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Post - Signing Day, Pre - Spring Practice Depth Charts for 2010 - Running Backs
by JG2112 on Feb 8, 2010 12:00 PM CST
in Gopher Football
4 comments
Previously: Quarterbacks, Fullbacks.
Holy cow, the Gophers' rushing attack was just deplorable in 2009. A starter returning from an ACL tear, an ineffective offensive line, and frankly ridiculous play-calling by Jedd Fisch (and yes, I'm blaming him at every opportunity I get because it's well-deserved) led to another 11th-ranked rushing offense in the Big Ten for the Gophers. 68 rushing first downs, 97.6 ypg, 13 TDs, and the longest run of the year was.........TWENTY-NINE YARDS (points for you if you know who it was and when it happened, leave it in the comments). It can't help but get better, uh, right?
The Starters - Duane Bennett (RS Junior) and DeLeon Eskridge (Junior) - I'm listing these guys as the returning starters because one of them will be the starter for 2010, at least at the beginning of the year, but it's 50/50 as to who it will be.
Bennett, obviously, was returning from the torn ACL last year and his play reflected that. He played in all games but only gained 395 yards and tallied 6 TDs. He's been here forever, and will be here in 2011 as well. I would expect Bennett to show full recovery from his injury and be a signficantly improved runner.
As for Eskridge, he got slightly under 6 attempts per game in 2009, gaining 259 yards and 3 TDs. No reports on whether HE tore his ACL in 2008 and was slow in recovering like Bennett.
The Others - R.J. Buckner (Senior), Shady Salamon (Junior) - All you need to know: these guys' collective 2009 stats: the null set. Rumblings are that Salamon might move to the defensive backfield for 2010. I wouldn't expect much contribution from either of these guys outside of special teams.
The "Non-Running Back" Running Back - MarQueis Gray - Gray had 44 rushes for 243 yards last year, not counting the postseason where his rushing was hit and miss (I'd prefer not to discuss it). I would expect his influence to increase in 2010, as well as his touches. To reiterate from the Quarterbacks analysis (link above), he is the most dangerous player on the team, and needs to touch the ball, on plays called for him, at least 15-20 times a game in 2010.
The New Guys - Lamonte Edwards, Donnell Kirkwood, and Devon Wright - As you can see above, Minnesota has just about zero depth at the RB spot, so I would expect at least two of these guys to get their redshirts burnt during or before the South Dakota game. Edwards, a Woodbury, MN product, is a tall, strong runner, who I heard Justin Conzemius declare as an Adrian Peterson clone on KFAN this past Friday (uh, that's flattering to Edwards, but patently ridiculous). My thoughts, however, instantly turned to just-graduated Michigan RB Brandon Minor, who had the exact same measurables as Edwards, and unfortunately was injured for about 97% of his college career. Why? Upright runner, decided to run through instead of around runners. I've read similar scouting reports about Edwards. I hope he doesn't end up having a similar career to Minor.
As for Kirkwood and Wright, both are from Florida and both are speedsters. Kirkwood, who has a close friend who you might remember Facebook flirted with the Gophers before signing for Ohio State last week, is also notable for another reason in Minnesota's 2010 class: he's the only commit under six foot tall (5'9").
The jury is out on all three of these guys, of course, until fall camp starts. However, one or two of them has to play this year with the losses of Jay Thomas (albeit, special teams), as well as Kevin Whaley (stupidity).
Overall Grade - C-. Of course, a running back's grade will always be somewhat determined by things beyond his control: the offensive line's blocking, the quarterback's ability to stretch the field to move linebackers and safeties off the line, and his offensive coordinator's ability to not call plays like he is playing Super Tecmo Bowl at 3am after drinking a case of Tahitian Treat and a six pack of Texas Donuts.
The returning players are experienced but are not spectacular. On the other hand, the youngsters have the potential to be spectacular, but have zero experience. Further, a couple of the freshmen will have to play this year, and might get exposed if the offensive line doesn't take quantum steps of improvement. All in all, there is the chance the rushing attack could significantly improve, but an increase from worst in the conference to about 120-130 yards per game (and how about one or two rushes over 50 yards? Kthx) is a reasonable expectation for 2010.
4 comments | 0 recs |
Golden Nugz 2.08.10
by GopherNation on Feb 8, 2010 3:00 AM CST
in Golden Nuggets
3 comments
A quick reminder...T-minus 6 days until Valentine's Day, don't forget to get that special someone in your life something a little special (e-mail me if you want to send me some chocolates).
