Official 2014 Spring Football Thread: Articles, Tweets, Analysis & More...

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Certainly feel free to start new threads if you go to practice and want to share your thoughts and the like, but we figured we'd also create a central thread for ongoing tweets, articles, analysis and more that don't necessitate their own thread. We are fired up that Spring Ball is just days away!!
 

Nate Sandell: What to watch for in Gophers' fourth spring under Jerry Kill

When the Gophers finally kick off their 2014 campaign on Aug. 28 against Eastern Illinois, they will be embarking on arguably their toughest schedule since Kill took over. A road trip to TCU highlights their nonconference match-ups, while they pick up Michigan and Ohio State as their two Big Ten cross-division opponents.

Kill has already taken to using the schedule as a go-to talking point. But for now, it's being used not as an excuse, but as motivation to spur his squad through the offseason.

The typical preseason coaching line of "bigger, faster, stronger" starts building in the spring, and Kill is certainly attaching that mantra to this team. But with spring practice opening up next Tuesday, Kill said he has indeed sensed a certain evolution within the Gophers that signals an understanding of the daunting task that awaits them next season.

"We've got to set our expectations high. We've got to outwork people," Kill said. "There is a difference this year, I can tell you that right now with the offseason workouts."

http://www.1500espn.com/sportswire/..._Gophers_fourth_spring_under_Jerry_Kill022814

Go Gophers!!
 

STrib Sunday Q&A: Claeys back on the clock with spring practice approaching

Q How do you replace a potential first-round draft pick, and what is Ra’Shede Hageman’s NFL ceiling?

A I think he could go as high as No. 15. When he does personal workouts, he’ll continue to climb. … You get a guy like that once every five years. With Ra’Shede, maybe it’s one in every 10 years just because of his size and athletic ability. ... We’ll need a little more out of all of them. But Cameron Botticelli played awfully well. Scott Ekpe had a great year with the reps he took. I think we have the kids to do it, but we’re not going to have that one dominating guy.

Q Were you surprised by quarterback Philip Nelson transferring?

A No, I really wasn’t. ... By the way we finished the year at quarterback, it didn’t surprise me that he wanted to go somewhere else and try something new. From my perspective of it, Mitch [Leidner] had a redshirt year and fit in better with where we were going than what we were doing. Philip must have felt the same way.

http://www.startribune.com/sports/gophers/248057861.html

Go Gophers!!
 

BleedGopher said:
STrib Sunday Q&A: Claeys back on the clock with spring practice approaching

Q Were you surprised by quarterback Philip Nelson transferring?

A No, I really wasn’t. ... By the way we finished the year at quarterback, it didn’t surprise me that he wanted to go somewhere else and try something new. From my perspective of it, Mitch [Leidner] had a redshirt year and fit in better with where we were going than what we were doing. Philip must have felt the same way.

http://www.startribune.com/sports/gophers/248057861.html

Go Gophers!!
Click to expand...

You have to love the lack of coach-speak from Coach Claeys. Yet more evidence of behind the scenes friction; Phil must have known he was on a glide path to the bench next year.
 

Really sux that we will be stuck indoors this year. Kill admits that it hurts the kicking game development, but I suspect it hurts other areas as well.

Sent from my MZ617 using Tapatalk
 


Pompous Elitist said:
Phil must have known he was on a glide path to the bench next year.
Click to expand...

Pompous - I have read only 2 threads today and in both you had the last post and in both you are inviting/asking for the Nelson/Liedner debate AGAIN. There is another thread for that, about 100 pages long. Old news - let it go. Please!!!
 

Uh, listen to yourself much? We go way back on this...and obviously you have your right to say stupid things as do I. Lets not drag others into our spat.
 

Northwest Herald: Marian grad Chris Streveler eager to help Minnesota after redshirt season

When he learned that the quarterback who started nine games for Minnesota last season was leaving the program, Chris Streveler’s preparations for spring football didn’t change a bit.

It’s just not Streveler’s way.

