BTN: Picking the best Big Ten football player born in every state (Gophers get 3)

BleedGopher

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per BTN:

Idaho: Craig Kirtland, DB, Minnesota. Kirkland played safety for the Gophers in the mid 70’s. There were no career stats available for him.

Minnesota: Bruce Smith, RB, Minnesota. One of the top players in Minnesota football history, Smith led the Gophers to back-to-back national championships in 1940 and 1941. He became Minnesota’s first Heisman Trophy winner in school history in 1941.

North Dakota: Greg Eslinger, C, Minnesota. Known as one of the best centers in Big Ten football history, Eslinger starred for the Gophers from 2002 to 2005. He was an All-Big Ten selection three times (2003, 2004, 2005) and a two-time All-American (2004, 2005). He was awarded the Outland Trophy in his senior season, which is given to the best to college football’s best interior lineman, as well as the Rimington Trophy, which goes to the top center in college football.

http://btn.com/2015/08/21/picking-the-best-big-ten-football-player-from-every-state/

Go Gophers!!
 

Two Gopher legends and some dude who apparently may be the only player from Idaho to ever play in the Big Ten.

Eslinger should have his jersey retired and should be on the ring of honor within the stadium.
 

As great a college player that Eslinger was, I don't believe he ever played a snap in the NFL. Crazy how being a great college player doesn't always equate to being a good pro.
 

I question Tripp Welborne over Bobby Bell from North Carolina!
 




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