When he graduated from Minneapolis Washburn five years ago, RA’SHADE HAGEMAN was the state’s top football prospect and among the nation’s top tight ends.

When he entered the University of Minnesota in the fall of 2009, standing at 6’-8”, he had helped the Millers’ boys’ basketball team capture the Class 3A state championship five months earlier.

After switching to defensive end and adjusting to the rigor of Division I football and college academics, Hageman developed into one of the country’s top players. He earned All-Big Ten honors and is among the top 25 2014 NFL draft prospects.

As a high school senior, Hageman was recruited by a host of Division I schools before choosing to stay home and play for the Gophers.

This fall another former Washburn player will begin his collegiate football career at the University of Minnesota. JEFF JONES, who shattered a host of City Conference rushing records last fall, was virtually unknown until an MVP performance at an all-star game opened up a recruiting war for his services similar to what Hageman experienced.

Jones, a 6’-0” guard who helped Washburn reach the Class 3A title game as a sophomore, decided to attend the U of M just as Hageman did five year ago. It will be interesting to see the development of Jones’ career over the next 4-5 years.

Either way there is one thing that is undeniable.

They both graduated from Washburn.

Mitchell Palmer McDonald welcomes reader responses to mmcdonald@spokesman-recorder.com.