Here are the first teams from today:
QB: Nelson and Leidner
RB: Rodrick and Donnell
FB/H-back: Henry
WR: Fruechte and Engel, KJ working in at the slot and also Wolitarsky and Carter working in
LT: Lenkiewicz
LG: Epping
C: Christenson
RG: Bak
RT: Campion
TE: Goodger, Plsek and Maxx Williams all rotated in
DE: Cockran
DT: Hagemen
DT: Botticelli
DE: Amaefula
OLB: Hill
MLB: Jack Lynn
OLB: Manuel
CB: Wells
CB: Murray
S: Vereen
S: Thompson
2nd teams:
QB: Streveler and Donovahn Jones
RB: Cobb and Edwards
TE: Ngekia, Bisch and Anyanwu
WR: Harbison, Hutton, Wright and Wilson
LT: Olson
LG: Bjorklund
C: Heifort
RG: Hayes
LT: Bush
DE: Keith
DT: Scott Ekpe
DT: Legania
DE: Perry
OLB: Campbell
MLB: Wilson
OLB: Rallis
CB: Balthazar
CB: Shabazz
S: Johnson
S: Travis
Notable guys not on 105-man roster: C Brian Bobek, TE Moses Alipate, QB Dexter Foreman. Michael Conway was not on there as well.
My practice notes:
I tried to watch the true freshman today and overall newcomers a lot today and here's what I got.
QB: Donovahn Jones looks lean and needs to put on some weight. His ball just doesn't have the pop as the other quarterbacks and IF and that's a big IF he's going to play quarterback, he needs a redshirt year for sure. It'll be interesting to see how he progresses these next few practices. Streveler looks like he's added 10 lbs since spring and the kid is an athlete. Threw a good ball and seemed more comfortable in the offense. I think after my first impression between Jones and Streveler. Jones could be an all-B1G wide receiver in a few years.
RB: Berkley Edwards is a little smaller than I thought, but his acceleration is flat out deadly. With Edwards being a track standout, I was wondering if it was just straight line speed, but Edwards easily can go side to side and make guys miss. I'm very excited about Berkley's potential in this offense. He will play some plays in a Gopher uniform.
WR: Eric Carter was making plays everywhere out there today. Again, everyone here has to temper their expectations as it's the first day and they're only in helmets, but Carter caught everything near him today and just flat out made plays. He's very fluid out there and a great athlete. Wolitarsky is an easy 6'3" and his routes are extremely crisp. I didn't get to see as much as I liked on him, so I'll watch him more tomorrow.
TE: Wozniak is extremely tall and lean. 6'9" easy and the ball just gets swallowed when he catches it. He's not an awkward tall kid as he's athletic, but you can see that an NFL OT is a definite possibility for him.
OL: Alex Mayes was with the 3rd or 4th team most of the day, but he definitely looks the part of a Big Ten lineman. Held his own on one on ones.
DL: Demaris Peppers is an absolute monster and looks like he can play in a Big Ten game tomorrow. He's probably the most physically impressive freshman out there and I'm frankly excited to see what he can do with pads on. Owen Salzwedel looks very lean and will definitely benefit from a redshirt year. He's a definite athlete. Hank Ekpe looked like he put on 10 lbs since the spring and was very quick off the edge today again. He's more physically along than mentally as Coach Phelps was teaching him a lot today.
LB: De'Vondre Campbell is a specimen as was expected. His length is extremely impressive and open field speed is faster than some DB's and RB's on this team. He ran with the 2nd team today, but I expect him to battle for Manuel's spot at OLB. De'Niro Laster is the most physically impressive true freshmen LB and was the only true frosh getting reps 2nd/3rd team LB's. Rayfield Dixon is 6'3" - 6'4" and ran very well. I'll spend more time on these guys again tomorrow.
DB: Myrick and McGhee did some good things today. Myrick's closing speed off the back pedel was very impresses for his first day, but they're both still learning the position with Sawvel having his fair share of teaching moments. McGhee during one on ones, stayed at the hip of Devon Wright on a fade and was able to strip the ball out catching some cheers from his teammates.
Overall impression of this freshman class is that this is Kill's most athletically gifted and physically ready recruiting class to date.
Other notes are Jonah Pirsig (knee) practiced, but was limited to only individual drills and WR Devon Wright (shoulder) was also limited.
