BleedGopher
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per Bennett:
Three things we want to see:
1. What will the new offense look like?: Claeys has said that only about 25 percent of the actual playbook will change, but clearly he wanted to go in a different direction after letting longtime co-worker Matt Limegrover go. Johnson's system promises to utilize the fullbacks and tight ends and include more pre-snap motions, misdirection and likely the pistol formation. How much of that we'll see in the usually bland spring game remains to be seen, but the players need to pick it up during earlier spring sessions. They'll have to do so mostly without quarterback Mitch Leidner, who will be limited to very little work after undergoing postseason foot surgery. And as has been the case for a few years now, continued improvement is necessary at receiver, especially after the graduation of leading pass-catcher KJ Maye.
2. How the offensive line shapes up: This position was probably the most disappointing for Minnesota in 2015, as injuries played a key role in the unit falling short of expectations. Claeys has made no secret of the fact that he wants to get more physical up front on offense, and he brought in two junior college transfers -- Vincent Calhoun and Garrison Wright -- who are penciled in to start right away. Three starting jobs are open, including left tackle. It will be important for the Gophers to find the right combination this spring while building chemistry and staying healthy.
3. Can the secondary reload? The defensive backfield -- and cornerback in particular -- formed the team's strength last year. But all-conference performers Eric Murray and Briean Boddy-Calhoun are currently working out for the NFL draft. The cupboard is hardly barren, especially with talented veteran Jalen Myrick ready to take on a bigger role. Some other young players who have gained experience, like KiAnte Hardin and Antonio Shenault could take another step forward this spring. Sawvel is one of the best in the business at coaching this position, though he now has the entire defense to run. Will Minnesota remain elite in the secondary in 2016?
http://espn.go.com/blog/bigten/post/_/id/131030/minnesota-golden-gophers-spring-practice-preview
Go Gophers!!
Three things we want to see:
1. What will the new offense look like?: Claeys has said that only about 25 percent of the actual playbook will change, but clearly he wanted to go in a different direction after letting longtime co-worker Matt Limegrover go. Johnson's system promises to utilize the fullbacks and tight ends and include more pre-snap motions, misdirection and likely the pistol formation. How much of that we'll see in the usually bland spring game remains to be seen, but the players need to pick it up during earlier spring sessions. They'll have to do so mostly without quarterback Mitch Leidner, who will be limited to very little work after undergoing postseason foot surgery. And as has been the case for a few years now, continued improvement is necessary at receiver, especially after the graduation of leading pass-catcher KJ Maye.
2. How the offensive line shapes up: This position was probably the most disappointing for Minnesota in 2015, as injuries played a key role in the unit falling short of expectations. Claeys has made no secret of the fact that he wants to get more physical up front on offense, and he brought in two junior college transfers -- Vincent Calhoun and Garrison Wright -- who are penciled in to start right away. Three starting jobs are open, including left tackle. It will be important for the Gophers to find the right combination this spring while building chemistry and staying healthy.
3. Can the secondary reload? The defensive backfield -- and cornerback in particular -- formed the team's strength last year. But all-conference performers Eric Murray and Briean Boddy-Calhoun are currently working out for the NFL draft. The cupboard is hardly barren, especially with talented veteran Jalen Myrick ready to take on a bigger role. Some other young players who have gained experience, like KiAnte Hardin and Antonio Shenault could take another step forward this spring. Sawvel is one of the best in the business at coaching this position, though he now has the entire defense to run. Will Minnesota remain elite in the secondary in 2016?
http://espn.go.com/blog/bigten/post/_/id/131030/minnesota-golden-gophers-spring-practice-preview
Go Gophers!!