BleedGopher
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Brewster: "Defense is ahead right now"
For the third straight year, the offense seems to be behind the defense to start spring ball for the University of Minnesota. And it became pretty clear to Gophers coach Tim Brewster after the second practice Thursday.
"I thought (Adam Weber) was much sharper today, but offensively we were a little sluggish," Brewster said. "Obviously, we're learning some new things. We weren't quite as sharp. The defense is ahead right now, without question."
After losing senior captains Willie VanDeSteeg and Steve Davis and veteran Deon Hightower on defense, Brewster said other leaders have emerged, such as senior linebacker Lee Campbell and defensive tackles Garrett Brown and Eric Small. He also mentioned the leadership qualities of Wisconsin transfer Kim Royston, a junior defensive back.
"They're playing with a real edge to them, and I like that," he said. "We're really solid up front. I really like our defensive line play. We're really getting penetration in the running game and getting after the quarterback. When you're strong in the middle of the defense, at the defensive tackle position, you really can do some things."
-- Brewster said he didn't think any wide receiver had established himself as the No. 1 guy with Eric Decker out this spring playing baseball. He thought Da'Jon McKnight, Xzavian Brandon and Brandon Green had the most talent, but needed to be more consistent. The younger receivers will get even more time if senior Ben Kuznia's injury is serious. Brewster said Kuznia might have pulled or strained his hamstring in Thursday's practice. He was on crutches later.
"You seem them making plays," Brewster said about his young receivers. "Then you see them drop a ball, you seem them bust a route. But I've never used youth as an excuse."
-- The Gophers will practice in pads for the first time Friday but won't don full pads until next week.
http://blogs.twincities.com/gophers/
Go Gophers!!
For the third straight year, the offense seems to be behind the defense to start spring ball for the University of Minnesota. And it became pretty clear to Gophers coach Tim Brewster after the second practice Thursday.
"I thought (Adam Weber) was much sharper today, but offensively we were a little sluggish," Brewster said. "Obviously, we're learning some new things. We weren't quite as sharp. The defense is ahead right now, without question."
After losing senior captains Willie VanDeSteeg and Steve Davis and veteran Deon Hightower on defense, Brewster said other leaders have emerged, such as senior linebacker Lee Campbell and defensive tackles Garrett Brown and Eric Small. He also mentioned the leadership qualities of Wisconsin transfer Kim Royston, a junior defensive back.
"They're playing with a real edge to them, and I like that," he said. "We're really solid up front. I really like our defensive line play. We're really getting penetration in the running game and getting after the quarterback. When you're strong in the middle of the defense, at the defensive tackle position, you really can do some things."
-- Brewster said he didn't think any wide receiver had established himself as the No. 1 guy with Eric Decker out this spring playing baseball. He thought Da'Jon McKnight, Xzavian Brandon and Brandon Green had the most talent, but needed to be more consistent. The younger receivers will get even more time if senior Ben Kuznia's injury is serious. Brewster said Kuznia might have pulled or strained his hamstring in Thursday's practice. He was on crutches later.
"You seem them making plays," Brewster said about his young receivers. "Then you see them drop a ball, you seem them bust a route. But I've never used youth as an excuse."
-- The Gophers will practice in pads for the first time Friday but won't don full pads until next week.
http://blogs.twincities.com/gophers/
Go Gophers!!