Marek Lenkiewicz opened camp ahead of Ed Olson, back after injury. You'd have to think Olson grabs that back by the end of camp.
Derrick Wells' switch to corner is looking like a great move by the coaches. He scored on a pick six stepping in front of Mitch Leidner pass near the end of practice. Nelson also had a rocky end to practice with a couple INT's as well.
The best position group on this team is the secondary by far. When was the last time you could say that.
Andre McDonald looked very sharp. McDonald added some good weight and looks the part of a Big Ten wide receiver. I'm excited to see what he can do if his head is on straight. Harbison looked very good in the slot as well. Expecting big things out of him.
AZJ's Notebook
Newcomers
Donovahn Jones: Worked out as a quarterback throughout the entire practice. After practice ran routes and caught balls from Nelson and Leidner. Athletic enough that he should be on the field before he is a legit contender for the starting quarterback route. Could develop into Minnesota's version of Kain Colter.
Damien Wilson: Looks the part and easily passes eyeball test. Solid and well put together. Would be surprised if he isn't first team linebacker for UNLV.
Chris Streveler: Definitely worked on the biceps over the summer and going for the Tim Tebow / Brady Quinn look. Still pushes the ball and has an awkward release. However, I have seen worse releases from All American college quarterbacks. Also ran routes with Jones after practice.
Daletavious McGhee: From a distance looks small and skinny. The closer you get the stronger he looks, however I would still love to see him redshirt...as I do with most true freshman as I would rather have them on the field when they are 22 v. 18. Anyway, one trust sideline source predicted he starts at the U for three years and then moves on to the NFL. Great find late in the recruiting process. Great play on a deep ball against Devon Wright.
Eric Carter: As I tweeted out was clearly the best true freshman on the field today, and maybe even one of the best overall players. Catches the ball well, always with his hands. Had a great catch for a TD against Marcus Jones during 1-on-1's. Love his future. Would love him to redshirt but I doubt that can happen due to the program's current status at wide receiver.
De'Vondre Campbell: Long. Athletic. Could use 10-20 pounds of muscle, but then again couldn't we all. Also, if Campbell had those 20 pounds of muscle he wouldn't be at Minnesota...would be in the SEC.
Brian Smith: A tad slow off the ball but I like his size, lanky with long arms. Solid incoming preferred walk-on.
Ryan Santoso: I was not able to see him kick or punt but tall and big. Not big as in fat, as it appears he lost a lot of baby fat over the summer. Physically impressive for a kicker / punter.
Chris Wipson: Physically passes the eyeball test for a true freshman linebacker. Should redshirt.
Berkley Edwards: Any doubt I had about Edwards being stiff were erased within 30 seconds of seeing him run the ball. Edwards is strong, fast, quick and very athletic. Impressive. Wow'd me. 0% body fat? Will need to get a little bigger as he is currently the smallest of the Gopher backs.
De'Niro Laster: Looks to be physically ready to play, if needed. Looks like a linebacker that would warrant a late offer from Florida State. Very happy he didn't get that offer and/or decided to stick with Minnesota.
Nate Wozniak: Obviously very tall. However, not awkwardly tall. Looked good running routes and caught the ball with his hands. Could see him sticking with tight end, but then again wouldn't be shocked if he ultimately moved to tackle.
Owen Salzwedel: I see the potential, but hopefully he redshirts and we don't see him until he is a redshirt sophomore. Needs to add muscle and beef.
Ray Dixon: The potential is definitely there for Dixon but he just isn't physically ready to play Big Ten football. Needs a year or two with Klein, but if he stays committed could be a stud linebacker.
Drew Wolitarsky: Reminds me a lot of Isaac Fruechte. Runs good routes and catches the ball well. I see why the hype has been leaking out.
Demaris Peppers: While he isn't physically ready right now (wouldn't expect him to be), Peppers will be a great defensive tackle at the U. I hope to see him redshirt and contribute as early as 2014.
Hendrick Ekpe: Tall, strong, and athletic. Everything you want in an 18-year old defense lineman. Now, hopefully the upper classmen can perform and allow him to redshirt.
Jordan Hinojosa: Not as physically gifted as the other defensive lineman, however works hard at all times and offers an unlimited motor.
Jalen Myrick: Short but solid. Didn't see a lot of Myrick but when he was on the field during live action he made quality plays and was always in the right place. I like his future.
