BleedGopher
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per Megan:
Sanford said Thursday he felt this recent break from playing games, while unplanned, helped him evaluate his offense and realize some oft-unused talent could be ready to step up in Bateman's stead.
"That's going to be exciting to watch these guys go ahead and do what they need to do. And I love where the receiver group is at," Sanford said. "To me, you've got the chance to see the development that [receivers coach] Matt Simon has put into that group, which is phenomenal. Because I think that it's going to be more of a multiple group, if you will. And obviously, a little bit less going toward a true first-round type talent, where you'd be remiss if you didn't target him 12 to 15 times a game."
Beyond Bateman, Chris Autman-Bell and Daniel Jackson have been the other starting receivers. Autman-Bell, a junior, has made 14 catches for 315 yards and a score while Jackson, a true freshman, has caught five passes for 57 yards. Redshirt freshman Mike Brown-Stephens could see more action at the No. 3 position, though Seth Green and Clay Geary have also been infrequent targets. Sanford has even worked in the running backs and tight ends into the passing game, albeit fairly sparingly.
"Everybody in that room is grinding and getting better every day, whether they are a fifth-year senior or a true freshman," quarterback Tanner Morgan said. "They are working together and ready for an opportunity if their number is called."
Autman-Bell certainly is and was well before Bateman's departure.
"Nothing changes. I've still got to be the same person I am," he said. " … I've got to be a superhero, be Chris Autman-Bell and go make plays."
www.startribune.com
Go Gophers!!
Sanford said Thursday he felt this recent break from playing games, while unplanned, helped him evaluate his offense and realize some oft-unused talent could be ready to step up in Bateman's stead.
"That's going to be exciting to watch these guys go ahead and do what they need to do. And I love where the receiver group is at," Sanford said. "To me, you've got the chance to see the development that [receivers coach] Matt Simon has put into that group, which is phenomenal. Because I think that it's going to be more of a multiple group, if you will. And obviously, a little bit less going toward a true first-round type talent, where you'd be remiss if you didn't target him 12 to 15 times a game."
Beyond Bateman, Chris Autman-Bell and Daniel Jackson have been the other starting receivers. Autman-Bell, a junior, has made 14 catches for 315 yards and a score while Jackson, a true freshman, has caught five passes for 57 yards. Redshirt freshman Mike Brown-Stephens could see more action at the No. 3 position, though Seth Green and Clay Geary have also been infrequent targets. Sanford has even worked in the running backs and tight ends into the passing game, albeit fairly sparingly.
"Everybody in that room is grinding and getting better every day, whether they are a fifth-year senior or a true freshman," quarterback Tanner Morgan said. "They are working together and ready for an opportunity if their number is called."
Autman-Bell certainly is and was well before Bateman's departure.
"Nothing changes. I've still got to be the same person I am," he said. " … I've got to be a superhero, be Chris Autman-Bell and go make plays."
After Rashod Bateman's second departure, Gophers remaining receivers ready for more chances
Offense looks to distribute ball more equitably without star.
www.startribune.com
Go Gophers!!
