--Sophomore Adam Weber said he feels like a completely different quarterback this spring. He knows the spread offense much better and has become a more vocal leader. Weber set a number of school records as a freshman, including passing yards, completions and touchdown passes. His 19 interceptions still gnaw at him, but the Gophers believe Weber will make dramatic improvement in his second season as the starter.

--Junior wide receiver Eric Decker had a productive spring but not on the football field. Decker joined the baseball team and became the starting left fielder and No. 2 hitter in the order.

Decker set a school record with 67 catches last season and should be one of the Big Ten's top receivers this season. But Minnesota's baseball coaches and several major league scouts said Decker also has a chance to get drafted in baseball.

SPRING MOVERS

FS Tramaine Brock -- Hardly a day went by that Gophers coach Tim Brewster didn't rave about this junior college transfer. The coaching staff fell in love with Brock's speed, athleticism and leadership. An All-American at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, Brock should bring a play-making presence to the secondary that was sorely lacking last season.

QB Adam Weber -- Brewster began spring practice by saying the quarterback job was open, even though Weber set a number of school records in a 1-11 season. But Weber showed he's clearly the best guy for the job and made great strides in his leadership. Weber is more confident and comfortable with the offense, which resulted in better decision-making. He is a gifted athlete who should thrive in this offense for years to come.

DE Willie VanDeSteeg -- The senior appears to have returned to form after a broken wrist derailed his 2007 season. VanDeSteeg had 10 sacks in 2006 and can provide a strong pass rush on the edge when healthy. He basically played with one arm last season and his production plummeted.

QUOTE TO NOTE
"I want to be a hard-nosed physical football team. That's how we've practiced all spring. Anybody who has been out to see us practice has seen a hard-nosed physical team. I think we've taken the proper steps this spring to improve next fall." -- Gophers coach Tim Brewster on the attitude this spring.

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