Other Observations
Maxx Williams: A complete stud. Physically impressive and the class of the tight end position. Had a 45-yard touchdown catch in 1-on-1's against Adekunle Ayinde.
Isaac Fruechte: I love Fruechte. Strong, smooth and sure handed.
Damarius Travis: Continues to be one of my favorite Gophers. Another member of the media and I were talking about Gophers that look like future NFL players and he mentioned #7 right away.
Andre McDonald: Continues to look freakish and he could be on an NFL practice field and I wouldn't do a double take. The potential is clearly there, now can he produce?
Theiren Cockran: Still looks lean, but he may always look that way. Appears to have added some upper body strength over the summer, but needs to make progress in the legs as well.
Roland Johnson: It was nice to see Johnson is confident enough in his rehab to practice without a knee brace of any kind.
Harold Legania: He is one that I am glad never transferred out and decided to stick with Minnesota. Would love to see him develop into a player that could offer legit reps and much needed depth up the middle.
Mitch Leidner: Offers effortless arm strength and a pretty release. However, still struggles with making bad throws during live action, including an interception that was returned for a touchdown by Derrick Wells.
Philip Nelson: Strong and physically impressive. Made some bad throws during live action, one that was intercepted by Jephte Matilus.
KJ Maye: Smooth, but not really fast.
Aaron Hill: Clearly presented himself as a team leader.
Jack Lynn: Needs to beef up. Still very thin throughout and especially in the lower body. I would love to see him play behind Wilson this year and continue to develop physically.
Eric Murray: Looks like an NFL corner. Athletic and has very long arms.
Martez Shabazz: Still one of my favorite Gophers and I would love to see him on the field a lot this fall. Very fast and quick and makes good breaks on the ball. Still very skinny but has added some muscle to his frame.
Steven Montgomery: Nice to see him still fighting for playing time, now at cornerback. Made a nice break on the ball to knock down a pass intended for Wolitarsky during 1-on-1's.
David Cobb: Still the most physically impressive of the running backs. Will he ever flip the switch?
Trickle's Notes
It's tough to narrow down exactly where to start, but I'll start out with the newcomers. Donovahn Jones looks like a true freshman, tall and skinny. He does have a strong arm, but he wasn't very accurate on day one. On numerous occasions Coach Zebrowski was talking with him about his mechanics. He's extremely raw at the quarterback position and I think his best fit down the road will be at wide receiver. Berkley Edwards isn't quite as big as I expected him to be. He looks to be closest in size to fellow running back Cole Banham with more definition. He did show off good burst and acceleration which Gopher fans will be happy to hear. Edwards will be able to provide the offense with a change of pace and I'd really like to see him catch a few passes out of the backfield.
At the receiver position, Florida native Eric Carter had a good day. He made three pretty impressive catches one where he reached back over Edina native Cavonte Johnson for a nice 20+ yard gain. Carter isn't extremely tall or overly athletic, but he gets the job done. Drew Wolitarsky appears to be physically ready to play right away. The record setting California receiver isn't flashy, but he has great hands. I think he will have an opportunity to contribute right away on the outside. Nate Wozniak is huge, and I mean huge. He is a legitimiate 6'9" and it's actually kind of weird to see someone that tall catching a pass. He moves well for his size and should have a number of red zone targets in the future.
The only freshman linebacker that saw time with the two's and three's was De'Niro Laster. Laster has the looks of a Big Ten linebacker. He's a legitimate 6'2" or 6'3" and at least 225 pounds. I was impressed with the way he is put together for just a true freshman. If any of the true freshman linebackers are going to play right away I would expect it to be Laster. Wipson still looks to be a little bit tentative out there after ACL surgery last fall (he was not wearing any kind of brace). Rayfield Dixon definitely needs to put on a solid 20+ pounds before he is ready for action. He did show some nice athletic flashed during 7 on 7.
I think the Minnesota staff once again did a good job recruiting the defensive back position. Jalen Myrick and Daletavious McGhee are both extremely athletic. I noticed Coach Sawvel praising McGhee on a number of different occasions throughout practice. I believe he is someone that fans will look back at three or four years down the road and try to figure out why he only had a few offers (i.e. Derrick Wells).
