There is a senior quarterback on the Gophers who in 10 2007 games passed for 3,643 yards with 35 touchdowns, only 10 interceptions, and a 66.9% completion rate. He also ran for 572 yards and 6 touchdowns. He was rated a four star recruit by both Scout.com and Rivals.com. David Pittman is a versatile, talented athlete who saw little playing time in 2008. Apparently, Pittman was struggling with several different injuries that hindered his play. If healthy, Pittman is expected to see the field as a wide receiver and kick returner. A wild card player for 2009, the possibilities for David Pittman range from a repeat of his disappointing 2008 season to an exciting senior season in which he could contribute with his talents as a receiver, kick returner, and possibly even passing the football.
The Gophers' new look offense will likely add a hard-nosed running game in 2009 complimenting a selection of talented skill players at wide receiver and quarterback. Look for an article on new offensive coordinator Jedd Fisch later this week. Adam Weber will return as an experienced quarterback with grayshirt freshman Marquies Gray possibly seeing the field, too. Both Weber and Gray are mobile quarterbacks. Besides Pittman, wide receivers Eric Decker and Troy Stoudermire (a former high school quarterback) can throw the football downfield. The Gophers could potentially have five capable, mobile passers on the field at any given time.
Prior to the 2008 season, Tim Brewster had commented that David Pittman could be used as a "slash" player in the tradition of Kordell Stewart. If healthy, Pittman may be a formidable weapon and beat defenses with both his arm and his legs. If Pittman meets his original projected potential, he could catch defenses off guard with unexpected passing plays. If a college defense is forced to key on two to three potential passers while defending a power running game, the Gophers could have one of the most unpredictable and exciting offenses in the Big Ten for 2009.
2008 was supposed to be a year in which the Gophers built upon the strong young offense of 2007. The offense showed little improvement. Pittman was expected to be involved frequently on offense, but rarely saw the field throughout the season. David Pittman has one more shot to make his mark in college football. If indeed injuries held him back in 2008, in 2009 he could be a wild card player that surprises fans and opponents alike.