278 passes for 2096 yard and 17 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.

Leidner helped lead Lakeville South to the Minnesota Vikings 7-on-7 touch-football passing tournament title last year. They were the only true high school team of the 22 teams that competed in Tampa, while many of the other squads were all-star teams that featured players from several schools.

Leidner helped lead the Cougars to the title at the Minnesota 7-on-7 tournament Saturday, which won over the Gopher coaches.

Lakeville Patch caught up with Leidner to learn the latest on his decision. 

Lakeville Patch: What was the reaction when you called the Gopher coaches today?

Mitch Leidner: They were really happy. They told me that I earned it. They said that I proved them wrong, that I could play quarterback.

Lakeville Patch: If someone had told you a week ago that you would be committing to Minnesota, what would you have thought?

Mitch Leidner: A week, Minnesota didn’t even know if I could play quarterback. They thought that I was a tight end. After they saw me play quarterback, they just kind of fell in love with me. I got to spend some time with Coach Kill. I got to know him pretty well and now I love it there.

Lakeville Patch: What have your friends and family said to you today about the commitment? 

Mitch Leidner: Everybody was happy for me. They like that I am staying close to home. All of my friends are saying “I am going to go to every Gopher game.” My family is super happy because I am staying close to home.  

Lakeville Patch: I don’t know if you knew that you are the first Lakeville South player to ever commit to a Division I school. Is that a cool thing as well?

Mitch Leidner: Yes. I didn’t really know that at first. Our long snapper, Mitch Hall is going to Missouri, but he is only going as a walk-on, so that was kind of interesting I thought. 

Lakeville Patch: How does it feel to have this decision off your shoulders?

Mitch Leidner: It feels really good. I don’t have to worry about pretty much anything anymore, besides working hard and just getting better. I don’t have to worry about coaches making decision and stuff like that. It feels good.

Lakeville Patch: Do you know any of the other players that the Gophers are recruiting? Are you going to get in touch with them to get them to come with you to Minnesota?

Mitch Leidner: I am going to talk to Andre McDonald (a wide receiver from Hopkins). I’ve seen him play and he’s a stud. I’ll maybe talk to Will Johnson (a tight end from Osseo), too.  

Lakeville Patch: Do you know those two very well?

Mitch Leidner: I know them pretty good. I’ve been talking to them quite a bit.