Minnesota coach Tim Brewster said this spring practice was the most physical he's ever been associated with, but it remains to be seen if that will lead to better results on the field.

The Gophers have only one way to go after finishing 1-11 last season, including 0-8 in the Big Ten. Brewster insists his team made progress this spring. But the team again will rely heavily on a large number of incoming freshmen and junior college transfers, and many are not on campus yet.

The Gophers installed a new defense under first-year coordinator Ted Roof and worked extensively on tackling after finishing last nationally in total defense. The defense also found a leader in free safety Tramaine Brock, a junior college transfer who made a big impression this spring with his speed, athleticism and competitiveness.

But position competitions on defense will pick up considerably when the incoming class arrives this summer and fall. The defense could feature seven or eight new starters from that class, including four in the secondary.

The offense also has several big question marks, but Brewster was mostly pleased with this unit this spring. Sophomore quarterback Adam Weber, who set a host of school records last season, looked more comfortable and confident in directing the spread offense. Brewster said Weber also showed more vocal leadership.

A lack of depth at wide receiver and running back is a cause for concern, however. The Gophers definitely will need meaningful contributions from a handful of incoming recruits at those two spots, too.

The Gophers should have better speed and more athleticism overall this season, but with so many new faces in key positions it's hard to predict a significant jump in wins.

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