BleedGopher
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per Chip:
Fleck's staff was strategic in recruiting and roster management this past offseason in trying to fortify those two positions.
With athletic director Mark Coyle's blessing, the coaches invited every senior from last season to return using the NCAA-approved extra year of eligibility due to the pandemic. They also welcomed back linemen returning from injury and/or opt-out seasons.
The result is the oldest offensive line in the history of college football. Or so it seems.
Their O-line has combined for 180 starts, the most at the FBS level by a wide margin. Miami (Fla.) is second with 159. Ten Gophers linemen have at least one start, also the most in FBS.
Their top six offensive linemen — the staff considers it a starting six — have an average size of 6-foot-5 and 336 pounds. Fleck told reporters at Big Ten media days that he believes most of his starting linemen have a chance to be drafted next spring.
So now their performance needs to reflect that hype and belief. They need to be as good as advertised for the offense to fulfill their coach's vision.
www.startribune.com
Go Gophers!!
Fleck's staff was strategic in recruiting and roster management this past offseason in trying to fortify those two positions.
With athletic director Mark Coyle's blessing, the coaches invited every senior from last season to return using the NCAA-approved extra year of eligibility due to the pandemic. They also welcomed back linemen returning from injury and/or opt-out seasons.
The result is the oldest offensive line in the history of college football. Or so it seems.
Their O-line has combined for 180 starts, the most at the FBS level by a wide margin. Miami (Fla.) is second with 159. Ten Gophers linemen have at least one start, also the most in FBS.
Their top six offensive linemen — the staff considers it a starting six — have an average size of 6-foot-5 and 336 pounds. Fleck told reporters at Big Ten media days that he believes most of his starting linemen have a chance to be drafted next spring.
So now their performance needs to reflect that hype and belief. They need to be as good as advertised for the offense to fulfill their coach's vision.
Any Gophers success will start up front, with their offensive and defensive lines
The preseason big-boy battles should lead to line play being the strength of this team, on both offense and defense.
www.startribune.com
Go Gophers!!