On offense, Philip Nelson didn't appear to have a great day throwing the ball. Coach Kill got after him at one point during practice and anyone who was near the practice field could hear the head coach's displeasure. He did get better towards the end of practice, but it was a subpar day for the Mankato West native. I know you have all heard it before, but Mitch Leidner is deceptively fast. I think giving him 8-12 snaps a game to give opposing defenses a different look is actually a pretty good idea.
At wide receiver, there is handful of guys that you know will be there come the season opener. Derrick Engel, Isaac Fruechte, KJ Maye, and Jamel Harbison come to mind. They all had solid days. KJ had a little bit of trouble hanging on to the ball in one drill, but he will offer a nice option for either Nelson or Leidner. Andre McDonald is definitely the x-factor. He has the ability to be the go-to receiver on this team if he can put it all together. If he is able to get mentally locked in then I think he could have a huge season/future. The tight end position offers a number of nice options with Drew Goodger, Lincoln Plsek, Maxx Williams, Alex Bisch, and Duke Anyanwu. It appears to be one of the strengths of the defense.
Roland Johnson appears to be good to go following his ACL tear. He wasn't favoring the knee at all or wearing a brace which is nice to see because he will be a big part of the rotation at defensive tackle. The Gophers are as deep at defensive tackle as I can remember. They should be able to roll five deep with Johnson, Hageman, Boticelli, Ekpe, and Timms.
The secondary is going to be the strength of the defense, in my opinion. I really like the combination of Vereen and Thompson at safety. They both have a couple years of experience under their belt and could be one of the better combinations in the Big Ten. Wells at corner made a great shoe string interception off of either Nelson, I believe. I think the Gophers have 9 or 10 defensive backs that could step in and play in any situation (Vereen, Thompson, Wells, Murray, A. Johnson, Travis, Baltazar, Shabazz, and Boddy). This is probably the deepest position on the team. I feel really confident heading into the season with our secondary.
I would say for the most part the defense looked better on day one, but that's not much of a surprise. The defense is usually a little ahead of the offense early in fall camp. Much of the practice was focused around individual drills so it was hard to gauge where the team is really at. I was impressed with how smoothly things moved along for day one of camp. Everyone knew what they were doing and there was no down time. It really is impressive to see the pace at which this team practices. That's all I got for day one.
This post was edited on 8/4 4:07 PM by Ryan Burns
QB: Nelson and Leidner
RB: Rodrick and Donnell
FB/H-back: Henry
WR: Fruechte and Engel, KJ working in at the slot and also Wolitarsky and Carter working in
LT: Lenkiewicz
LG: Epping
C: Christenson
RG: Bak
RT: Campion
TE: Goodger, Plsek and Maxx Williams all rotated in
DE: Cockran
DT: Hagemen
DT: Botticelli
DE: Amaefula
OLB: Hill
MLB: Jack Lynn
OLB: Manuel
CB: Wells
CB: Murray
S: Vereen
S: Thompson
2nd teams:
QB: Streveler and Donovahn Jones
RB: Cobb and Edwards
TE: Ngekia, Bisch and Anyanwu
WR: Harbison, Hutton, Wright and Wilson
LT: Olson
LG: Bjorklund
C: Heifort
RG: Hayes
LT: Bush
DE: Keith
DT: Scott Ekpe
DT: Legania
DE: Perry
OLB: Campbell
MLB: Wilson
OLB: Rallis
CB: Balthazar
CB: Shabazz
S: Johnson
S: Travis
Notable guys not on 105-man roster: C Brian Bobek, TE Moses Alipate, QB Dexter Foreman. Michael Conway was not on there as well.
My practice notes:
I tried to watch the true freshman today and overall newcomers a lot today and here's what I got.
QB: Donovahn Jones looks lean and needs to put on some weight. His ball just doesn't have the pop as the other quarterbacks and IF and that's a big IF he's going to play quarterback, he needs a redshirt year for sure. It'll be interesting to see how he progresses these next few practices. Streveler looks like he's added 10 lbs since spring and the kid is an athlete. Threw a good ball and seemed more comfortable in the offense. I think after my first impression between Jones and Streveler. Jones could be an all-B1G wide receiver in a few years.
RB: Berkley Edwards is a little smaller than I thought, but his acceleration is flat out deadly. With Edwards being a track standout, I was wondering if it was just straight line speed, but Edwards easily can go side to side and make guys miss. I'm very excited about Berkley's potential in this offense. He will play some plays in a Gopher uniform.
