2012 Depth Chart

[GophersInIowa]

The only thing tough about that is that:
Green, DCT, M. Jones, and Moulton are the only ones who have really done anything. It's hard to count on Hutton, Wilson, or even Kiese when the coaching staff didn't count on them last year despite our issues with depth. It's hard to imagine our staff will count on them a lot this year with the infusion of talent at the WR position (they could improve too).

I hear what you're saying though. I do think Maye will be RS. Harbison, there is chance. I think that chance is much smaller considering Jones is coming off an injury (I actually think there is about as much of a chance that Jones get RS)

My guess is McDonald will play and the other two will redshirt. I think we have enough depth with the guys mentioned above. We don't run a ton of 4-WR sets to begin with. Obviously injuries can change things along with Haribson and/or Maye coming in and performing very well. Just my opinion (which means nothing).

 

[Great Plains Gopher]

This is such a trite and predictable thing to say, and it's almost entirely unfounded. We return about half of our starters, and you can certainly pencil them as starting next season. I know that everyone likes to talk about competition and blah blah, but the reality is that if you were starting for the coaching staff in the previous season, it's statistically very unlikely you're going to be benched going into the next season. Marqueis, Brandon Green, Ed Olson, John Rabe, Troy Stoudermire, Keanon Cooper and Mike Rallis are all locks to be starting next season.That's already 1/3 of the starting lineup. I think it's pretty safe to bet that Tommy Olson, Brock Vereen, Zac Epping, and Ra'Shede Hageman will be starting as well, so that brings us up to half the lineup.

As for the other spots, of course there will be competition, and there are a variety of options. But, almost all of them are knowable. There are only so many runningbacks, for example, and it's an entirely reasonable debate to have. Nobody is going to know more than the coaches, and the coaches probably don't know for sure in some cases, but you can make reasonable judgments based on previous games, practices, comments by the coaches, etc.

If you have access to the coaches and get them to share some of the information, great, do it. If not, either join the debate or don't.

Yes, exercises like these are the fun of online chatter.

 

[highwayman]

There is no way Harbison, Maye, and McDonald all redshirt. Kill and Limegrover have as much said so. They are far too valuable now. Maye will play RB and slot. Harbison will back up Jones. Fruechte will alternate with McDonald and DCT. This is a "transition to speed" season. By the time Nelson is starting, their will be more colts in the stable. Engle is a wildcard.

I could see McDonald and Harbison both getting 20 receptions...that's about 1-1/2 a game each. Limegrover's passing O will have a different look and feel in 2012.

 

[denguegopher]

Matilus

A few people have mentioned Matilus contributing this fall. Were there reports that he has played well in practice, coach's comments...or just guesses?

 

[Bob_Loblaw]

A few people have mentioned Matilus contributing this fall. Were there reports that he has played well in practice, coach's comments...or just guesses?

He was honored as our scout team defensive player of the year at the post season banquet.

 

[Costa Rican Gopher]

Oh lighten up, I was just giving you a hard time because you said to "mark it down." I spell Marqueis wrong all the time.

That's why I just spell it G-r-a-y.

 

[Costa Rican Gopher]

I agree that Keise had dropsy when passes were thrown his way, but I recall the Brewster staff reporting that when they scouted Kiese he caught everything thrown near him. I wonder what has happened to him.

There was also a Strib piece (Think it was the Strib?) last summer/fall about about how Gray & Keise were best buddies, had been practicing their timing together all summer, Gray expected Keise to make a big splash, etc. Keise also made a couple sweet catches in Spring ball & there was some optimism. Then the season started & he wasn't very good. That said, this season he's a year more experienced, still Gray's buddy (I imagine?) & could well break out. We're actively looking for production from the WR position & he'll be given every opportunity to contribute. No one expects much from him, maybe he'll surprise us?

 

[John Galt]

Beal is out re-habbing this spring and will be ready for August camp. Coach Kill mentioned this recently on the WCCO Sun program.

Great news if true.

 

[John Galt]

There is no way Harbison, Maye, and McDonald all redshirt. Kill and Limegrover have as much said so. They are far too valuable now. Maye will play RB and slot. Harbison will back up Jones. Fruechte will alternate with McDonald and DCT. This is a "transition to speed" season. By the time Nelson is starting, their will be more colts in the stable. Engle is a wildcard.

I could see McDonald and Harbison both getting 20 receptions...that's about 1-1/2 a game each. Limegrover's passing O will have a different look and feel in 2012.

Agree 100%. Based on Limegrover's comments on the videos, I got the impression they will all be playing this year. By the end of the year, I wouldn't be surprised if the 5 WRs rotating are McDonald, Harbison, Fruechte, DCT, and Maye.

 

[Digger01]

There is no way Harbison, Maye, and McDonald all redshirt. Kill and Limegrover have as much said so. They are far too valuable now. Maye will play RB and slot. Harbison will back up Jones. Fruechte will alternate with McDonald and DCT. This is a "transition to speed" season. By the time Nelson is starting, their will be more colts in the stable. Engle is a wildcard.

I could see McDonald and Harbison both getting 20 receptions...that's about 1-1/2 a game each. Limegrover's passing O will have a different look and feel in 2012.

I also think you nailed it, Highwayman!

 

[minngg]

Highly recruited kids sometimes get guaranteed that they won't be red shirted. I think you will see McDonald and Harbison on the field this year.

 

[Curseislifted33]

According to Doogie on twitter, expect a lot of Gillum at RB:

Darren Wolfson @DarrenWolfson

Just had enjoyable chats w/ the #Gophers coordinators. Get to know RB James Gillum. Limegrover has a man-crush.

 

[Parski1]

Highly recruited kids sometimes get guaranteed that they won't be red shirted. I think you will see McDonald and Harbison on the field this year.

It's a no brainer with these two.

 

[nc2mn]

According to Doogie on twitter, expect a lot of Gillum at RB:

Darren Wolfson @DarrenWolfson

Just had enjoyable chats w/ the #Gophers coordinators. Get to know RB James Gillum. Limegrover has a man-crush.

No surprise - Kill and Limegrover have been after him for three years and probably were just waiting for him to finish JC.

 

[corcoran1]

Beal is out re-habbing this spring and will be ready for August camp. Coach Kill mentioned this recently on the WCCO Sun program.

I believe that is the plan, I don't think it is a lock he will be readythis fall, Kill said he knew "Beal would do everything he can do to get ready".
I am sure being an MLB is his dream, but he might do better at DE. He is fast and it seems like there would be less direction change and low blocks at DE.