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It’s official. Head coach P.J. Fleck has named true freshman walk-on Zack Annexstad the team’s starting quarterback for the season opener against New Mexico State on Thursday, Aug. 30.
BREAKING: @Coach_Fleck names Zack Annexstad starting quarterback. #Gophers #SkiUMah #RTB pic.twitter.com/rTpoyqPxAp
— Minnesota Football (@GopherFootball) August 20, 2018
Just last week, we reported that Annexstad seemed to have asserted himself in the quarterback competition, pulling ahead of redshirt freshman Tanner Morgan as the favorite to be named the starter. Now it’s for real. And while I’m sure using the words “true freshman walk-on” and “starting quarterback” in the same sentence will cause some fans to break out into a cold sweat, pump the brakes. It’s far from an ideal situation, but doubt Annexstad at your own peril.
Gopher Hole was on the scene for the press conference this afternoon and captured a couple quotes from Fleck as he discussed the decision.
P.J. Fleck explains the decision to name Zack Annexstad the starting QB for Week 1 vs. New Mexico State: #Gophers: pic.twitter.com/48O8MrqpSn
— GopherHole.com (@GopherHole) August 20, 2018
Fleck on why it was important to tell Annexstad he was the starter. He said it doesn't mean you won't see Morgan in a game this year, too. #Gophers pic.twitter.com/5n1H0W9HLS
— GopherHole.com (@GopherHole) August 20, 2018