Coach Jerry Kill’s responses and comments related to the Gophers homecoming victory over Purdue, 39-38, on ‘CCOs Sports Huddle:
1) Sid opened the show opining about the improvement of Purdue: Kill spoke highly of Purdue’s head coach and the Gophers response to adversity: “Well, he’s a good hire for Purdue . . . kids starting to believe . . . They’ve changed quarterbacks . . . From our standpoint, (Purdue) a big concern all week . . . They (Purdue) did some great things and we did good things . . . It was a team win, handled adversity . . . you have to find a way to win.”
2) Sid then asked about David Cobb’s successful play at running back in yesterday’s win over Purdue: (Laughing) “Plays good for us . . . wouldn’t trade David for anybody.” Kill then saluted the offensive line and said their play makes the running game go and the protection of the quarterback made the passing game successful.
3) In a follow-up question, Sid asked Kill what makes Cobb so good as a ball carrier: “Does not let first guy tackle him,” said Kill. He also cited his physical development since his arrival to the U: he has gotten stronger, bigger and faster because of his work in the weight room.
4) Sid then mentioned Cobb’s decision to attend Minnesota and that Kill did not promise him a starting position, if he selected the Gophers, he had to earn the right to play: (Laughing) Coach Kill acknowledged what Sid opined was correct: "Pretty much."
5) Dave Mona said the "book" on the Gophers was that they have trouble when behind at the half because of a lack in passing efficiency: Kill sounded pleased when he replied, “We’re improving on the offensive side of the ball . . . getting more confidence . . . several (players) caught the ball.” Again, he mentioned the protection Mitch Leidner received from the offensive line when passing the ball.
6) Sid then said it was his opinion that Cedric Thompson would play in the NFL next year: Kill focused on Cedric’s toughness: “Cedric Thompson took a tremendous hit on the sidelines . . . (Laughing and with a sense of amazement) 5-6 plays later (Cedric said) ‘I’m ready to go’ . . . He had a terrific football game.”
7) Dave Mona said, in his opinion, Purdue was focusing on Maxx Williams, however, the long pass to Donavahn Jones loosened up Purdue’s secondary: Kill’s response to Mona’s comment: “Big thing, running the ball pretty good sets up passing game . . . If we continue to throw the ball well, we’ll improve the running game . . . Biggest improvement, protection up front . . . We’ve got to stay healthy up front.”
8) Sid asked what Kill and the coaching staff saw in Mitch Leidner as a quarterback, especially since he initially was recruited as a linebacker: Kill said it was a 7 on 7 camp that Leidner showed his ability as a passer: “Had a chance to watch him . . . Loved the way he threw the football . . . too good to turn down . . . runs better than most people think.” Kill also spoke positively about Leidner’s leadership skills, which successful quarterbacks need to exhibit.
9) Sid, once again, turned his attention to the number of true freshmen playing this year and the experience that they’re gaining, as a result: “It’s amazing. Having nine guys out (some with season-ending injuries) those guys (freshmen) have played well . . . They make a few mistakes, but they’ll get better.” Kill sounded positive and pleased in comments about the freshmen playing this year.
10) In a follow-up, Sid asked if there are a lot of seniors playing: “Yeah,” said Kill. He then proceeded to list the following seniors: “Cobb, Donnell Kirkwood, Isaac Fruechte, Zac Eppping, Tommy Olson, Cameron Botticelli, Michael Amaefula, Damien Wilson and some in the secondary.” He added, “We have to recruit some guys in the secondary.”
11) Dave mentioned the fact that with yesterday’s win the Gophers are bowl eligible, and now there are higher expectations by Gopher fans: In his comments, Kill said the fact that the Gophers became bowl eligible with the win was not mentioned until late in the locker room celebration. He also acknowledged that expectations are higher now, “We’ve got to get better . . . no room for errors . . . It’s great to be bowl eligible . . . Must go on the road (Illinois next), win on the road.” Kill said the ‘Fighting Illini’ will have had two weeks to prepare for the Gophers. And he sounded pleased that they’ll have a bye week after the Illinois game to get ready for the final four games.
12) Sid referenced the 2014 class (“great recruiting class”): Kill sounded very pleased and positive in discussing the football abilities of the recent class, “They’ll get better and stronger . . . (sounding excited) Don’t forget Jeff Jones and Rod Smith and four wide receivers (that are redshirting) . . . We have to get better (recruiting players) . . . Better players make better coaches.”
