SPRING OBJECTIVES The Gophers will install another new defensive system with the arrival of Ted Roof as defensive coordinator. The Gophers are expected to have at least seven new starters on defense so this will be a fresh start for everyone.
The Gophers will be without their top two receivers from 2007. Ernie Wheelwright graduated and Eric Decker is playing for the school's baseball team. Senior tight end Jack Simmons also will be held out of spring drills after having foot surgery. Those absences should open the door for young guys, but the coaches are counting on at least three members of the incoming recruiting class to play significant roles.
The offensive line needs to be solidified with the departure of center Tony Brinkhaus and left tackle Steve Shidell.
BUILDING BLOCKS QB Adam Weber returns after a record-setting freshman season as the starter. Weber showed plenty of promise and potential operating Mike Dunbar's zone-read spread offense and the coaching staff believes he will make sizable improvement in his second season. Weber is a terrific athlete who looks like a natural in this system.
DE Willie VanDeSteeg had a disappointing junior season after suffering a broken hand in the first week. VanDeSteeg is finally healthy and can be a pass-rushing force on the edge, which was lacking from the defense last season.
Senior TE Jack Simmons excels as a receiver, but a foot injury derailed his entire 2007 season. Simmons can be a security blanket for Weber over the middle and present problems for linebackers in coverage because of his size, speed and route running.
SCHEDULE SITUATION The Gophers nonconference schedule is as soft as a marshmallow. They play Northern Illinois, at Bowling Green, Montana State and Florida Atlantic. Anything less than 3-1 in that stretch should cause fans to sound the alarm bell. The season will be judged by how the team fares in the Big Ten, which starts with a trip to Ohio State. Home games against Indiana and Northwestern look like the best opportunities for victory.
QUOTE TO NOTE "I sense that this is a group of players that is very willing to work. And as a teacher or coach, you're always excited to work with a group of guys that want to get better." -- Ted Roof on his attempt to rebuild a defense that finished last nationally in total defense.
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Hey just a curious buckeye fan here wanting to know more about the teams around the big ten. I am hoping for the big ten to re-establish itself as a true power. While I dont buy the crap that the big ten is weak I do know ive seen better days of football for our conference. I have read things saying that PSU, illinois, wisky, and MSU are bringing back pretty good teams and I know OSU is as well, a
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watching i think it was high school allstar football game and at the end of the game a GREAT qb picked up a gopher hat and said he will be going to play 4 gophers,
if you think you guys are gonna be good next year think again espn just predicted the big ten standings for 08 and they have you guys in dead last. i know it doesnt mean thats how the big ten is gonna finish, who knows you guys could get maybe 3 wins this year and finsih 9th in the big ten, but your not going to a bowl. looks like it still sucks to be a goopher fan.
Im just wondering if anyone can tell me how the spring game went and what your thoughts are about it since i cant find an article about it yet. Thanks.
The season was a disaster but somehow Brewster has pulled out a top 25 recruiting class. Does this change your opinions of Brew since he backed up his recruiting talk with answers. What prospects do you think will have the biggest impact next year? In their college career?