Gopher hoops has just started a critical stretch in their season. They beat Penn State on the road on Saturday to get things started the right way. Now they host Michigan on Thursday and travel to Northwestern on Sunday. Both are winable games and would put this team back on track with a three game win streak. These are really big games for the Gophers and if they really want to be an NCAA Tournament team (which right now I'm not sure they are) they have to go 2-0 this week.
For those who maybe missed it here are the highlights with Westbrook's game winner at the buzzer.
Great to get a close win and on the road, regardless of who the opponent was.
- Related to Gopher basketball the Royce White saga is pretty much over but Tubby didn't rule out him coming back eventually.
"He did everything we asked him to do," Smith said Friday, referring to White's work in the classroom and at practice. "He just has to get other areas in his life together and you never close the door on anyone. That's just the way life is. We wish him the best in trying to get his life together, and if it is a situation where he could return, I'd be willing to talk to him about it."
It would make a great story and he'd be a great addition on the court. Hopefully he gets things turned around, for his sake. - Speaking of Minnesotan's who This is yet another fascinating article on the Hendersons and the last couple days before their USC verbal last week. Tim Leighton of the Pioneer Press was the one covering their recruitment for a while now and he was curious about what he called the "circus of confusion". I'm not one to say that we are lucky we didn't land Seantrel because of the headaches his father has and likely will cause. We'd take him in a heartbeat, but this whole recruitment has struck me as odd and fascinating, especially once Sean took over as the point of contact for Seantrel. The Gophers had a slim chance to land him but I'm willing to bet Sean was the biggest roadblock to his son playing at TCF Bank Stadium for the home team.
- Down in Miami, they are wondering if Seantrel would be worth the trouble if things don't work out with USC. Easy for them to say.
- Remember Trevor Winter?
- Congrats to the Saints. I'm still bitter about the NFC Championship game, but everything I've heard about the Saints fans and obviously after what New Orleans has gone through, I'm pleased for their fans.
- Damian Johnson is a big Saints fan, how is that for putting a Gopher slant on the Super Bowl.
3 comments | 0 recs
Clutch Westbrook Lifts U
by PJS on Feb 7, 2010 9:45 AM CST
in Gopher Basketball
16 comments
Minnesota senior Lawrence Westbrook, who was mildly called out by Damian Johnson and Tubby Smith prior to Saturday's game at Penn State, lifted the Gophers to a 66-64 win with a buzzer-beating fall-away jump shot that had no business going in.
With four seconds left, moments after Penn State's Talor Battle tied the game at 64 with a layup after a scrum, Westbrook took the ball from Devoe Joseph at the top of the key and dribbled to his left. He was well-defended, but pulled back, and with a hand in his face nailed a long jumper as time expired. Minnesota's bench erupted. They've lost so many games in the final minutes this year that to finally pull one out, even if it was against the Nittany Lions who are now 0-11 in the conference, it had to feel great.
It was one of those shots that would typically be considered a bad shot, but as someone stated in the comments section of the game thread, Westbrook just might be the best bad-shot maker the Golden Gophers have ever seen. He does seem to find a way to make some ugly looking shots!
More impressively, in my opinion, was how Westbrook played the entire game. I didn't notice him trash-talking. I didn't notice a bad temper. And while Battle certainly beat him on a few occasions, I didn't notice any glaring defensive lapses. All three of those things were complaints leveled at Westbrook in the article linked above. For the better part of the game, Westbrook was having trouble getting his offense. But he didn't force his offense and didn't get out of control the way we've seen him all season. This was a different Westbrook, one that was going to let the game come to him. He finished with 12 points, 5 rebounds, three assists, and too many turnovers (6).
While Westbrook grabbed the spotlight with his clutch game-winning shot, it was Ralph Sampson III that stood out most of the game. He had 13 and 10 double-double and was easily the most dominant on the glass I've seen him during his career. His aggression on the glass was obvious. He was above all others and snatched rebounds out of the air. It was aggression out of Sampson and it was great to see. I also loved at one point his ability to grab a rebound and immediately turn and find the outlet pass. His back-to-the-basket offense still wasn't pretty. But it was serviceable and the inside presence the Gophers need.
The Gophers needed Sampson and others in the half-court offense because transition baskets were few and far between. The Gophers only turned the Nittany Lions over 11 times. Minnesota, in contrast, turned the ball over 13 times. Minnesota hasn't typically won this year when they haven't won the turnover battle and scored in transition.
