Sid opened questioning about how many players left from the team last year, and how many players must be replaced. PJ stated that each year every team is different, and that half of our team is either freshmen or redshirt freshmen. Close to 70% are underclassmen. We have 42 or 43 lettermen returning, which makes us one of the most inexperienced teams in the country. “We have a lot of guys that have played, and a lot of guys that haven’t played at key roles.”
As expected, the quarterback battle has not been decided yet. None of the quarterbacks have much in-game experience, so the coaches don’t know how each quarterback will react to game situations. Asked when the starter will be chosen, “When we know, you’ll know.” Fleck is also not a fan of playing two quarterbacks.
Only one or two of the players that had offseason surgeries are still not fully back.
Eric Carter is our most experienced receiver in terms of catches, while Tyler Johnson and Rashad Still are also returning as receivers that have playing experience. Coach Fleck named a couple of freshmen by name that are doing very well, Chris Autman-Bell and Demetrius Douglas. Phillip Howard and Melvin Holland are also a couple of names that Fleck brought up. “In a successful offense, you have to have guys that can catch a five-yard slant and take it 60.”
Freshmen will most likely see playing time this season. Although Fleck doesn’t necessarily want to play a ton of freshmen, there are areas where we are lacking in depth that freshmen may have to play a role (didn’t list position specifically).
Coney Durr is practicing, however he is being held back a bit and has not done any full-contact scrimmage. Coaches want to give him as much time as possible to recover from his ACL surgery.
Running back is a position where the Gophers are very deep, and PJ quoted Glen Mason saying, “You need a pair and a spare.” Gave Shannon Brooks, Rodney Smith, and Kobe McCrary credit in learning the system and the way they’re progressing.
When asked about the early signing period, Coach responded, “I wish it meant a lot more to be honest. I think whenever you sign athletes earlier that’s a positive.” The ability to sign a couple months earlier helps a bit, but where it helps us the most is being able to have recruits on campus in the spring when the weather is nicer. The coaches must be creative in their approach, because once an athlete has his official visit then he’s done.
Coach Fleck joked that him and Ed Warinner came out to practice and went, “We have way too many lineman” after only having four in the spring. PJ did mention that there may be some freshmen that will have the opportunity to play due to the lack of depth on the offensive line.
As expected, the quarterback battle has not been decided yet. None of the quarterbacks have much in-game experience, so the coaches don’t know how each quarterback will react to game situations. Asked when the starter will be chosen, “When we know, you’ll know.” Fleck is also not a fan of playing two quarterbacks.
Only one or two of the players that had offseason surgeries are still not fully back.
Eric Carter is our most experienced receiver in terms of catches, while Tyler Johnson and Rashad Still are also returning as receivers that have playing experience. Coach Fleck named a couple of freshmen by name that are doing very well, Chris Autman-Bell and Demetrius Douglas. Phillip Howard and Melvin Holland are also a couple of names that Fleck brought up. “In a successful offense, you have to have guys that can catch a five-yard slant and take it 60.”
Freshmen will most likely see playing time this season. Although Fleck doesn’t necessarily want to play a ton of freshmen, there are areas where we are lacking in depth that freshmen may have to play a role (didn’t list position specifically).
Coney Durr is practicing, however he is being held back a bit and has not done any full-contact scrimmage. Coaches want to give him as much time as possible to recover from his ACL surgery.
Running back is a position where the Gophers are very deep, and PJ quoted Glen Mason saying, “You need a pair and a spare.” Gave Shannon Brooks, Rodney Smith, and Kobe McCrary credit in learning the system and the way they’re progressing.
When asked about the early signing period, Coach responded, “I wish it meant a lot more to be honest. I think whenever you sign athletes earlier that’s a positive.” The ability to sign a couple months earlier helps a bit, but where it helps us the most is being able to have recruits on campus in the spring when the weather is nicer. The coaches must be creative in their approach, because once an athlete has his official visit then he’s done.
Coach Fleck joked that him and Ed Warinner came out to practice and went, “We have way too many lineman” after only having four in the spring. PJ did mention that there may be some freshmen that will have the opportunity to play due to the lack of depth on the offensive line.
