- Joined
- Nov 3, 2008
- Messages
- 5,173
- Reaction score
- 1,388
- Points
- 113
As Program Depth Continues to Improve, Freshman Still Likely to Contribute to Gophers
By Alex Van Abbema
http://www.gopherhole.com/news_article/show/410303?referrer_id=388419
Last season, a number of Gophers freshman contributed especially as the season progressed including Mitch Leidner, Maxx Williams, Drew Wolitarsky and Donovahn Jones. This year looks to be more of the same. Here are some freshmen that could make an immediate impact this season for the Gophers.
Berkley Edwards (Redshirt Freshman): While the Gophers running back core is indeed loaded, the explosive Edwards should see time at the position, and elsewhere throughout the field. Edwards has been taking plays at wide receiver and punt/kick returner in practice and during Saturday’s scrimmage.
“He’s a huge weapon, he’s really fast, and it’s tough for guys to try and cover him when he’s going out for a pass route,” said Mitch Leidner. Expect to see a good amount of screen passes thrown his way. Cobb also said that the key for Berkley this season is gaining confidence in the passing game, and fully learning it. “Once he gets better at that, he’ll be all over the field.”
Ryan Santoso/Andrew Harte (Redshirt Freshmen): There hasn’t been a clear leader in the kicking competition so far as both players have kicked well. Obviously one or both of these players will make significant contributions in the kicking game with Chris Hawthorne’s graduation. Kill hinted that the field goal kickers may be situational. Don’t be surprised to see Santoso trying long kicks this year, with Harte attempting the shorter tries.
Craig James (True Freshman): James has been playing well in practice and seems to be making a name for himself. While the coaches would like to give James a redshirt year, his skills as a returner may allow James to get some game time this year.
Steven Richardson (True Freshman): Here is the one true freshman who’s fate is not at all in doubt. Coach Jerry Kill has already said that Richardson is definitely going to play this season. Physically, Richardson seems ready to play and make an impact. “He’s an unmovable object, and you’re never gonna get leverage on him,” said Coach Kill. Defensive Line coach Jeff Phelps stated that Richardson really solidified himself in Saturday’s scrimmage, and from all accounts it seems as though Richardson will be a part of the defensive line rotation.
Chris Streveler (Redshirt Freshman): While Streveler seems a long way from being a polished quarterback, and isn’t close to the level Leidner is at, he looks like he’ll be the number two quarterback on the depth chart when the season begins. If Leidner gets injured, Streveler will have to come in and make an impact. He has been able to compete against the Gopher’s tenacious secondary, which should speed up his growth process quite a bit.Streveler could also get some snaps if the Gophers can pull away with a big lead early in the non-conference schedule.
Damarius Peppers (Redshirt Freshman): Often seen on the second team, during scrimmages and other drills from practice. Expect him to get some playing time this year.
Nick Hart (Redshirt Freshmen): Fellow Tight End Maxx Williams has stated the improvements of Hart over the offseason, and Hart has played relatively often with the second teams. With the unfortunate injury to Duke Anyanwu cutting down the tight end depth, expect Hart to get some experience with the offense or special teams.
Eric Carter (Redshirt Freshman): With a wide receiving core that is still relatively weak, expect Carter to get at least some time as a receiver.
Isaiah Gentry/Melvin Holland Jr (Both True Freshmen): Ideally, the coaches would like to see these two players redshirt. However, injuries, a lack of improvement from other wide receivers, or their supreme talent may lead to one or both of them having to take the field this season.
By Alex Van Abbema
http://www.gopherhole.com/news_article/show/410303?referrer_id=388419
Last season, a number of Gophers freshman contributed especially as the season progressed including Mitch Leidner, Maxx Williams, Drew Wolitarsky and Donovahn Jones. This year looks to be more of the same. Here are some freshmen that could make an immediate impact this season for the Gophers.
Berkley Edwards (Redshirt Freshman): While the Gophers running back core is indeed loaded, the explosive Edwards should see time at the position, and elsewhere throughout the field. Edwards has been taking plays at wide receiver and punt/kick returner in practice and during Saturday’s scrimmage.
“He’s a huge weapon, he’s really fast, and it’s tough for guys to try and cover him when he’s going out for a pass route,” said Mitch Leidner. Expect to see a good amount of screen passes thrown his way. Cobb also said that the key for Berkley this season is gaining confidence in the passing game, and fully learning it. “Once he gets better at that, he’ll be all over the field.”
Ryan Santoso/Andrew Harte (Redshirt Freshmen): There hasn’t been a clear leader in the kicking competition so far as both players have kicked well. Obviously one or both of these players will make significant contributions in the kicking game with Chris Hawthorne’s graduation. Kill hinted that the field goal kickers may be situational. Don’t be surprised to see Santoso trying long kicks this year, with Harte attempting the shorter tries.
Craig James (True Freshman): James has been playing well in practice and seems to be making a name for himself. While the coaches would like to give James a redshirt year, his skills as a returner may allow James to get some game time this year.
Steven Richardson (True Freshman): Here is the one true freshman who’s fate is not at all in doubt. Coach Jerry Kill has already said that Richardson is definitely going to play this season. Physically, Richardson seems ready to play and make an impact. “He’s an unmovable object, and you’re never gonna get leverage on him,” said Coach Kill. Defensive Line coach Jeff Phelps stated that Richardson really solidified himself in Saturday’s scrimmage, and from all accounts it seems as though Richardson will be a part of the defensive line rotation.
Chris Streveler (Redshirt Freshman): While Streveler seems a long way from being a polished quarterback, and isn’t close to the level Leidner is at, he looks like he’ll be the number two quarterback on the depth chart when the season begins. If Leidner gets injured, Streveler will have to come in and make an impact. He has been able to compete against the Gopher’s tenacious secondary, which should speed up his growth process quite a bit.Streveler could also get some snaps if the Gophers can pull away with a big lead early in the non-conference schedule.
Damarius Peppers (Redshirt Freshman): Often seen on the second team, during scrimmages and other drills from practice. Expect him to get some playing time this year.
Nick Hart (Redshirt Freshmen): Fellow Tight End Maxx Williams has stated the improvements of Hart over the offseason, and Hart has played relatively often with the second teams. With the unfortunate injury to Duke Anyanwu cutting down the tight end depth, expect Hart to get some experience with the offense or special teams.
Eric Carter (Redshirt Freshman): With a wide receiving core that is still relatively weak, expect Carter to get at least some time as a receiver.
Isaiah Gentry/Melvin Holland Jr (Both True Freshmen): Ideally, the coaches would like to see these two players redshirt. However, injuries, a lack of improvement from other wide receivers, or their supreme talent may lead to one or both of them having to take the field this season.