The former Marian Central standout from Crystal Lake begins his second set of spring workouts with the Gophers on Tuesday. Even though a big hurdle between Streveler and Minnesota’s starting job is no longer there after Phillip Nelson announced in January he was transferring, it won’t impact how Streveler approaches what is now a wide-open competition.

http://www.nwherald.com/2014/02/28/...help-minnesota-after-redshirt-season/ah5sffq/

Go Gophers!!
 

ESPN's Brian Bennett: Spring QB race breakdown: Minnesota

Remember, too, that by the second half of last season, Minnesota's top three receiving threats -- wideouts Donovahn Jones and Drew Wolitarsky and tight end Maxx Williams -- were all in their first year of playing. Jones and Wolitarsky were true freshmen who didn't go through spring practice. Leidner believes the passing game will improve now that the group will get an entire offseason to build timing, chemistry and confidence together. Kill had coaches from other programs visit Minneapolis this winter to share tips on the passing game.

"We've proved we can run the ball," Kill said. "Now, we've got to throw it better."

If nothing else, Leidner -- whom some dubbed "the Tundra Tebow" early last season -- can always take off and run. But Kill wants his quarterback to chill on his pile-pushing, bulldozing style and avoid contact so he can stay on the field.

"It's just knowing when to lower your shoulder and being smarter about it," Leidner said. "It's going to take some getting used to, but I know I if I want to play for a long time, it's got to happen."

http://espn.go.com/blog/bigten/post/_/id/96666/spring-qb-race-breakdown-minnesota

Go Gophers!!
 



per Shama: Gophers Need to (Finally) Excel at QB

Jerry Kill needs Mitch Leidner to be the best quarterback he’s coached with the Gophers.

If the Gophers, who open spring practice tomorrow, are to improve their inconsistent offense then Leidner will be expected to be the leader. In three previous seasons at Minnesota, Kill hasn’t had a quarterback seize the job—either because of injuries or performance.

Last year Leidner and the now departed Philip Nelson competed for the starting position and both struggled with passing. Leidner threw for only 61.9 yards per game and three touchdowns, while Nelson’s numbers were 108.8 and nine. Leidner, who started and played less than Nelson, threw only one interception in 10 games while Nelson had six in 12.

Leidner, the only quarterback on the 2014 roster with Big Ten experience, is the team’s No. 1 quarterback now but will be pushed for the job if he falters. Behind him is redshirt freshman Chris Streveler and true freshman Dimonic Roden-McKinzy.

The best storyline for Leidner and the Gophers is his career eventually will invite comparison with Jordan Lynch who became an All-American and also Heisman Trophy candidate at Northern Illinois. Kill recruited Lynch when he was the Huskies coach and mostly kept him on the bench as the former Chicago prep quarterback learned the ways of major college football.

http://shamasportsheadliners.com/

Go Gophers!!
 


STrib: Gophers' Leidner: 'I can take this team by the reins'

“I just feel like I can take control, and now I just don’t have to worry about anything else,” Leidner said. “I can take this team by the reins and kind of lead the way I always have.”

Leidner was a redshirt freshman last year, but he’s already conducting himself like a captain. With coaches unable to attend offseason passing drills, they have trusted Leidner to run workouts the way they would.

“He’s been awesome,” offensive coordinator Matt Limegrover said. “I think Mitch looks at himself as the starter, and the undisputed leader of the offense, and probably the team. And so there’s a confidence about him. He’s the guy holding other guys accountable.”

http://www.startribune.com/sports/gophers/248311861.html

Go Gophers!!
 

STrib: Things to watch in Gophers spring football

Backup quarterback
With Philip Nelson gone, this is Mitch Leidner’s team. But who will emerge as the backup? Redshirt freshman Chris Streveler is coming off hand surgery. True freshman Dimonic Roden-McKinzy is a dynamic athlete.

The linebackers
The Gophers need to replace two starters, Aaron Hill and James Manuel. De’Vondre Campbell likely will start on the weak side, next to middle linebacker Damien Wilson. Junior college transfer Cody Poock is a candidate to start at strongside linebacker, along with De’Niro Laster and Ray Dixon.

http://www.startribune.com/sports/gophers/248311931.html

Go Gophers!!
 



