Today’s Jerry Kill Sports Huddle Notes:
1) Sid opened the show talking about this week’s NFL draft. His first question was about NIU’s Jimmy Ward being selected in the first round. Sid wanted to know if he thought he was that good; deserving to be a first round pick: Kill said, “(Ward) Is a talented kid . . . he’ll have a long storied career . . . can run and is physical.” Kill said he was a lightly recruited player – apparently NIU was the only Division One School to show interest.
2) Sid then asked Kill what it was like to be New York for the NFL Draft: “Tremendous opportunity to be in the Green Room (with the players awaiting their name to be called),” replied Kill. He said having two players from Minnesota (Ra’Shede Hageman and Brock Vereen) is good for the state of Minnesota, the University of Minnesota, the team, and for recruiting:
“Ra’Shede is going to a great team . . . (his) life changed overnight.”
“Brock – felt he should have been a higher pick . . . will have a tremendous career.”
“Aaron Hill was picked up after the draft - to the St. Louis Rams.”
It was apparent that Coach Kill was pleased and excited for the players that are getting a chance to play at the next level.
3) Sid followed up Kill’s comments asking about Brock Vereen: “He’s very good . . . he’s smart, fast, great character . . . great fit (for the Bears),” answered Kill. He said Brock Vereen is the type of player that could play safety or corner. Kill also alluded to Marc Treastman’s connection the University of Minnesota, which he believes is a good thing.
4) Dave Mona asked about NIU quarterback Jordan Lynch: Kill replied, “Picked up by Chicago . . . (plays with a) chip on shoulder . . . he’ll surprise some in camp, but it’s tough (moving up to the next level).” He added, “It’s where you go and get a chance to play.”
Kill also mentioned that Lynch - as was Jimmy Ward - was only recruited by his staff when they were at Northern Illinois University. Again, you could detect a sense of pride and happiness in his voice when he was talking about Lynch, as well as the three former Gophers: Ra’Shede Hageman, Brock Vereen and Aaron Hill.
5) Sid asked about the clinics at the U this summer: There will be eleven camps conducted by Coach Kill and his staff. Some of the camps will be open for specialized skill sets and different age groups of youthful players. Kill stressed the importance of the camps for evaluation, “Helps us in recruiting.”
He also mentioned two clinics/camps for adults:
a) “Boys of Fall Camp” – August 1-3. It’s open to 25 (men and women). Participants will sit in the film room with the coaches and players and will receive “Inside information.” They’ll also, of course, attend the workouts and meals as well. If interested and for additional information: www.coachkillfbcamp.com
b) “Date Night” will be held on July 24. This year’s event is a cruise down the Mississippi River with the Minnesota coaching staff. Additional information and registration is at www.goldengopherfund.com
Sid said information for the summer camps and adult events can also be obtained by calling (612) 624-6004.
6) Sid asked about the team and their current regimen: Kill responded, “Finals this week . . . need to finish strong.” And continuing on the education front, Kill said there is a May term and that 20-25 players will be taking classes, as well as participating in their voluntary workouts.
Freshmen recruits will be reporting to school and the voluntary workouts on June 14.
Coach finished the question, “They’ll get to work soon.” I took his comment to mean the incoming players.
7) Sid asked if there were any new additions to the team –JUCOs: “Not right now. We’re at where we need to be,” said Kill.
8) Dave Mona finished the segment wishing Kill’s wife, Rebecca, and all mothers a Happy Mother’s Day. Kill, of course, did the same.
Go Gophers!!
1) Sid opened the show talking about this week’s NFL draft. His first question was about NIU’s Jimmy Ward being selected in the first round. Sid wanted to know if he thought he was that good; deserving to be a first round pick: Kill said, “(Ward) Is a talented kid . . . he’ll have a long storied career . . . can run and is physical.” Kill said he was a lightly recruited player – apparently NIU was the only Division One School to show interest.
2) Sid then asked Kill what it was like to be New York for the NFL Draft: “Tremendous opportunity to be in the Green Room (with the players awaiting their name to be called),” replied Kill. He said having two players from Minnesota (Ra’Shede Hageman and Brock Vereen) is good for the state of Minnesota, the University of Minnesota, the team, and for recruiting:
“Ra’Shede is going to a great team . . . (his) life changed overnight.”
“Brock – felt he should have been a higher pick . . . will have a tremendous career.”
“Aaron Hill was picked up after the draft - to the St. Louis Rams.”
It was apparent that Coach Kill was pleased and excited for the players that are getting a chance to play at the next level.
3) Sid followed up Kill’s comments asking about Brock Vereen: “He’s very good . . . he’s smart, fast, great character . . . great fit (for the Bears),” answered Kill. He said Brock Vereen is the type of player that could play safety or corner. Kill also alluded to Marc Treastman’s connection the University of Minnesota, which he believes is a good thing.
4) Dave Mona asked about NIU quarterback Jordan Lynch: Kill replied, “Picked up by Chicago . . . (plays with a) chip on shoulder . . . he’ll surprise some in camp, but it’s tough (moving up to the next level).” He added, “It’s where you go and get a chance to play.”
Kill also mentioned that Lynch - as was Jimmy Ward - was only recruited by his staff when they were at Northern Illinois University. Again, you could detect a sense of pride and happiness in his voice when he was talking about Lynch, as well as the three former Gophers: Ra’Shede Hageman, Brock Vereen and Aaron Hill.
5) Sid asked about the clinics at the U this summer: There will be eleven camps conducted by Coach Kill and his staff. Some of the camps will be open for specialized skill sets and different age groups of youthful players. Kill stressed the importance of the camps for evaluation, “Helps us in recruiting.”
He also mentioned two clinics/camps for adults:
a) “Boys of Fall Camp” – August 1-3. It’s open to 25 (men and women). Participants will sit in the film room with the coaches and players and will receive “Inside information.” They’ll also, of course, attend the workouts and meals as well. If interested and for additional information: www.coachkillfbcamp.com
b) “Date Night” will be held on July 24. This year’s event is a cruise down the Mississippi River with the Minnesota coaching staff. Additional information and registration is at www.goldengopherfund.com
Sid said information for the summer camps and adult events can also be obtained by calling (612) 624-6004.
6) Sid asked about the team and their current regimen: Kill responded, “Finals this week . . . need to finish strong.” And continuing on the education front, Kill said there is a May term and that 20-25 players will be taking classes, as well as participating in their voluntary workouts.
Freshmen recruits will be reporting to school and the voluntary workouts on June 14.
Coach finished the question, “They’ll get to work soon.” I took his comment to mean the incoming players.
7) Sid asked if there were any new additions to the team –JUCOs: “Not right now. We’re at where we need to be,” said Kill.
8) Dave Mona finished the segment wishing Kill’s wife, Rebecca, and all mothers a Happy Mother’s Day. Kill, of course, did the same.
Go Gophers!!
