Gopher football has entered a slow period (news) – end of spring drills until the start of fall practices. As a result, Coach Jerry Kill’s appearance/segment on ‘CCOs Sport Huddle was shorter than usual.
http://www.gopherhole.com/news_article/show/505358?referrer_id=
1) Sid opened the show asking Coach Kill what limitations are in place following spring drills: Kill responded, “Our full-time coaches can be on the road for evaluations (visiting schools, checking academics, visiting with school personnel, watching spring drills in the South, and watching potential recruits participating in track and field) . . . spend a lot of time on the phone.” The assistant coaches furnish evaluation reports of their findings to Kill.
Kill said the coaches can contact the recruits only one time over the phone; however, players can contact the coaches as often as they wish.
He finished the question when he told Sid and Dave and the listening audience that the coaches spend a lot of time watching film of the high school recruits when they’re home.
2) Sid asked if their appearance in the Citrus Bowl has been a positive in recruiting: “Absolutely. Beating Nebraska, Michigan, Iowa helps recruiting and our football program,” replied Kill. He also said the national exposure via the bowl game and games on TV during the season benefits the school as well.
3) Sid, once again, asked what 3 or 4 players stood out in spring ball and the final scrimmage: Kill said a player at safety “came out of nowhere.” Unfortunately, I didn’t catch his name. (Please furnish the player’s name, if you know.)
Coach Kill proceeded to give the names of the following players who had a good spring - practices and scrimmages:
a) Craig James was injured during the spring; however, he played a lot in the final scrimmage and did a good job.
b) “Jonah Pirsig continues to do well.” Kill sounded very positive when he cited Pirsig, and they expect big things from him next season.
c) “Roderick Williams a big physical back.” Williams was in on the first drive of last week’s final scrimmage, and he scored a touchdown. He didn’t participate in the scrimmage after he finished the drive scoring the touchdown. They expect big things from the senior back next season.
d) Kill sounded very positive and pleased with the team’s kicking game: punter Peter Mortell and kicker Ryan Santoso. Kill said he expects Santoso’s kicking will play a big part in the team’s success next fall - "will have to win" a few games, especially because of their tough schedule.
4) Sid, once again, asked if Jeff Jones will be playing receiver: “We want good athletes on the field . . . has good hands,” replied Kill.
Kill said Jones could be used much like Wisconsin’s recent star player: “Could be like Melvin Gordon – runningback and receiver.”
Kill sounded excited when describing Jones’ pass catching ability and what he can do (running) after the catch.
By his comments, we can expect to see Jones a lot as a receiver.
5) Dave Mona asked a two-part question: Sounds of the game (big hits) and can the coaches ascertain the potential of a player by watching him play another sport: Kill referenced Julian Huff’s hits from his linebacker position in last week’s scrimmage, “Nothing like the sound of football.” He added that football is a physical game and you can hear the hits/collisions on every play.
As to Mona’s question about watching potential recruits playing other sports, Coach Kill said when he takes in a basketball game he wants to see if the player has explosion – power jump vertically – control, and physicality. If the player plays lacrosse, he wants to see how the player runs. They also look for explosion – shot putters - by players who participate in track.
6) Sid referenced an internet site that listed Minnesota third behind Ohio State and Michigan State in player talent: Kill quickly responded, “I don’t know, I can’t answer that . . . a lot of us battling to catch up.” He cited the abundance of talent at Ohio State. He also said there are a couple other teams that have a lot of talent; however, he didn’t name the teams.
He concluded the question saying they’ve won games (in recent years) because they’ve shown improvement in recruiting, “better players in the last three years.” He then acknowledged the talent in the Gopher secondary. According to Kill, “Best secondary in the Big 10.”
7) Sid asked about Josh Campion’s move from tackle to guard: “He’s done a good job . . . he has a feel for it . . . Guard seems like a good fit for him,” answered Kill. He also said if they get someone hurt at tackle, Campion could be moved because of his previous experience at tackle.
Kill also, once again, sounded pleased and upbeat when he mentioned the return of Jon Christenson next fall.