PiPress: Gophers football: Team needs Mitch Leidner to take charge, former QB says

"Just like anything, you want consistency, and it starts with the quarterback," said Weber, who was working out in front of NFL scouts at the University of Minnesota's pro day Monday at the Gibson Nagurski Football Complex. "You kind of need that guy you can start building the program around, who takes on that leadership role and becomes the image of the team. It helps with recruiting. It helps with everything."

Weber, the school's all-time leading passer, thinks sophomore Mitch Leidner could fill that role as he takes over as starter for the team's first spring practice Tuesday.

"It comes naturally to him to be 'the guy.' " Weber said. "I really look for him to take what he's done (last season) and improve on it, polish his skills and become a dominant player in the Big Ten. He's definitely capable of it."

http://www.twincities.com/sports/ci_25267319/gophers-football-team-needs-mitch-leidner-take-charge

Go Gophers!!
 

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>It may not look and feel like it outside, but today is the start of <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Gophers&src=hash">#Gophers</a> football spring ball!! Ski-U-Mah!!</p>— GopherHole.com (@GopherHole) <a href="https://twitter.com/GopherHole/statuses/440926339122872321">March 4, 2014</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Just leaving <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Gopher&src=hash">#Gopher</a> practice. Mitch Leidner is night and day from where he was this time last spring. Very consistent and threw a good ball</p>— Ryan Burns (@RyanBurnsGI) <a href="https://twitter.com/RyanBurnsGI/statuses/441001205825695745">March 5, 2014</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/gophervan">@gophervan</a> looked very good today. Great ball placement and wasn't picked. Most important part to me was consistency.</p>— Ryan Burns (@RyanBurnsGI) <a href="https://twitter.com/RyanBurnsGI/statuses/441004216039907328">March 5, 2014</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Gophers&src=hash">#Gophers</a> Coach Kill happy with spring practice No. 1. Leidner extremely impressive as lead man. <a href="http://t.co/2a5vVkCvue">pic.twitter.com/2a5vVkCvue</a></p>— Kyle Goblirsch (@Gobie247) <a href="https://twitter.com/Gobie247/statuses/441004998021746688">March 5, 2014</a></blockquote>
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jaymil said:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Just leaving <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Gopher&src=hash">#Gopher</a> practice. Mitch Leidner is night and day from where he was this time last spring. Very consistent and threw a good ball</p>— Ryan Burns (@RyanBurnsGI) <a href="https://twitter.com/RyanBurnsGI/statuses/441001205825695745">March 5, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Click to expand...

Lets hope that is the consensus when the Gophers enter the November meat grinder schedule against Iowa, OSU, Nebraska and Becky.
 



Spring ball related but did anyone see the interview on Gophershports.com? If a player misses two classes they have to show up with their position teammates and the one who skipped class stands on the field while the rest of his teammates run. Mitch said that the QBs are joining in on the running cuz they can always use an extra workout.
Two things struck me about this. Jerry Kill continues to focus on classroom accountability and Mitch is taking control and leading the team. Excited for the season to start.
 

After one spring practice it sounds like it. That is a start.
 

STrib: Gophers' TE Williams back to being a matchup nightmare

“The kid’s special,” offensive coordinator Matt Limegrover said. “We know it. Our opponents know it. Outside observers know it. He’s a kid that there’s just something about him that they don’t come along like him all the time.”

Williams’ parents were Gophers athletes. His mother, Rochelle, was a four-year letter winner in volleyball. His father, Brian, was a first-round draft pick who played 10 years as a center for the New York Giants.

Brian Williams appeared on the verge of tears after the bowl game, as he walked with Maxx back to the team bus. The MRI brightened everyone’s spirits.

“That was a great moment,” Maxx Williams said. “I found out it wasn’t my ACL, and I knew it was just going to be some rehab, no surgery, and all that.

“It took me a little while to start feeling good, but I was feeling good [Tuesday]. And I’m looking forward to the rest of spring ball.”

http://www.startribune.com/sports/gophers/248484101.html

Go Gophers!!
 

