BleedGopher
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per the Lincoln Journal Star:
Note: The 2017 football season is fast approaching. Over 25 days, Husker Extra is taking a look at the top 25 opposing players Nebraska will see on the gridiron this fall. Up next, Minnesota's all-purpose back.
No. 16: Rodney Smith
Minnesota running back
*Redshirt junior, 5-11, 210 pounds
Last year vs. Nebraska: Had half the Gophers' carries, finishing with 17 rushing attempts for 53 yards and a first-quarter touchdown. Nebraska won 24-17.
Last season's totals: Started 12 of 13 games, rushing 240 times (10th-most in school history) for 1,158 yards and 16 touchdowns (third-most in school history); named All-Big Ten third team by coaches and media.
Preseason buzz: Named to the Doak Walker Award and Maxwell Award watch lists.
Why he could give Nebraska fits: Minnesota had a nice one-two punch last year with running backs Shannon Brooks and Smith, and both are back.
However, while Brooks dealt with some injuries in 2016, it was Smith emerging as the go-to back. In fact, Smith rushed the ball at least 17 times in 10 games last year. He also caught 23 passes for 188 yards and had eight kickoff returns for 263 yards (32.9 average) and a TD return.
Keep in mind that first-year coach PJ Fleck and Minnesota have a quarterback situation to iron out. That could mean more work for Smith, who's more than capable of handling the load.
http://journalstar.com/sports/huske...cle_67aecfbe-2440-5ab0-af3a-0fed7f190be6.html
Go Gophers!!
Note: The 2017 football season is fast approaching. Over 25 days, Husker Extra is taking a look at the top 25 opposing players Nebraska will see on the gridiron this fall. Up next, Minnesota's all-purpose back.
No. 16: Rodney Smith
Minnesota running back
*Redshirt junior, 5-11, 210 pounds
Last year vs. Nebraska: Had half the Gophers' carries, finishing with 17 rushing attempts for 53 yards and a first-quarter touchdown. Nebraska won 24-17.
Last season's totals: Started 12 of 13 games, rushing 240 times (10th-most in school history) for 1,158 yards and 16 touchdowns (third-most in school history); named All-Big Ten third team by coaches and media.
Preseason buzz: Named to the Doak Walker Award and Maxwell Award watch lists.
Why he could give Nebraska fits: Minnesota had a nice one-two punch last year with running backs Shannon Brooks and Smith, and both are back.
However, while Brooks dealt with some injuries in 2016, it was Smith emerging as the go-to back. In fact, Smith rushed the ball at least 17 times in 10 games last year. He also caught 23 passes for 188 yards and had eight kickoff returns for 263 yards (32.9 average) and a TD return.
Keep in mind that first-year coach PJ Fleck and Minnesota have a quarterback situation to iron out. That could mean more work for Smith, who's more than capable of handling the load.
http://journalstar.com/sports/huske...cle_67aecfbe-2440-5ab0-af3a-0fed7f190be6.html
Go Gophers!!