Today’s Sports Huddle was live from the Minnesota State Fair. Coach Jerry Kill, however, was on the show via phone at 9:30 a.m.
Sid opened the show singing Happy Birthday to Coach Kill.
1) Sid referenced an article in today’s Tribune sports section in which it’s stated that last year’s Nebraska game was a turning point Last season: Coach Kill responded, “There’s some merit.” He acknowledged the win against Nebraska was a big win, especially given their winning tradition; however, he pointed to the Northwestern game as being significant in the four-game winning stretch. He also cited the win against Penn State as a big win.
2) Sid asked how the team is physically going in to the opening game against Eastern Illinois: “We’re in pretty good shape . . . healthy as you can be for the first game,” he answered.
During his comments he mentioned, again, the loss of Duke Anyanwu was a significant loss because of his playing ability and the strides he had been making prior to the season-ending injury.
3) Sid asked for Kill’s take on Wayzata’s true freshman tight-end, Brandon Lingen: “Brandon is going to play for us . . . call him” Baby Maxx” . . . like Maxx Williams (was) as a freshman,” Kill responded quickly.
Kill then cited three other players from Wayzata that have stood out during fall practices:
“Ben Lauer had an outstanding year. Proud of what he’s done.”
“Jeff Borchardt – walk-on wide receiver – has really improved.”
“Chris Wipson (redshirt freshman linebacker) has improved his skills.”
4) Sid said David Cobb told him that the team learned a big lesson from the loss to Syracuse in last year’s bowl game. Cobb reportedly told Sid the team had a bad attitude going in to the game – they were overconfident: Kill agreed with Cobb’s assessment of complacency, “We were all guilty . . . When we got back we had a closed meeting and I told the team: ‘You better be strong and never let that happen again.’”
5) Sid asked about the depth of the offensive line: Kill, in his response to Sid’s comments and question, first mentioned the loss of Caleb Bak and Jon Christenson’s ongoing recovery from surgery. He also said Ernie Heifort suffered a concussion in a traffic accident with a moped.
Kill sounded very pleased when he said: “Joe Bjorklund is back.”
Other players named in his comments about the offensive line’s depth: Josh Campion, Isaac Hayes, Foster Bush, Tommy Olson, and Zac Epping. Overall, IMO, Kill sounded pleased with the depth (players being able to play multiple positions) and the work put forth by the offensive line during fall workouts.
Kill then turned his comments to the depth of the team’s defensive backs. Again, he sounded pleased with the depth in the secondary. He also said they’ll face seven teams that play “No Huddle” offenses. As a result, they’ll play and need several players to answer the call in the defensive secondary.
6) Sid asked if they (coaching staff) thought Mitch Leidner would be as good as he’s shown when they recruited him: Kill said football camps and 7 on 7 drills were important for Mitch Leidner. His passing in 7 on 7 drills caught the attention of the coaches. He also said Leidner has “moxie” and has gained confidence, “(Leidner) has had a great camp and off-season.” (There was confidence in Kill’s voice when describing Leidner’s abilities and potential.
7) Dave Mona asked about some players to look for in the upcoming game with Eastern Illinois: There were some interruptions in the radio transmission. However, I was able to hear some of his comments. Kill said they would call on their “wiley veterans” for the contest. Players named/detected in his response to Mona’s query: Jalen Myrick. Craig James will play on all special teams; punt return duties will be handled by KJ Maye and Craig James.
8) Sid asked about the kicking game: “Feel very good,” said. He went on to say, “Ryan Santoso has had a very good camp . . . big leg.” He said Santoso has been good in kickoffs and has good range in place kicking at 40-45 yards.
Other players mentioned in his comments: Andrew Harte, RSFr place kicker from Downers Grove, IL; Peter Mortell, punter, Green Bay, WI; and punter Christian Eldred “has had an outstanding camp;” long snappers cited: RSJr Jared Hartman, Falcon Heights (Cretin-Derham Hall) and true freshman Payton Jordahl, Perham, MN.
9) Sid asked about the attitude of this year’s team: Kill responded, “You have to have confidence . . . All teams are different . . . Less distractions (this year) . . . (Players) have been focused..” There was confidence in Kill's voice while describing the team's attitude.
10) Dave Mona asked the final question which was related to players being out for the opening game: Kill said other than the players mentioned earlier (Questions # 2 & 3); he hesitated to say or identify any specific players, because they still have 2 to 3 days to get ready for the game.
Reminder: Next week’s show will be live at the State Fair and Coach Kill will have a couple players with him for the weekly show.