FSN: Leidner looks to lead Gophers football squad during spring drills

"There's something special about playing quarterback; there's an 'it' factor," offensive coordinator Matt Limegrover said Tuesday after the program's first spring practice of 2014. "And I think Mitch is being allowed to exhibit that, what he has as far as that 'it' factor goes, because he doesn't have to be reserved, doesn't have to be diplomatic. He can just go ahead and be who he is."

Said Leidner: "I feel like I can step into that role much easier now. I don't have to ever look back now."

So after splitting time, attention and leadership duties with departed Philip Nelson last season, Leidner has spent this one assuming those responsibilities all on his own. During winter workouts, that meant organizing captain's practices and barking at teammates in the weight room.

Tuesday, it meant showing off his strong throwing arm and exhibiting command in the huddle.

Without one eye looking over his shoulder.

"I think that it wasn't as much pressure as it was I think it's tough when you have two guys or more guys, and you're not sure where it all fits," Limegrover said. "Now, (Kill) basically said 'Hey, Mitch, for better or for worse, here we go.'"

http://msn.foxsports.com/north/stor...rs-football-squad-during-spring-drills-030414

Go Gophers!!
 

PiPress: Gophers football: Offense feels it has something to prove this season

Wolitarsky, Jones and Williams are more polished and stronger with a year of experience.

"I feel like we've got a complete passing game," Jones said. "We got deep threats, and we've got little quick guys in space."

After just one spring practice, Kill already was impressed with 6-foot-10 redshirt freshman tight end Nate Wozniak.

Edwards, who redshirted last season after suffering a severe ankle sprain, also is receiving praise as a potential threat in the slot and in the backfield.

"You watch Berkley move around," Kill said. "Helps the quarterback out. Helps the (offensive linemen) out. You don't have to hold a block very long for a guy that can go."

http://www.twincities.com/gophers/ci_25276707/gophers-football-offense-feels-it-has-something-prove

Go Gophers!!
 

A little Mitch, a little Coach Kill, and video of Edwards


[video]http://www.kstp.com/article/12303/?vid=4970696&v=1[/video]
 

MN Daily: Minnesota opens spring practices
The Gophers held their first of 15 spring practices Tuesday afternoon.

The Gophers started their spring season after a successful 2013 season, which ended just 68 days ago.

“These guys aren’t that rusty,” offensive coordinator Matt Limegrover said after practice Tuesday. “I feel like we really picked up right where we left off as far as just continuing to work forward.”

Though nearly six months remain until the Gophers kick off the 2014 season, the team is already preparing for a tough schedule, which includes road games against TCU, Michigan, Nebraska and Wisconsin.

“If our schedule’s tough, we have to be better in the offseason,” head coach Jerry Kill said at a press conference last week.

http://msn.foxsports.com/north/stor...rs-football-squad-during-spring-drills-030414

Go Gophers!!
 


GopherSports Q&A: Spring Central: Follow the Leidner
Minnesota begins spring practice today with a new leader

GopherSports: Mitch, you are coming off a season where you saw extensive playing time and nearly led the Gophers to a comeback win in the Texas Bowl. What were your thoughts on the bowl game and how you played?

Mitch Leidner: Everyone was pretty made after the bowl game, but all it did for me was make me really hungry to come into the winter workouts, spring ball and next season. It's exciting to see how many people we have coming back for next year. We have all those offensive lineman, running backs and receivers coming back and that makes it exciting to begin working with them today. I am really excited to get back out there. Going through all those workouts and captain's practices get me excited to see how much everyone has improved. I cannot wait to get back out on the field with them.

GS: What do you want to work on this spring?

ML: I really want to get my timing and pass plays down with the receivers. I want to get to the point where everyone is comfortable. If I see something then I can make a call and we can adjust and do different stuff off of that. I have been working on things that I know I need to work on all winter long, things I need to emphasize on. I want to carry that over into spring ball, like being more accurate. Those are things that you can never get enough work on. I want to get to a point where I am clicking with the receivers and everyone is really comfortable.

http://www.gophersports.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/030414aaa.html

Go Gophers!!
 

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