Blake Hoffarber added 12 (all threes on 4-7 from beyond the arc), and Damian Johnson played well as he added 13 points. Johnson showed a knack to be able to get to the free throw line, where he shot 7-9. Minnesota as a team actually had a very nice game from the foul stripe, shooting 76 percent, a nice improvement from the 68 percent the team has shot on the year.
The Nittany Lions were of course paced by Battle, though he was slowed for much of the first half. And he was just 7-19 from the floor and 3-7 from the free throw line. David Jackson added 18 points for Penn State.
As has been said elsewhere, this was a must win for the Gophers if they still have a chance at the NCAA Tournament. We'll see if they can keep some momentum on their sides when Michigan comes to Williams Arena on Thursday.
16 comments | 0 recs
Brewster announces staff promotion and departure
by GopherNation on Feb 6, 2010 4:27 PM CST
6 comments
Thomas Hammock has been promoted to co-offensive coordinator. Hammock is currently the running backs coach and one of the staff's best recruiters. Here are the recruits that Hammock has been credited as being the primary recruiter for...
- 2010 - Lamonte Edwards, Donnell Kirkwood, Tryone Bouie, Devron Wright and Johnathan Ragoo.
- 2009 - Brooks Michel, Bryant Allen and Dan Orseske
- 2008 - MarQueise Gray, Brandon Green, Brandon Kirksey, Deleon Eskridge and others
Richard Hightower was the wide receivers coach and will not be returning.
the official press release
University of Minnesota head football coach Tim Brewster announced Friday that running backs coach Thomas Hammock has being promoted to the position of co-offensive coordinator.
Hammock, regarded as one of the Gophers’ top recruiters and a rising star in the coaching profession, has played an increasing roll in all aspects of the Minnesota offense since his arrival, according to Brewster.
“This promotion is a reward for the tireless work that Thomas has done as both a coach and a recruiter,” Brewster said. “He has done an outstanding job with our running backs and has been a huge asset to our staff. Thomas is one of the outstanding your coaches in America and I could not be more please to reward him with the title of co-offensive coordinator. He and Jeff (Horton) will do a great job coordinating our offense.”
Brewster also announced Friday that wide receivers coach Richard Hightower has decided to resign his position on the Gophers’ staff to pursue another coaching opportunity. According to Brewster, a national search for Hightower’s replacement is already underway and is expected to be completed soon.
“Richard is an excellent young coach,” said Brewster. “I appreciate all the contributions he made to our program and I wish him continued success.”
6 comments | 0 recs |
Penn State to host the Golden Gophers - OPEN THREAD
by GopherNation on Feb 6, 2010 12:00 PM CST
in Gopher Basketball
10 comments
The Gophers have exactly one true road win this season (!1!) and that was at Iowa. Today is a chance to not only get back on the winning track and notch a road win. They are in a position where it is win or completely forget about the NCAA Tournament.
They've had a week to prepare before we have a few games next week. Penn State is terrible this year and they have lost 10 straight. Let's make it 11 for the Nitany Lions.
10 comments | 0 recs
Post - Signing Day, Pre - Spring Practice Depth Charts for 2010 - Fullbacks
by JG2112 on Feb 5, 2010 1:00 PM CST
in Gopher Football
8 comments
Previously: Quarterbacks
Again, we're reviewing the Gopher depth charts in anticipation of Spring Practice, and we're also adding in the new commits. First off, thanks for the civility in your comments in the quarterbacks thread. Near the end of the 2009 season I think everyone was exasperated with the performances of Fisch, Weber, and the lack of time given to Gray. There are functional arguments for all options for 2010, and they are well-represented in your comments. Let's give them a chance to succeed in 2010 with new coaching.
Now, onto the fullbacks:
The Starter - Jon Hoese (Junior Senior) - he had a solid season, with 29 carries for 103 yards and 1 touchdown. It has to be mentioned that he was operating at a disadvantage due to the horrid offensive line play, which often left him blocking D-linemen instead of linebackers. At six foot two, two hundred and thirty-three pounds, he might be a teeny bit small for a FB, but his effectiveness should increase in 2010.
The Others - Nick Rengel, Willie Schneider, Ed Cotton. All freshmen, and I presume, all redshirted because I don't recall them seeing the field.
The Wildcard - Ra'Shede Hageman? This is a shot in the dark, but Hageman has gained 20 pounds from last fall and is now near 290 pounds. Although he is slated for the defensive line, he could be a fine option in goalline and short yardage situations and has obvious experience blocking on offense.