WR: Eric Carter was making plays everywhere out there today. Again, everyone here has to temper their expectations as it's the first day and they're only in helmets, but Carter caught everything near him today and just flat out made plays. He's very fluid out there and a great athlete. Wolitarsky is an easy 6'3" and his routes are extremely crisp. I didn't get to see as much as I liked on him, so I'll watch him more tomorrow.
TE: Wozniak is extremely tall and lean. 6'9" easy and the ball just gets swallowed when he catches it. He's not an awkward tall kid as he's athletic, but you can see that an NFL OT is a definite possibility for him.
OL: Alex Mayes was with the 3rd or 4th team most of the day, but he definitely looks the part of a Big Ten lineman. Held his own on one on ones.
DL: Demaris Peppers is an absolute monster and looks like he can play in a Big Ten game tomorrow. He's probably the most physically impressive freshman out there and I'm frankly excited to see what he can do with pads on. Owen Salzwedel looks very lean and will definitely benefit from a redshirt year. He's a definite athlete. Hank Ekpe looked like he put on 10 lbs since the spring and was very quick off the edge today again. He's more physically along than mentally as Coach Phelps was teaching him a lot today.
LB: De'Vondre Campbell is a specimen as was expected. His length is extremely impressive and open field speed is faster than some DB's and RB's on this team. He ran with the 2nd team today, but I expect him to battle for Manuel's spot at OLB. De'Niro Laster is the most physically impressive true freshmen LB and was the only true frosh getting reps 2nd/3rd team LB's. Rayfield Dixon is 6'3" - 6'4" and ran very well. I'll spend more time on these guys again tomorrow.
DB: Myrick and McGhee did some good things today. Myrick's closing speed off the back pedel was very impresses for his first day, but they're both still learning the position with Sawvel having his fair share of teaching moments. McGhee during one on ones, stayed at the hip of Devon Wright on a fade and was able to strip the ball out catching some cheers from his teammates.
Overall impression of this freshman class is that this is Kill's most athletically gifted and physically ready recruiting class to date.
Other notes are Jonah Pirsig (knee) practiced, but was limited to only individual drills and WR Devon Wright (shoulder) was also limited.
Marek Lenkiewicz opened camp ahead of Ed Olson, back after injury. You'd have to think Olson grabs that back by the end of camp.
Derrick Wells' switch to corner is looking like a great move by the coaches. He scored on a pick six stepping in front of Mitch Leidner pass near the end of practice. Nelson also had a rocky end to practice with a couple INT's as well.
The best position group on this team is the secondary by far. When was the last time you could say that.
Andre McDonald looked very sharp. McDonald added some good weight and looks the part of a Big Ten wide receiver. I'm excited to see what he can do if his head is on straight. Harbison looked very good in the slot as well. Expecting big things out of him.
AZJ's Notebook
Newcomers
Donovahn Jones: Worked out as a quarterback throughout the entire practice. After practice ran routes and caught balls from Nelson and Leidner. Athletic enough that he should be on the field before he is a legit contender for the starting quarterback route. Could develop into Minnesota's version of Kain Colter.
Damien Wilson: Looks the part and easily passes eyeball test. Solid and well put together. Would be surprised if he isn't first team linebacker for UNLV.
Chris Streveler: Definitely worked on the biceps over the summer and going for the Tim Tebow / Brady Quinn look. Still pushes the ball and has an awkward release. However, I have seen worse releases from All American college quarterbacks. Also ran routes with Jones after practice.
Daletavious McGhee: From a distance looks small and skinny. The closer you get the stronger he looks, however I would still love to see him redshirt...as I do with most true freshman as I would rather have them on the field when they are 22 v. 18. Anyway, one trust sideline source predicted he starts at the U for three years and then moves on to the NFL. Great find late in the recruiting process. Great play on a deep ball against Devon Wright.
Eric Carter: As I tweeted out was clearly the best true freshman on the field today, and maybe even one of the best overall players. Catches the ball well, always with his hands. Had a great catch for a TD against Marcus Jones during 1-on-1's. Love his future. Would love him to redshirt but I doubt that can happen due to the program's current status at wide receiver.
De'Vondre Campbell: Long. Athletic. Could use 10-20 pounds of muscle, but then again couldn't we all. Also, if Campbell had those 20 pounds of muscle he wouldn't be at Minnesota...would be in the SEC.
