Montgomery looking for answers

On Sunday, Minnesota athletic director Joel Maturi announced that head coach Tim Brewster had been relieved of his duties as the Gophers football coach. On an interim basis, he has been replaced by co-offensive coordinator Jeff Horton.

For Miramar (Fla.) three-star safety Steven Montgomery, that news has led to a lot of questions surrounding his recruitment.

"I haven't heard from them since it happened," Montgomery said. "Last time I talked to (co-offensive coordinator) Coach (Thomas) Hammock, I asked him about it and he wasn't sure what was going to happen. I heard the news (Sunday) morning about Coach Brewster, but I haven't heard from any coaches since it happened. I am looking forward to hearing from them."

Back in mid-September, the 5-foot-10, 184-pound defensive back made his way to Minnesota for his first and only official visit.

"Minnesota was real nice," Montgomery said. "It was my first official visit. Coming from Florida I didn't understand everything and I didn't know very much about Minnesota when I went up there. It was real good to get familiar with the people up there. They have a young team and they are trying to rebuild. It was a real good experience. I like how they are academically. It was a good visit overall."

The Gophers, who are 1-6, are now in a state of transition as they search for Brewster's replacement. It is a process that will draw a lot of attention from Montgomery.

"The coaching change really does change my opinion about them because when I went up there I developed a good relationship with Coach Brewster," Montgomery said. "I really liked him. So I don't know what head coach they are bringing in and if the whole coaching staff is going to change. I am just going to sit back and wait to see what happens."

Minnesota isn't the only school in the running for his services, Montgomery is currently working with a top five.

"Right now my top five, I would say it is Minnesota, Maryland, West Virginia, LSU, and North Carolina, in no order," Montgomery said. "All of them have offered except for LSU. I don't really have a leader. I was liking Minnesota for a while but the coaching change has thrown me off a little bit. I like all of the schools, they are real nice schools. You don't really know until you get there (for a visit) if it is the right place for you. I will really know after my visits."

With his high school season winding down, Montgomery intends to start using his five allotted official visits.

"I should be getting to Maryland for the next home game and West Virginia I have one planned for November but we haven't finalized it yet," Montgomery said. "I am just going to take my time with everything. Right now I am planning to take all five of my official visits."

As for a final decision, Montgomery said the process will likely take until at least late December.