Go Gophers!!
1) Sid opened the show opining about the improvement of Purdue: Kill spoke highly of Purdue’s head coach and the Gophers response to adversity: “Well, he’s a good hire for Purdue . . . kids starting to believe . . . They’ve changed quarterbacks . . . From our standpoint, (Purdue) a big concern all week . . . They (Purdue) did some great things and we did good things . . . It was a team win, handled adversity . . . you have to find a way to win.”
2) Sid then asked about David Cobb’s successful play at running back in yesterday’s win over Purdue: (Laughing) “Plays good for us . . . wouldn’t trade David for anybody.” Kill then saluted the offensive line and said their play makes the running game go and the protection of the quarterback made the passing game successful.
3) In a follow-up question, Sid asked Kill what makes Cobb so good as a ball carrier: “Does not let first guy tackle him,” said Kill. He also cited his physical development since his arrival to the U: he has gotten stronger, bigger and faster because of his work in the weight room.
4) Sid then mentioned Cobb’s decision to attend Minnesota and that Kill did not promise him a starting position, if he selected the Gophers, he had to earn the right to play: (Laughing) Coach Kill acknowledged what Sid opined was correct: "Pretty much."
5) Dave Mona said the "book" on the Gophers was that they have trouble when behind at the half because of a lack in passing efficiency: Kill sounded pleased when he replied, “We’re improving on the offensive side of the ball . . . getting more confidence . . . several (players) caught the ball.” Again, he mentioned the protection Mitch Leidner received from the offensive line when passing the ball.
6) Sid then said it was his opinion that Cedric Thompson would play in the NFL next year: Kill focused on Cedric’s toughness: “Cedric Thompson took a tremendous hit on the sidelines . . . (Laughing and with a sense of amazement) 5-6 plays later (Cedric said) ‘I’m ready to go’ . . . He had a terrific football game.”
7) Dave Mona said, in his opinion, Purdue was focusing on Maxx Williams, however, the long pass to Donavahn Jones loosened up Purdue’s secondary: Kill’s response to Mona’s comment: “Big thing, running the ball pretty good sets up passing game . . . If we continue to throw the ball well, we’ll improve the running game . . . Biggest improvement, protection up front . . . We’ve got to stay healthy up front.”
8) Sid asked what Kill and the coaching staff saw in Mitch Leidner as a quarterback, especially since he initially was recruited as a linebacker: Kill said it was a 7 on 7 camp that Leidner showed his ability as a passer: “Had a chance to watch him . . . Loved the way he threw the football . . . too good to turn down . . . runs better than most people think.” Kill also spoke positively about Leidner’s leadership skills, which successful quarterbacks need to exhibit.
9) Sid, once again, turned his attention to the number of true freshmen playing this year and the experience that they’re gaining, as a result: “It’s amazing. Having nine guys out (some with season-ending injuries) those guys (freshmen) have played well . . . They make a few mistakes, but they’ll get better.” Kill sounded positive and pleased in comments about the freshmen playing this year.
10) In a follow-up, Sid asked if there are a lot of seniors playing: “Yeah,” said Kill. He then proceeded to list the following seniors: “Cobb, Donnell Kirkwood, Isaac Fruechte, Zac Eppping, Tommy Olson, Cameron Botticelli, Michael Amaefula, Damien Wilson and some in the secondary.” He added, “We have to recruit some guys in the secondary.”
11) Dave mentioned the fact that with yesterday’s win the Gophers are bowl eligible, and now there are higher expectations by Gopher fans: In his comments, Kill said the fact that the Gophers became bowl eligible with the win was not mentioned until late in the locker room celebration. He also acknowledged that expectations are higher now, “We’ve got to get better . . . no room for errors . . . It’s great to be bowl eligible . . . Must go on the road (Illinois next), win on the road.” Kill said the ‘Fighting Illini’ will have had two weeks to prepare for the Gophers. And he sounded pleased that they’ll have a bye week after the Illinois game to get ready for the final four games.
12) Sid referenced the 2014 class (“great recruiting class”): Kill sounded very pleased and positive in discussing the football abilities of the recent class, “They’ll get better and stronger . . . (sounding excited) Don’t forget Jeff Jones and Rod Smith and four wide receivers (that are redshirting) . . . We have to get better (recruiting players) . . . Better players make better coaches.”
Go Gophers!!