Brian Smith: A tad slow off the ball but I like his size, lanky with long arms. Solid incoming preferred walk-on.
Ryan Santoso: I was not able to see him kick or punt but tall and big. Not big as in fat, as it appears he lost a lot of baby fat over the summer. Physically impressive for a kicker / punter.
Chris Wipson: Physically passes the eyeball test for a true freshman linebacker. Should redshirt.
Berkley Edwards: Any doubt I had about Edwards being stiff were erased within 30 seconds of seeing him run the ball. Edwards is strong, fast, quick and very athletic. Impressive. Wow'd me. 0% body fat? Will need to get a little bigger as he is currently the smallest of the Gopher backs.
De'Niro Laster: Looks to be physically ready to play, if needed. Looks like a linebacker that would warrant a late offer from Florida State. Very happy he didn't get that offer and/or decided to stick with Minnesota.
Nate Wozniak: Obviously very tall. However, not awkwardly tall. Looked good running routes and caught the ball with his hands. Could see him sticking with tight end, but then again wouldn't be shocked if he ultimately moved to tackle.
Owen Salzwedel: I see the potential, but hopefully he redshirts and we don't see him until he is a redshirt sophomore. Needs to add muscle and beef.
Ray Dixon: The potential is definitely there for Dixon but he just isn't physically ready to play Big Ten football. Needs a year or two with Klein, but if he stays committed could be a stud linebacker.
Drew Wolitarsky: Reminds me a lot of Isaac Fruechte. Runs good routes and catches the ball well. I see why the hype has been leaking out.
Demaris Peppers: While he isn't physically ready right now (wouldn't expect him to be), Peppers will be a great defensive tackle at the U. I hope to see him redshirt and contribute as early as 2014.
Hendrick Ekpe: Tall, strong, and athletic. Everything you want in an 18-year old defense lineman. Now, hopefully the upper classmen can perform and allow him to redshirt.
Jordan Hinojosa: Not as physically gifted as the other defensive lineman, however works hard at all times and offers an unlimited motor.
Jalen Myrick: Short but solid. Didn't see a lot of Myrick but when he was on the field during live action he made quality plays and was always in the right place. I like his future.
Other Observations
Maxx Williams: A complete stud. Physically impressive and the class of the tight end position. Had a 45-yard touchdown catch in 1-on-1's against Adekunle Ayinde.
Isaac Fruechte: I love Fruechte. Strong, smooth and sure handed.
Damarius Travis: Continues to be one of my favorite Gophers. Another member of the media and I were talking about Gophers that look like future NFL players and he mentioned #7 right away.
Andre McDonald: Continues to look freakish and he could be on an NFL practice field and I wouldn't do a double take. The potential is clearly there, now can he produce?
Theiren Cockran: Still looks lean, but he may always look that way. Appears to have added some upper body strength over the summer, but needs to make progress in the legs as well.
Roland Johnson: It was nice to see Johnson is confident enough in his rehab to practice without a knee brace of any kind.
Harold Legania: He is one that I am glad never transferred out and decided to stick with Minnesota. Would love to see him develop into a player that could offer legit reps and much needed depth up the middle.
Mitch Leidner: Offers effortless arm strength and a pretty release. However, still struggles with making bad throws during live action, including an interception that was returned for a touchdown by Derrick Wells.
Philip Nelson: Strong and physically impressive. Made some bad throws during live action, one that was intercepted by Jephte Matilus.
KJ Maye: Smooth, but not really fast.
Aaron Hill: Clearly presented himself as a team leader.
Jack Lynn: Needs to beef up. Still very thin throughout and especially in the lower body. I would love to see him play behind Wilson this year and continue to develop physically.
Eric Murray: Looks like an NFL corner. Athletic and has very long arms.
Martez Shabazz: Still one of my favorite Gophers and I would love to see him on the field a lot this fall. Very fast and quick and makes good breaks on the ball. Still very skinny but has added some muscle to his frame.
Steven Montgomery: Nice to see him still fighting for playing time, now at cornerback. Made a nice break on the ball to knock down a pass intended for Wolitarsky during 1-on-1's.
David Cobb: Still the most physically impressive of the running backs. Will he ever flip the switch?
