Shoff decides on SDSU offer over Kansas

At one time Cambridge (Neb.) offensive lineman Mike Shoff was considered the top prospect in the state of Nebraska for the class of 2012.

The 6-foot-6, 280 pound Shoff arguably has the most impressive résumé of any athlete in the state, as he was first team All-Nebraska selection this past season and he'll go for his third straight state wrestling title in the heavyweight division next month. Last year Shoff also took home the All-Class gold medal in the shot put.

Shoff visited South Dakota State this past weekend, and was expected to visit Kansas this week. However, Trojan head coach Josh Graves said Shoff will no longer visit Lawrence and has officially made his decision.

"Mike decided to commit to South Dakota State," Graves said. "He had the chance to visit Kansas this weekend, and they were planning to offer him on the visit, but he decided South Dakota State is where he wants to be.

"He had a great visit there and he feels like they have a good plan in place for him. He expects to redshirt this season and use it to develop for the future."

It was a knee injury that Shoff suffered heading into his junior season that ultimately turned the recruiting process around on him.

Shoff hurt his knee playing basketball in June of 2010 and only played in two games that season for Cambridge because of the injury.

Iowa offered Shoff originally during his sophomore year when he was at Sutton High School. However, the Hawkeyes cooled on Shoff following his visit to their camp in Iowa City this past summer.

Nebraska was very close to offering Shoff at one point, but never pulled the trigger after getting the chance to evaluate him this summer. Former Kansas head coach Turner Gill also offered Shoff and newly named head coach Charlie Weis was expected to honor that offer after a visit there this weekend.

"I think it just simply came down to the fact Mike (Shoff) didn't play enough football," Graves said. "He's so good though at everything else he does. Once he gets some coaching and more development underneath his belt he's going to be a great player at the next level."