New offensive line coach Bart Miller is already having a profound affect on the program, on the field and on the recruiting trail.
On the field, the offensive line was one of the biggest concerns for Tracy Claeys entering the spring. Little by little, Claeys said he's seeing improvements.
"He's with them all the time," Claeys said Thursday after practice. "Even in team, he's not worried about calling plays I think that's a tough job for an offensive line coach to call plays and coach up there. I think the kids have enjoyed having him around. We've got some work to do still but he's doing a good job with some changes we've made, technique wise, and we will play more physical. The first group has made some improvements. We got to get some other kids to get better."
And by making the other kids better, I think Claeys was referring to a scenario on Thursday during the offensive vs. defense drill in which the offense needed a first down and was facing third-and-2 and failed.
On the recruiting trail, Miller is quickly establishing relationships with some of the top targets. Defensive end Levi Duwa from Mid-Prairie HS (Iowa) is making an unofficial visit next month and Jordan Tucker. the 6-6, 325 pound tackle from Georgia is intrigued by the Gophers because of Miller's connection with him. Tucker in particular said he enjoys Miller's enthusiasm and energy. Tucker has offers from South Carolina, Missouri and Tennessee.
Miller is also recruiting Eric Wilson, one of Minnesota's top prospects, and Sheldon Evans, Tucker's teammate at Roswell H.S and a three-star running back.
Minnesota should have a large recruiting class this year, and the majority of the signees could be offensive lineman.
On the field, the offensive line was one of the biggest concerns for Tracy Claeys entering the spring. Little by little, Claeys said he's seeing improvements.
"He's with them all the time," Claeys said Thursday after practice. "Even in team, he's not worried about calling plays I think that's a tough job for an offensive line coach to call plays and coach up there. I think the kids have enjoyed having him around. We've got some work to do still but he's doing a good job with some changes we've made, technique wise, and we will play more physical. The first group has made some improvements. We got to get some other kids to get better."
And by making the other kids better, I think Claeys was referring to a scenario on Thursday during the offensive vs. defense drill in which the offense needed a first down and was facing third-and-2 and failed.
On the recruiting trail, Miller is quickly establishing relationships with some of the top targets. Defensive end Levi Duwa from Mid-Prairie HS (Iowa) is making an unofficial visit next month and Jordan Tucker. the 6-6, 325 pound tackle from Georgia is intrigued by the Gophers because of Miller's connection with him. Tucker in particular said he enjoys Miller's enthusiasm and energy. Tucker has offers from South Carolina, Missouri and Tennessee.
Miller is also recruiting Eric Wilson, one of Minnesota's top prospects, and Sheldon Evans, Tucker's teammate at Roswell H.S and a three-star running back.
Minnesota should have a large recruiting class this year, and the majority of the signees could be offensive lineman.
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