GopherHoles's Sports Huddle Summary: Coach Jerry Kill - 4/13/14

DL65

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Coach Kill did not appear on the Sports Huddle until 9:45 p.m. and was on for only fifteen minutes. Comments by Sid and Dave on yesterday’s spring game - before Kill’s appearance – will appear at the end of this summary.

Kill’s comments and responses to Dave and Sid’s questions are as follows:

1) Sid opened commenting about the number of offensive players that were missing yesterday: “Kept guys out on offense and defense, too,” replied Kill. Kill said on defense Cameron Botticelli was out with a broken foot, however, he’ll be ready when fall ball begins August first. He also said some defensive linemen were nursing hamstrings . . . “didn’t want to take any chances.” On the plus side of the injuries: the coaches had an opportunity to evaluate personnel (younger players). Kill added, “We’ve had basically spring games the past three weeks . . . Gotta be smart.”

Kill also said tight ends Alex Bisch and Maxx Williams and offensive lineman Caleb Bak were withheld.

Sid’s final comment related to yesterday’s spring game was his favorable impression of freshman quarterback Dimonic McKinzy from Kansas City: Kill said, “He’s learning . . . got athletic ability . . . very smart . . . listens.” Kill said it’s a big jump from high school to college ball (a lot to learn and adjust to) and that “older guys have helped him.”

2) Sid asked what players impressed him yesterday: “Marcus Jones has had a great spring . . . pleased with his play yesterday,” Kill said.

Other players that Coach Kill mentioned in response to Sid’s question:

“Duke Anyanwu - tight and H-back – continues to improve.”

“Berkley Edwards – great speed.” (Edwards displayed his speed on his touchdown run down the sidelines.) He also said he was pleased with Berkley’s pass blocking.

Kill also mentioned a walk-on defensive lineman; however, I didn’t catch his name.

Kill, again, cited Rayfield Dixon’s play at linebacker.

He concluded the question saying, “We’re not going do a lot of things in spring games.” He added, they’re going to be judicious in showing their hand (playbook) in future practices. Sounded as though they’re going to be guarded about their offensive and defensive schemes as the season progresses, and spring ball will be pretty much “vanilla” during spring games.

3) Mona said he was impressed with the kicking game and Jordan Hinojosa: Kill sounded pleased with the kickers – “(kicking) important in wins.” The miss by Ryan Santoso was the result of a poor snap, which was end-over-end, according to Kill.

As to Mona’s comment about Jordan Hinojosa, Kill said very little other than “threw (them) a lot of offensive looks.” He also cited senior defensive lineman Harold Legania in his response to Mona’s comment about Hinojosa, “Did a nice job.”

Dave Mona then said, “Marcus Jones looks comfortable.” Kill replied, “He’s physical . . . position he played in high school.”

Kill sounded very pleased with the depth in the secondary and with the speed at linebacker. He mentioned the absence of Derrick Wells and Briean Boddy in the secondary due to injuries; however, they’ll be ready in the fall.

He ended the questions by Mona saying, “Seventeen to eighteen didn’t play yesterday.” Nevertheless, overall, he sounded pleased with the team’s progress, and that many of the younger players were able to get a number of reps, and he’s looking forward to the start of fall ball.

4) Sid’s final comment was related to the play and size of Ben Lauer: Kill answered Sid by listing the size of several offensive linemen: Ben Lauer, 6-7, 315; Jonah Pirsig, 6-9, 320; and Josh Campion, 6-5, 325. He then said Caleb Bak and Jon Christenson will be back. As to the size of offensive line, Kill said, “A lot more size . . . six more weeks in the weight room . . . plus guys coming in.” He added that it’s important to get the players in the right spot and that they now have 8-9 offensive linemen, which speaks to the depth along the offensive front. Again, Kill sounded very happy with the line’s size and depth; however, he added, “Got to get people healed up.”


Sid and Dave’s earlier comments - prior to Kill’s appearance - on the weekly show:

Sid: “Can’t tell anything by the game because of injuries . . . coaching staff is confident that they can play with anybody.” Sid said losing linebacker Cody Poock due to an injury was a tough blow. Sid also said he is impressed with the offensive line (players mentioned: Tommy Olson and Ben Lauer) and defensive backs.

Sid said he is often accused of being overly optimistic about the Gopher teams; however, “I think this a very good football team.”

Dave’s comments: Dave likes the defensive backs, “They knew what was coming.” However, Dave also acknowledged they’ve been practicing against each other so there shouldn’t be any surprises.

Dave said six top defensive linemen were out . . . running game looked good . . . “Wozniak caught a couple nice balls.”


Go Gophers!!
 

Thanks for the report!

Many wrinkles going on right now. Injuries, unproven players attempting to learn and improve, new players learning the system, players attempting to step up. I get the opinion that much took place in a short period of time (spring practice) and it appears to be in disaray from the outside looking in. However with a summer of healing, working out, fall practice etc., it will all come together.
 

Thanks DL. Great job as always.

I sense an expectation of this being a serious break out year.
 

The walk on defensive lineman that Kill mentioned is Robert Ndondo-Lay, at 6'5", 250 DE, RS Junior from Minneapolis via Winona State.
 

The walk on defensive lineman that Kill mentioned is Robert Ndondo-Lay, at 6'5", 250 DE, RS Junior from Minneapolis via Winona State.

He looked good yesterday. Of course, everyone on D seemed to...
 



Thanks DL. Great job as always.

I sense an expectation of this being a serious break out year.
That is certainly my expectation. We will beat some good teams - most notably Wisconsin. I don't think 10 wins is out of the realm.
 





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