The New Guy(s)? The only incoming RB that could really grow into a FB role is Lamonte Edwards, and I don't think that's why they recruited him. With 3 FBs in the 2009 class, I don't see one incoming outside of walk-ons (which, honestly, is a preferable way to stock the FB position).
Overall grade - B-. The options are not overpowering, and Hoese's ineffectiveness last year was largely due to D-linemen being in his face. Such is the life of a FB. If Hoese and others are able to get free blocking on the second level, Minnesota will be able to break many more 20+ yard rushes in 2010, and sustain more drives.
8 comments | 0 recs
The 2010 Gopher Football Recruiting Class - The Midwest kids
by GopherNation on Feb 5, 2010 11:00 AM CST
in Recruiting - Football
0 comments
24 officially signed letters of intent. This class is getting mixed reviews depending on which Gopher fan you talk to or which recruiting sight you prefer. This class has a handful of players expected to be significant contributors down the road, a couple key JUCOs and a number of lower rated players that will need to be developed.
I'm going to give you quick profiles on your entire 2010 class (special thanks to Tomahawk Nation for the table). As it turns out there were 10 Midwest kids, 11 non-midwest kids and then 4 JUCOs. I'll begin with the kids from the Midwest.
Minnesota - 3
Illinois - 1
Ohio - 1
Wisconsin - 3
Missouri -
Indiana - 1
| Jimmy Gjere |
|
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Position: Offensive Line (probably tackle) Measurables: 6-7 / 275 Videos: [1] Rankings: Notes: |
| Lamonte Edwards | |
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Position: RB / LB (very likely RB) Measurables: 6-2 / 218 / 4.48 Videos: [1] Rankings: Notes: |
| Tom Parish |
|
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Position:QB Measurables: 6-3 / 200 / 4.6 Videos: N/A Rankings: Notes: Good size, accurate and mobile though not exactly finished product. Parish will very likely red-shirt and will have the opportunity to battle with Moses Alipate for the Gopher QB in a couple years. Had an offer from Iowa, did not however have an offer from his home-state Wisconsin Badgers. |
| James Manuel |
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Position: Safety Measurables: 6-2 / 200 / 4.5 Videos: N/A Rankings: Manuel projects to be a hard-hitting safety. His ESPN eval says over and over that he is an aggressive tackler who also has good cover skills. Could potentially play CB or even LB but seems best suited for the safety position. With the depth we have a S, Manuel may get the benefit of a red-shirt year and then a long and hopefully productive Gopher career. Manuel has some very good tools to be be an excellent Big Ten Safety. |
| Marquise Hill |
|
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Position: Athlete (likely WR) Measurables: 6-0 / 165 / 4.49 Videos: [sophomore highlights] Rankings: Notes: |
| Willie Tatum |
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Position: LB Measurables: 6-3 / 205 / 4.58 Videos: none found Rankings: Notes: The Pickering, Ohio native had a great senior season which, according to Rivals, led to several BCS schools coming on strong for Tatum. But fortunately the fast linebacker stuck with his commitment. Natural pass rusher, very quick first step, needs to add bulk. Could be very well suited to be the next in line of the Simoni Lawrence, Keanon Cooper lineage. |
| Marek Lenkiewicz | |
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Position: OT Measurables: 6-5 / 240 Videos: [1] Rankings: Notes: |
| Matt Eggen |
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Position: OL (probably Tackle) Measurables: 6-5 / 290 Videos: [1] Rankings: Notes: LaCrosse native who fits the mold of the taller and longer athletes that dominate this 2010 class. Eggen is also a virtual certainty to redshirt and will get his chance to compete down the road. Eggen played defensive line as well in high school but is considered to be an offensive lineman in college. |
| Zach Epping |
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Position: OL (likely a Guard) Measurables: 6-2 / 274 Videos: [1] Rankings: Notes: Like Eggen, Epping plays both ways. Another Wisconsin lineman who will redshirt and then get his chance to compete beginning in 2011. This is a class heavy along the offensive line but Epping projects at G or C while most of the others are likely tackles. |
| J.D. Pride |
|
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Position: ATH (DB or WR or ??)
Measurables: 6-1 / 190/ 4.52 Videos: none found Rankings: Notes: Pride was a QB in high school but will end up playing another position in college. Another virtual certainty to redshirt as he learns the details of playing defensive back. Pride is related to the Barber family. |
Up next will the 11 players from outside the Midwest.