Go Gophers!!
Sid opened the show singing Happy Birthday to Coach Kill.
1) Sid referenced an article in today’s Tribune sports section in which it’s stated that last year’s Nebraska game was a turning point Last season: Coach Kill responded, “There’s some merit.” He acknowledged the win against Nebraska was a big win, especially given their winning tradition; however, he pointed to the Northwestern game as being significant in the four-game winning stretch. He also cited the win against Penn State as a big win.
2) Sid asked how the team is physically going in to the opening game against Eastern Illinois: “We’re in pretty good shape . . . healthy as you can be for the first game,” he answered.
During his comments he mentioned, again, the loss of Duke Anyanwu was a significant loss because of his playing ability and the strides he had been making prior to the season-ending injury.
3) Sid asked for Kill’s take on Wayzata’s true freshman tight-end, Brandon Lingen: “Brandon is going to play for us . . . call him” Baby Maxx” . . . like Maxx Williams (was) as a freshman,” Kill responded quickly.
Kill then cited three other players from Wayzata that have stood out during fall practices:
“Ben Lauer had an outstanding year. Proud of what he’s done.”
“Jeff Borchardt – walk-on wide receiver – has really improved.”
“Chris Wipson (redshirt freshman linebacker) has improved his skills.”
4) Sid said David Cobb told him that the team learned a big lesson from the loss to Syracuse in last year’s bowl game. Cobb reportedly told Sid the team had a bad attitude going in to the game – they were overconfident: Kill agreed with Cobb’s assessment of complacency, “We were all guilty . . . When we got back we had a closed meeting and I told the team: ‘You better be strong and never let that happen again.’”
5) Sid asked about the depth of the offensive line: Kill, in his response to Sid’s comments and question, first mentioned the loss of Caleb Bak and Jon Christenson’s ongoing recovery from surgery. He also said Ernie Heifort suffered a concussion in a traffic accident with a moped.
Kill sounded very pleased when he said: “Joe Bjorklund is back.”
Other players named in his comments about the offensive line’s depth: Josh Campion, Isaac Hayes, Foster Bush, Tommy Olson, and Zac Epping. Overall, IMO, Kill sounded pleased with the depth (players being able to play multiple positions) and the work put forth by the offensive line during fall workouts.
Kill then turned his comments to the depth of the team’s defensive backs. Again, he sounded pleased with the depth in the secondary. He also said they’ll face seven teams that play “No Huddle” offenses. As a result, they’ll play and need several players to answer the call in the defensive secondary.
6) Sid asked if they (coaching staff) thought Mitch Leidner would be as good as he’s shown when they recruited him: Kill said football camps and 7 on 7 drills were important for Mitch Leidner. His passing in 7 on 7 drills caught the attention of the coaches. He also said Leidner has “moxie” and has gained confidence, “(Leidner) has had a great camp and off-season.” (There was confidence in Kill’s voice when describing Leidner’s abilities and potential.
7) Dave Mona asked about some players to look for in the upcoming game with Eastern Illinois: There were some interruptions in the radio transmission. However, I was able to hear some of his comments. Kill said they would call on their “wiley veterans” for the contest. Players named/detected in his response to Mona’s query: Jalen Myrick. Craig James will play on all special teams; punt return duties will be handled by KJ Maye and Craig James.
8) Sid asked about the kicking game: “Feel very good,” said. He went on to say, “Ryan Santoso has had a very good camp . . . big leg.” He said Santoso has been good in kickoffs and has good range in place kicking at 40-45 yards.
Other players mentioned in his comments: Andrew Harte, RSFr place kicker from Downers Grove, IL; Peter Mortell, punter, Green Bay, WI; and punter Christian Eldred “has had an outstanding camp;” long snappers cited: RSJr Jared Hartman, Falcon Heights (Cretin-Derham Hall) and true freshman Payton Jordahl, Perham, MN.
9) Sid asked about the attitude of this year’s team: Kill responded, “You have to have confidence . . . All teams are different . . . Less distractions (this year) . . . (Players) have been focused..” There was confidence in Kill's voice while describing the team's attitude.
10) Dave Mona asked the final question which was related to players being out for the opening game: Kill said other than the players mentioned earlier (Questions # 2 & 3); he hesitated to say or identify any specific players, because they still have 2 to 3 days to get ready for the game.
Reminder: Next week’s show will be live at the State Fair and Coach Kill will have a couple players with him for the weekly show.
Go Gophers!!