8) Sid closed the Jerry kill segment by singing the praises of Coach Kill’s clinics/camps. If interested, call (612) 624-6004.
Go Gophers!!
http://www.gopherhole.com/news_article/show/505358?referrer_id=
1) Sid opened the show asking Coach Kill what limitations are in place following spring drills: Kill responded, “Our full-time coaches can be on the road for evaluations (visiting schools, checking academics, visiting with school personnel, watching spring drills in the South, and watching potential recruits participating in track and field) . . . spend a lot of time on the phone.” The assistant coaches furnish evaluation reports of their findings to Kill.
Kill said the coaches can contact the recruits only one time over the phone; however, players can contact the coaches as often as they wish.
He finished the question when he told Sid and Dave and the listening audience that the coaches spend a lot of time watching film of the high school recruits when they’re home.
2) Sid asked if their appearance in the Citrus Bowl has been a positive in recruiting: “Absolutely. Beating Nebraska, Michigan, Iowa helps recruiting and our football program,” replied Kill. He also said the national exposure via the bowl game and games on TV during the season benefits the school as well.
3) Sid, once again, asked what 3 or 4 players stood out in spring ball and the final scrimmage: Kill said a player at safety “came out of nowhere.” Unfortunately, I didn’t catch his name. (Please furnish the player’s name, if you know.)
Coach Kill proceeded to give the names of the following players who had a good spring - practices and scrimmages:
a) Craig James was injured during the spring; however, he played a lot in the final scrimmage and did a good job.
b) “Jonah Pirsig continues to do well.” Kill sounded very positive when he cited Pirsig, and they expect big things from him next season.
c) “Roderick Williams a big physical back.” Williams was in on the first drive of last week’s final scrimmage, and he scored a touchdown. He didn’t participate in the scrimmage after he finished the drive scoring the touchdown. They expect big things from the senior back next season.
d) Kill sounded very positive and pleased with the team’s kicking game: punter Peter Mortell and kicker Ryan Santoso. Kill said he expects Santoso’s kicking will play a big part in the team’s success next fall - "will have to win" a few games, especially because of their tough schedule.
4) Sid, once again, asked if Jeff Jones will be playing receiver: “We want good athletes on the field . . . has good hands,” replied Kill.
Kill said Jones could be used much like Wisconsin’s recent star player: “Could be like Melvin Gordon – runningback and receiver.”
Kill sounded excited when describing Jones’ pass catching ability and what he can do (running) after the catch.
By his comments, we can expect to see Jones a lot as a receiver.
5) Dave Mona asked a two-part question: Sounds of the game (big hits) and can the coaches ascertain the potential of a player by watching him play another sport: Kill referenced Julian Huff’s hits from his linebacker position in last week’s scrimmage, “Nothing like the sound of football.” He added that football is a physical game and you can hear the hits/collisions on every play.
As to Mona’s question about watching potential recruits playing other sports, Coach Kill said when he takes in a basketball game he wants to see if the player has explosion – power jump vertically – control, and physicality. If the player plays lacrosse, he wants to see how the player runs. They also look for explosion – shot putters - by players who participate in track.
6) Sid referenced an internet site that listed Minnesota third behind Ohio State and Michigan State in player talent: Kill quickly responded, “I don’t know, I can’t answer that . . . a lot of us battling to catch up.” He cited the abundance of talent at Ohio State. He also said there are a couple other teams that have a lot of talent; however, he didn’t name the teams.
He concluded the question saying they’ve won games (in recent years) because they’ve shown improvement in recruiting, “better players in the last three years.” He then acknowledged the talent in the Gopher secondary. According to Kill, “Best secondary in the Big 10.”
7) Sid asked about Josh Campion’s move from tackle to guard: “He’s done a good job . . . he has a feel for it . . . Guard seems like a good fit for him,” answered Kill. He also said if they get someone hurt at tackle, Campion could be moved because of his previous experience at tackle.
Kill also, once again, sounded pleased and upbeat when he mentioned the return of Jon Christenson next fall.
8) Sid closed the Jerry kill segment by singing the praises of Coach Kill’s clinics/camps. If interested, call (612) 624-6004.
Go Gophers!!