0 comments | 0 recs |
Golden Nugz - 2.4.10
by GopherNation on Feb 5, 2010 4:00 AM CST
in Golden Nuggets
0 comments
I know that I have to let this whole Seantrel Henderson thing go. In fact I really have, but this article on his recruitment was really fascinating and you all should read it.
On Minnesota...
"Sean, you know we've got the most love for you here," the elder Henderson recalled coach Tim Brewster telling him. "We're going to take good care of Seantrel. We've been recruiting him since ninth grade. Who's going to do him better than we will?" But Henderson said he would have been passing up "greater opportunities on a bigger stage" by attending Minnesota.
Sean Henderson on Jim Tressel...
Henderson's father described the talk as "pretty long-winded." Afterward, Tressel mentioned to the Hendersons that he was always told he talked a lot. "He's so informative and so to the point and so much about business, that it was a little boring," Sean Henderson said.
On Pete Carroll and USC...
When reports first surfaced in January that Carroll was leaving USC to coach the Seattle Seahawks, Sean Henderson was stuck in an elevator for nearly two hours. He learned of the news in a text message from his son. The Hendersons ended up not talking to Carroll again. "We deserved a direct phone call, honestly," Sean Henderson said. Carroll's departure briefly tainted USC for the Hendersons, but Kiffin repaired the damage.
good article.
- Coach's recruiting classes have been less and less impressive as the wins have been fewer and fewer. This is about Ron Zook.
- GI.com's recruiting awards.
- The Wall Street Journal. We here at TDG are often linked on the WSJ.
- Chicago Sun-Times ranks the Big Ten recruiting classes.
- Gopher baseball isn't a top 25 team, but they are close.
0 comments | 0 recs |
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Big Ten Conference Standings
(updated 2.8.2010 at 1:56 AM CST)
| Conf | Overall | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| W | L | W | L | |
Michigan St. Spartans
|
9 | 2 | 19 | 5 |
|
Wisconsin Badgers
|
8 | 3 | 18 | 5 |
|
Ohio St. Buckeyes
|
8 | 3 | 18 | 6 |
|
Illinois Fighting Illini
|
8 | 3 | 16 | 8 |
|
Purdue Boilermakers
|
7 | 3 | 19 | 3 |
|
Minnesota Golden Gophers
|
5 | 5 | 14 | 8 |
|
Northwestern Wildcats
|
5 | 6 | 16 | 7 |
|
Michigan Wolverines
|
4 | 7 | 11 | 12 |
|
Indiana Hoosiers
|
3 | 7 | 9 | 13 |
|
Iowa Hawkeyes
|
2 | 9 | 8 | 16 |
|
Penn St. Nittany Lions
|
0 | 11 | 8 | 15 |
Golden Gophers Basketball Schedule
Next 5 Games
|
Michigan
|
Thu 02/11 | 6:00 PM CST |
|
@
Northwestern
|
Sun 02/14 | 4:00 PM CST |
|
Wisconsin
|
Thu 02/18 | 8:00 PM CST |
|
Indiana
|
Sat 02/20 | 7:00 PM CST |
|
Purdue
|
Wed 02/24 | 7:30 PM CST |
Last 5 Games
|
@
Penn St.
|
Sat 02/06 | W 66 - 64 |
|
@
Ohio St.
|
Sun 01/31 | L 63 - 85 |
|
Northwestern
|
Tue 01/26 | W 65 - 61 |
|
Michigan St.
|
Sat 01/23 | L 64 - 65 |
|
@
Indiana
|
Sun 01/17 | L 78 - 81 |
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2010 Commit List
Jimmy Gjere
Position: OL
Rivals Profile - 4
Scout Profile - 4
ESPN Profile - 78
Ht: 6-7
Wt: 275 lbs
Forty: secs
High School: New Brighton, MN (Irondale)
Lamonte Edwards
Position: ATH
Rivals Profile - 4
Scout Profile - 3
ESPN Profile - 76
Ht: 6-2
Wt: 215 lbs
Forty: 4.48 secs
High School: Woodbury,MN
Antoine Lewis
unknown
Position: CB
Rivals Profile - 3
Scout Profile - 3
ESPN Profile - 76
Ht: 5-10
Wt: 175 lbs
Forty: 4.3 secs
High School: Maywood, IL
Tom Parish
Position: QB
Rivals Profile - 3
Scout Profile - 3
ESPN Profile - 73
Ht: 6-3
Wt: 200 lbs
Forty: 4.6 secs
High School: Hartland, WI
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