BleedGopher
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per Sid:
Ibrahim ready to lead
The team has a lot of bright spots when it comes to offensive skill players, which is surprising since they lost not only wide receiver Tyler Johnson, the top receiver in school history, but also running backs Shannon Brooks and Rodney Smith, who ended his career as the No. 2 rusher in program history.
Fleck said he believes the running back room is going to be strong again this season, starting with redshirt junior Mohamed Ibrahim, who put himself on the national stage after running for 140 yards on 20 carries and a touchdown in the 31-24 Outback Bowl victory over Auburn.
“I think Mohamed Ibrahim is one of the best and most productive backs in the country, and I love how he plays the game,” Fleck said. “He is positive all the time, and that is reflected in his play on the field. He had only one negative rush all last season and is so dependable. When you need a yard, he will get it for you.”
Still, Fleck knows he will need to have multiple running backs ready to go. Last season, six backs had 10 carries or more.
“I am excited about [redshirt freshmen] Cam Wiley and Trey Potts, who fans were able to see a little bit of last year. There is some real playmaking ability there,” Fleck said. “Ky Thomas, who was the high school player of the year in Kansas, enrolled in January and has tremendous potential. Bryce Williams redshirted last season after rushing for 500 yards as a true freshman, and [redshirt freshman] Jason Williamson is a bigger back who is healthy and I am excited to see him compete.
“And then there is [redshirt sophomore] Preston Jelen, who got to play a little bit last year, too. He’s capable of making things happen when he gets in there.”
www.startribune.com
Go Gophers!!
Ibrahim ready to lead
The team has a lot of bright spots when it comes to offensive skill players, which is surprising since they lost not only wide receiver Tyler Johnson, the top receiver in school history, but also running backs Shannon Brooks and Rodney Smith, who ended his career as the No. 2 rusher in program history.
Fleck said he believes the running back room is going to be strong again this season, starting with redshirt junior Mohamed Ibrahim, who put himself on the national stage after running for 140 yards on 20 carries and a touchdown in the 31-24 Outback Bowl victory over Auburn.
“I think Mohamed Ibrahim is one of the best and most productive backs in the country, and I love how he plays the game,” Fleck said. “He is positive all the time, and that is reflected in his play on the field. He had only one negative rush all last season and is so dependable. When you need a yard, he will get it for you.”
Still, Fleck knows he will need to have multiple running backs ready to go. Last season, six backs had 10 carries or more.
“I am excited about [redshirt freshmen] Cam Wiley and Trey Potts, who fans were able to see a little bit of last year. There is some real playmaking ability there,” Fleck said. “Ky Thomas, who was the high school player of the year in Kansas, enrolled in January and has tremendous potential. Bryce Williams redshirted last season after rushing for 500 yards as a true freshman, and [redshirt freshman] Jason Williamson is a bigger back who is healthy and I am excited to see him compete.
“And then there is [redshirt sophomore] Preston Jelen, who got to play a little bit last year, too. He’s capable of making things happen when he gets in there.”
Gophers football recruiting climbs in national rankings
P.J. Fleck and staff have been creative in pursuing players while coping with coronavirus restrictions.
www.startribune.com
Go Gophers!!