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Turnover and the Staffing Plan - Part 1

Saturday's epic struggle to remain competitive with South Dakota State University was the final game for several seniors.  While compensating for the loss of Eric Decker will be challenging for the offense, the defense will lose 9 of 11 starters.  Turnover is to be expected in any type of organization, and football teams are no exception.  In part 1 of this review we'll take a look at which offensive starters are leaving and who may replace them:

Eric Decker - Perhaps the greatest wide receiver in Gopher football history, it would be unrealistic to expect a single player to replace Decker.  Brandon Green has been a solid second option this season, and should continue to improve for next year.  Da'Jon McKnight, who was primarily a basketball player in high school, appears to have a steep learning curve and the tools to become a top tier wide receiver.  As of late, he's been a primary target.  After last season's Insight Bowl I listed McKnight as one of the four bright spots in the game:

Da'Jon McKnight - He was only in the game for the final drive but he has the size, speed, and agility to justify predicting a bright future for the freshman wide receiver.

Nick Tow-Arnett - A fundamentally solid wide receiver, Nick Tow-Arnett will be difficult to replace as both a pass blocker and as a receiver.  Curtis Hughes, Eric Lair, and possibly Ra'Shede Hageman will compete to fill his shoes as the primary tight end.  Hughes has demonstrated solid pass blocking skills, Lair projects to be more of a receiver, and Hageman may end up at defensive end.

Jeff Tow-Arnett - There are three Tow-Arnett brothers on the Gophers, and Jeff had a solid year as the starting center prior to a season ending injury.  While he will be missed, D.J. Burris and Trey Davis should be able to step in and replace him at a similar level of play.

Blake Haudan - Haudan has been a fundamentally sound punter, but the Gophers have Dan Orseske waiting for his turn to play.  Orseske appears to be taking a redshirt year, and will have four years of eligibility ahead of him.  In high school, scouts noted that his kicks had excellent hang time and that he averaged nearly 40 yards per punt.

Overall, the losses of Eric Decker and Nick Tow-Arnett will be the greatest challenges for the Gopher offense.  Two or three young receivers will need to emerge as threats to adequately replace Decker, while a combination of players could replace Nick Tow-Arnett.  Not bad for a sport in which the entire team is anew within each four year period.

Stay tuned for part 2 later this week, which will take a look at the nine starting seniors who will be leaving the defense and who is in line to replace them.

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Buck

wasn’t Ryan Wynn actually number one on the depth chart at the center position as we entered the fall semester??? I am assuming he will get a medical redshirt and will still have 3 years of elibility.

by Texas Gopher on Nov 16, 2009 11:40 AM CST reply actions  

I think you’re right. They should be fine at center next year.

Buck Bravo

by Buck Bravo on Nov 16, 2009 12:00 PM CST via mobile up reply actions  

I talked to him on the plane to Penn State, he should be back with no problems. He is a really nice guy btw. I could say some things about how he was treated by the coaching staff relating to his injury, but that would be unfair since I heard only one side of the story.

"they're calling insane hogs???"

by CrowTrobot on Nov 16, 2009 12:40 PM CST up reply actions  

Buck

I should not assume anyone can come back from back surgery. I hope he does though.

by Texas Gopher on Nov 16, 2009 12:23 PM CST reply actions  

Orseske

I don’t think he redshirted this season, he has 9 punts.

by mraveling on Nov 16, 2009 12:45 PM CST reply actions  

I hurried the post last night, and didn’t check my facts well enough. Good catch.

Buck Bravo

by Buck Bravo on Nov 16, 2009 1:20 PM CST via mobile up reply actions  

I wonder if he can get a medical redshirt

mono isn’t exactly like tearing your ACL but he was able to play in just one game.

what you say here can, and will, be used against you

by GopherNation on Nov 17, 2009 4:44 PM CST up reply actions  

Weber also needs to be replaced

As prolific as he has been this year, I am sure he will declare for the NFL draft. He is just too damn good to play college ball for another year.

by Garrick on Nov 16, 2009 1:08 PM CST reply actions  

Weber also needs to be replaced
As prolific as he has been this year, I am sure he will declare for the NFL draft. He is just too damn good to play college ball for another year.

HOLY CRAP… now THAT’S funny!!!

"Don't you want a little taste of the glory... see what it tastes like?"

by JDMill on Nov 16, 2009 2:06 PM CST reply actions  

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