FSN: Gophers freshmen WRs Donovahn Jones, Drew Wolitarsky making strides

[Spoofin]

A freshman coming off a torn ACL doesn't have an impact season and folks are calling him a bust. Tough crowd.

I think most of us knew WR was going to be a weak position this year going in. I am very encouraged with Jones. Not a great year, but he was a true freshman learning a new position and definitely made strides. Drew did some things, but I think the upside on Jones is much higher. I expect to see some good things in the Texas Bowl from him and even better things next year. Also - those hoping for some true freshman to come in and make a difference are likely looking in the wrong place. I like some of our recruits, but try to live more in reality than that.

 

[Governor Sibley]

Let's be honest here.

Drew's big catch against MSU was a mixed-up route and a desperate pass that landed in his lap. I mean, the kid did catch it.

I'm a bull on Jones. I'm certainly not a bear on Drew.

 

[MZBKA]

Let's be honest here.

Drew's big catch against MSU was a mixed-up route and a desperate pass that landed in his lap. I mean, the kid did catch it.

I'm a bull on Jones. I'm certainly not a bear on Drew.

That's certainly an improvement over the passes that landed in his lap that he dropped earlier in the season.

 

[The Goofy Gopher]

I think it's safe to say that for a skill position athlete, with the rare exception, it takes two years to truly come back to form after an ACL tear. Physically it takes about one year to get the muscles as strong and stable as they need to be. Mentally it takes at least that. I think it's unfair to label Harbison a bust yet. Next year (assuming he doesn't transfer) will be the true test for him.

I'm also excited to hear what Eric Carter can do, as I think he red-shirted this year and was a fairly highly touted WR.

 

[nc2mn]

I remember that before the injury, Kill or Limegrover was calling Harbison the best wr on the team - even better than the infamous Barker (who admittedly hadn't stepped up yet)

 

[hungan1]

A freshman coming off a torn ACL doesn't have an impact season and folks are calling him a bust. Tough crowd...

/QUOTE]

He can and will contribute in the coming seasons. It is a question of how well healed his ACL is. We'll see if he is able to play in the bowl game. If he can, we'll have someone to step in where Engel left off and we'll have a much improved WR corps next year.