The Gophers lost three games by less than a touchdown last season. In the offseason, PJ said they dissected those games and the team didn’t do what they needed to win. The label “refusing to lose” was coined to teach and show the players what it means to refuse to lose. The team must make winning plays down the stretch (make plays, force turnovers, etc.) to win close games.
Sid questioned how the team will balance winning now vs. winning in the future. Coach reiterated that they are committed to a winning process in all four areas of their life, and when they do that, the winning will come.
“Our players have to be ok with failure. Failure is growth. The best teams fail more than anyone else. These young players have to be able to fail and grow.”
Chris Autman-Bell, Demetrius Douglas, Mo Ibrahim were listed by name from Fleck as redshirts that will be called upon this season to contribute.
The defense only had 23 sacks last season. When the team does bring pressure, they have to feel comfortable that they can cover on the back end since they are leaving the defensive backs exposed. PJ is happy with the development of the defense and how close they’ve come this offseason. The coaches didn’t bring as much pressure last season as they wanted since they weren’t comfortable with their coverage on the back end. Coach also commented that the defensive line must be able to get pressure with bringing only four or five guys.
The addition of Chris Autman-Bell, Demetrius Douglas, and Rashod Bateman at the wide receiver position will help open up the offense. Coach made a point that last year once defenses would take away Tyler Johnson then the passing game would suffer, then the running game would suffer. Now with the development of other receivers, that will open up. “The best friend of a running back is an elite wide receiver.”
Curtis Dunlap, Daniel Fa’alele, Quinn Oseland, and Bronson Dovich were the four names Fleck listed as the 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th lineman for team (not in order). If any injuries occur, those will be the four that will be called upon. Fleck is pleased with the depth at that position (although they are young) after only having four offensive lineman last spring practice. The team now has three full lines of offensive lineman. Coach gives credit to OL coach Brian Callahan for their development.
Sid questioned how the team will balance winning now vs. winning in the future. Coach reiterated that they are committed to a winning process in all four areas of their life, and when they do that, the winning will come.
“Our players have to be ok with failure. Failure is growth. The best teams fail more than anyone else. These young players have to be able to fail and grow.”
Chris Autman-Bell, Demetrius Douglas, Mo Ibrahim were listed by name from Fleck as redshirts that will be called upon this season to contribute.
The defense only had 23 sacks last season. When the team does bring pressure, they have to feel comfortable that they can cover on the back end since they are leaving the defensive backs exposed. PJ is happy with the development of the defense and how close they’ve come this offseason. The coaches didn’t bring as much pressure last season as they wanted since they weren’t comfortable with their coverage on the back end. Coach also commented that the defensive line must be able to get pressure with bringing only four or five guys.
The addition of Chris Autman-Bell, Demetrius Douglas, and Rashod Bateman at the wide receiver position will help open up the offense. Coach made a point that last year once defenses would take away Tyler Johnson then the passing game would suffer, then the running game would suffer. Now with the development of other receivers, that will open up. “The best friend of a running back is an elite wide receiver.”
Curtis Dunlap, Daniel Fa’alele, Quinn Oseland, and Bronson Dovich were the four names Fleck listed as the 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th lineman for team (not in order). If any injuries occur, those will be the four that will be called upon. Fleck is pleased with the depth at that position (although they are young) after only having four offensive lineman last spring practice. The team now has three full lines of offensive lineman. Coach gives credit to OL coach Brian Callahan for their development.
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