Davis restores Minnesota's identity up front

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It's nice to hear that Davis has come in and basically told the guys "this is the way it's going to be, whether you like it or not." If there was one group on this team that especially needed to be kicked in the pants a little bit, it was the offensive line.

Now, we'll have to see how well this works not only on Wednesday, but also next year.
 

I like this. I'm beginning to think that Meyer just didn't have the fire and intensity Brew wanted or this line needed. If I remember correctly Gordy was an in your face type of guy, so maybe they're used to that type of guy
 

Now people should be ready to realize that Deleon isnt the right back to run up the middle. Wait for Lipscomb!! If you cough on Deleon he goes down, and if he gets by the first line he soon gets caught from behind. Bennett and Lipscomb will be a force in this offense!
 

upside

Deleon has a lot more upside than Bennett, Bennett has seen his star shine out now that Deleon and Lipscomb are going to get his carries
 


Shaw seemed more laid back than in your face to me. He was just good along with Browning of getting their kids to play physical. You don't need to scream at people to make them play hard.
 


Eskridge has speed, but he definitely needs to become a tougher runner as does Shady.
 

nemosgold said:
Shaw seemed more laid back than in your face to me. He was just good along with Browning of getting their kids to play physical. You don't need to scream at people to make them play hard.
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If anything, Shaw yelled a bit more than Browning. Browning, however, let you know where you stood pretty effectively.
 



Still freshmen...

btowngopher said:
Eskridge has speed, but he definitely needs to become a tougher runner as does Shady.
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Let's see what another year of maturation and the S & C program does for Shady and Eskridge. Not that I expect them to turn into Ron Dayne, but these are young men that are still growing and learning how to play at this level.
 

Lets be honest here. The Minnesota Offensive line has not been a physical force since 1960. The zone scheme was so effective in springing long runs, but dismal in generating 3 and 2 conversions. Coach Davis is no one other than a top notch offensive line coach. This group needs to understand whether its spread, or I, or west coast, you need to be smash mouth up front. If you do not control the line of scrimage, you are not in control of the game.
 

Have the game notes been released yet? I can never find them. I'd like to see the depth chart.
 

husker70 said:
Lets be honest here. The Minnesota Offensive line has not been a physical force since 1960. The zone scheme was so effective in springing long runs, but dismal in generating 3 and 2 conversations. Coach Davis is no one other than a top notch offensive line coach. This group needs to understand whether its spread, or I, or west coast, you need to be smash mouth up front. If you do not control the line of scrimage, you are not in control of the game.
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Amen Husker! Having watched Gopher ball since the 1960s, I cannot agree with you more heartily. Whether it was Bobby Bell, Gale Gillingham, John Williams or any of the other of about dozen Gopher offensive linemen drafted during the 1960s, Murray Warmath knew line play and developed studs along the line. Here's hoping Davis can do the same thing.

PS--Just did a quick NFL draft survey of the 1960s and the Gophers had 14 O-lineman drafted from 1960 to 1969 (although Bell and Eller played defense at the next level). Not all of them made it obviously and the draft was 17 rounds back then, but I think it says something when you average more than one OL per year in the draft. Hope we can get back to that.
 



The move to a more run orientated scheme does not surprise me reading ab out Brewsters personality and his tough and agressive approach to defensive football. Something other than 100% of Dunbars Susy Spread offense is just fine with me. Its about time we try to pound the rock!!

Problem is you need the horses up front to get it done and some tough RB's who can run inside. That is where the Gophers are lacking with bookends like Meinke 6-5/280 and Stommes 6-7/285 and possibly 3 RSFr seeing major playing time. Wanting to be physical upfront and be able to do it are two different things. But, IMO, this is a positive direction.

Maybe the guys upfront will be more productive against KU. If not, there is still 9 months to grow before 2009.
 

A little off topic...

Is it just me or did the Davis hire have something to do with the recruitment of Seantrel Henderson? Davis has some NFL experience and he coached some high caliber linemen while at USC.

Back on topic now:
It'll be interesting to see how well our guys can meld Davis' coaching philosophy with Dunbar's system. If nothing else tomorrow's game will give us some insight into what to expect with next year's squad
 

runner616 said:
Is it just me or did the Davis hire have something to do with the recruitment of Seantrel Henderson? Davis has some NFL experience and he coached some high caliber linemen while at USC.

Back on topic now:
It'll be interesting to see how well our guys can meld Davis' coaching philosophy with Dunbar's system. If nothing else tomorrow's game will give us some insight into what to expect with next year's squad
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I wouldn't say Seantrel specifically, but recruiting in general, YES!!! Brew looks for recruiters in everyone he hires and he specifically mentioned Davis' ability to recruit when he hired him.

Obviously, Seantrel is the #1 guy at the position so it hopefully pays dividends right away.
 

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