Justin Gaard only asks four questions in these shows. Fans can ask questions in the comments section that Claeys will answer.
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"Camp has been one of the more stranger camps." Happy to hear Sherels was released from the hospital. "There's light at the end of the tunnel now." Coach Sawvel's father passed away this past weekend. "Those are two things we've had to work through and the kids have learned." Having gone through Coach Kill's situation prepared them a little bit. You don't get any extra days to prepare for football. "There's nothing you can do about (others' health situations). When you're here, let's focus on football, be the best you can be...But make sure when you get away from football, take time to have those people in your thoughts. They're good people and have done an awful lot of good for the University of Minnesota."
Jay Johnson coming in is a two-way street. He has things he wants to do, but at the same time, you have to do what the kids do best. Not having Mitch in the spring slowed down that process a little bit, but gave Rhoda, Croft, and Green more reps.
Kobe McCrary is "ready to go...He's an awfully good running back...has done well in pass protection."
Tyler Johnson has been the biggest surprise on offense. "The thing I didn't realize is he's come in and competed in every day. He's had success and made us better in certain situations." Thinks it goes back to AAU basketball -- knew he wouldn't have the strength of other kids because he was playing year round, but AAU basketball has been used to competing. "Doesn't phase him one bit, from day one, he stepped up and made plays."
Named Kamal Martin, Antoine Winfield, Kiondre Thomas, Coney Durr, Taiyon Devers, and Carter Coughlin as other freshman that have impressed. "We have a handful of kids who are in position to help us."
Melvin Holland and Isaiah Gentry "are better players...They had good springs." Gentry is back to full speed. "But along with ability comes reliability. They have to show that they can handle the grind and stay healthy." It's hard to get timing of routes with someone who's not at practice all the time.
Who are the best pass rushers? "Gaelin Elmore has continued to improve...Hank Ekpe has had his best fall so far...We'll have to see where that goes, but for the most part, Hank has done well...We have a lot of linebackers that run well too."
Meeting tomorrow (now today) about roles and depth charts.
"I don't feel our offense as near as far behind our defense as in the past." Defense is pretty much the same system as last five years. Offense made changes that will take time. Defensive front seven has a lot of depth, offensive line doesn't. "Now, we have very good young players there; they just need a chance to grow up a little bit. Those young guys on the offensive line have to grow up fast."
Who replaces KJ Maye? Rashad's had a good camp. It's amazing how many times Lingen moved the chains at scored last year. I'm not worried about depth. Drew Wolitarsky's had a good camp. Want to move the chains and don't need one main receiver.
Athletes Village is a great project. "It's not an arms race; it's an investment...This will definitely put us at the top."
What's the biggest hurdle to improve this season? "We have to improve on offense...We can't finish 102nd, 103rd, 108th on offense. We don't need to get top 10, but we need to get in the middle at least, then we'll have the opportunity to accomplish our goals."
Oregon State is athletic on offense. "They can spread the field on you, make you defend the whole field. We're going to have to tackle awfully well." We're not sure what they'll do quarterback-wise.
"I still believe we have the best personnel since I've been here."
Andy Greder@andygreder