Minnesota is working to build out the 2024 recruiting class under PJ Fleck, and the Golden Gophers landed another piece to the puzzle Friday evening. This time, it comes from an in-state wide receiver.

The player is Jalen Smith, a 6-foot-1 and 180-pound WR out of Mankato West Senior High School for the 2024 recruiting class. Smith held offers from Iowa State, North Dakota State and Kent State before announcing his pledge to the Gophers.

“I would first like to thank all of my coaches, teammates and more importantly my family for supporting me through this process,” Smith wrote in his announcement. “I would also like to thank any and all coaches who have believed in me enough to recruit me.

“Lastly, I want to thank Coach Fleck and Coach Simon for presenting me with this opportunity. With that being said I’m 100% committed to the University of Minnesota.”

Smith has not been rated by the composted rankings but checks in as a 3-star WR and the No. 8 player out of Minnesota for the cycle per 247 Sports. He’s the 6th in-state player to pledge to Minnesota for the 2024 recruiting class.

Also on Friday, the Gophers picked up a commitment from Drake Lindsey, a QB out of Arkansas for the class of 2024. Minnesota currently has 14 commitments in a recruiting class that ranks 15th nationally by the 247 Sports Composite.