Trickle's Notes
It's tough to narrow down exactly where to start, but I'll start out with the newcomers. Donovahn Jones looks like a true freshman, tall and skinny. He does have a strong arm, but he wasn't very accurate on day one. On numerous occasions Coach Zebrowski was talking with him about his mechanics. He's extremely raw at the quarterback position and I think his best fit down the road will be at wide receiver. Berkley Edwards isn't quite as big as I expected him to be. He looks to be closest in size to fellow running back Cole Banham with more definition. He did show off good burst and acceleration which Gopher fans will be happy to hear. Edwards will be able to provide the offense with a change of pace and I'd really like to see him catch a few passes out of the backfield.
At the receiver position, Florida native Eric Carter had a good day. He made three pretty impressive catches one where he reached back over Edina native Cavonte Johnson for a nice 20+ yard gain. Carter isn't extremely tall or overly athletic, but he gets the job done. Drew Wolitarsky appears to be physically ready to play right away. The record setting California receiver isn't flashy, but he has great hands. I think he will have an opportunity to contribute right away on the outside. Nate Wozniak is huge, and I mean huge. He is a legitimiate 6'9" and it's actually kind of weird to see someone that tall catching a pass. He moves well for his size and should have a number of red zone targets in the future.
The only freshman linebacker that saw time with the two's and three's was De'Niro Laster. Laster has the looks of a Big Ten linebacker. He's a legitimate 6'2" or 6'3" and at least 225 pounds. I was impressed with the way he is put together for just a true freshman. If any of the true freshman linebackers are going to play right away I would expect it to be Laster. Wipson still looks to be a little bit tentative out there after ACL surgery last fall (he was not wearing any kind of brace). Rayfield Dixon definitely needs to put on a solid 20+ pounds before he is ready for action. He did show some nice athletic flashed during 7 on 7.
I think the Minnesota staff once again did a good job recruiting the defensive back position. Jalen Myrick and Daletavious McGhee are both extremely athletic. I noticed Coach Sawvel praising McGhee on a number of different occasions throughout practice. I believe he is someone that fans will look back at three or four years down the road and try to figure out why he only had a few offers (i.e. Derrick Wells).
On offense, Philip Nelson didn't appear to have a great day throwing the ball. Coach Kill got after him at one point during practice and anyone who was near the practice field could hear the head coach's displeasure. He did get better towards the end of practice, but it was a subpar day for the Mankato West native. I know you have all heard it before, but Mitch Leidner is deceptively fast. I think giving him 8-12 snaps a game to give opposing defenses a different look is actually a pretty good idea.
At wide receiver, there is handful of guys that you know will be there come the season opener. Derrick Engel, Isaac Fruechte, KJ Maye, and Jamel Harbison come to mind. They all had solid days. KJ had a little bit of trouble hanging on to the ball in one drill, but he will offer a nice option for either Nelson or Leidner. Andre McDonald is definitely the x-factor. He has the ability to be the go-to receiver on this team if he can put it all together. If he is able to get mentally locked in then I think he could have a huge season/future. The tight end position offers a number of nice options with Drew Goodger, Lincoln Plsek, Maxx Williams, Alex Bisch, and Duke Anyanwu. It appears to be one of the strengths of the defense.
Roland Johnson appears to be good to go following his ACL tear. He wasn't favoring the knee at all or wearing a brace which is nice to see because he will be a big part of the rotation at defensive tackle. The Gophers are as deep at defensive tackle as I can remember. They should be able to roll five deep with Johnson, Hageman, Boticelli, Ekpe, and Timms.
The secondary is going to be the strength of the defense, in my opinion. I really like the combination of Vereen and Thompson at safety. They both have a couple years of experience under their belt and could be one of the better combinations in the Big Ten. Wells at corner made a great shoe string interception off of either Nelson, I believe. I think the Gophers have 9 or 10 defensive backs that could step in and play in any situation (Vereen, Thompson, Wells, Murray, A. Johnson, Travis, Baltazar, Shabazz, and Boddy). This is probably the deepest position on the team. I feel really confident heading into the season with our secondary.
I would say for the most part the defense looked better on day one, but that's not much of a surprise. The defense is usually a little ahead of the offense early in fall camp. Much of the practice was focused around individual drills so it was hard to gauge where the team is really at. I was impressed with how smoothly things moved along for day one of camp. Everyone knew what they were doing and there was no down time. It really is impressive to see the pace at which this team practices. That's all I got for day one.
This post was edited on 8/4 4:07 PM by Ryan Burns
