Minnesota Football: Kill Names Several True Freshmen Who Will Play in 2015

The Star Tribune's Joe Christensen posted a blog post with tidbits from Gopher coach Jerry Kill's Sunday morning appearance on WCCO radio.  Of note is that Kill is now naming several true freshmen who will most likely see playing time in 2015 for the Gophers.  The first name Kill brought up was running back Shannon Brooks.  Brooks out of Georgia was impressive in the scrimmage last Saturday rushing for 91 yards.  he seems to be the fourth running back on the Gopher depth chart currently behind Rodrick Williams, Rodney Smith and Berkley Edwards.  This would also seem to say that redshirt freshman Jeff Jones will remain at wide receiver for the time being.

Kill next went on to say that defensive back Kiante Hardin will for sure see time this fall.  Hardin from Webb City, Missouri has impressed Kill and secondary coach Jay Sawvel with his ability to cover and react.  He will have a role on special teams as well as play some in the secondary.  He is the first of several true freshman to get the nod to play, but it wouldn't be surprising to see Ray Buford or Zo Craighton get some time as well.

Next, Kill reiterated what he had said earlier last week that freshman linebacker Julian Huff from Bolingbrook, Illinois will definitely play in 2015.  Huff has impressed in fall camp with his ability to stop the run and consistently make tackles.  he has also worked a little at defensive end due to injuries to some of the top end d-linemen for the Gophers so far in camp.

Then late Monday Christensen and the Pioneer Press's Marcus Fuller both had articles on another potential true freshman who might see some playing time.  Wait...what's that....I hear something??

"Demry's 'going, 'Why not me right now?' " Gophers offensive coordinator Matt Limegrover said about fall camp.

With the Sept. 3 season opener against Texas Christian looming, the Gophers are confident with Mitch Leidner as their starting quarterback. But the No. 2 job still appears to be an open competition between Croft, sophomore Chris Streveler and redshirt freshman Jacques Perra.

Croft might be the most talented of the three backup candidates.

Minnesota coaches are raving about Croft's grasp of the offense, poise and arm strength.

Oh.

Agreed. #Gophers can't accomplish what they want without Leidner healthy. No reason to burn Croft RS. But we'll see. https://t.co/IHLQklqiWv

— Marcus R. Fuller (@GophersNow) August 18, 2015

Oh.

#QBGAZE2015  IS OFFICIALLY HERE PEOPLE!!!

So yeah....that will be something to watch.  Whee!