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The Gophers offense has had plenty of talking points during fall camp — a quarterback competition won by true freshman Zack Annexstad, an influx of athletic wide receivers led by Rashod Bateman and depth questions behind starting running back Rodney Smith.
One topic, however, has been off the radar: the offensive line, which has stuck with pretty much the same starting five since camp opened Aug. 1. It’s been left tackle Donnell Greene, left guard Conner Olson, center Jared Weyler, right tackle Blaise Andries and right tackle Sam Schlueter...
When Gophers coach P.J. Fleck arrived in early 2017, some of his first spring practices included only five healthy offensive linemen. When one got hurt, practice plans went out the window, and with a lack of depth, the format for the spring game had to be altered. Now, Minnesota has more than 15 available offensive linemen at fall practices, and health hasn’t been an issue.
“It’s helped a lot,” Fleck said Monday about continuity on the line. “I wouldn’t say it’s night and day, but it’s better. It’s definitely better. I think as you continue to go through the years you will see it glue and come together more, but they are more together now than they’ve ever been. I think that is a credit to them.”
Leading the way up front are a pair of seniors — Greene from Marietta, Ga., and Weyler from Dayton, Ohio. Both have high expectations for the 2018 season.
Greene, 6-foot-7 and 320 pounds, was honorable mention All-Big Ten last year, and has played in all 25 games since transferring from Coffeyville (Kan.) Community College before the 2016 season. He is the best bet the Gophers have to end a 12-year run without an offensive lineman selected in the NFL Draft...
https://www.twincities.com/2018/08/24/gophers-offensive-line-has-the-greene-light-this-season/
One topic, however, has been off the radar: the offensive line, which has stuck with pretty much the same starting five since camp opened Aug. 1. It’s been left tackle Donnell Greene, left guard Conner Olson, center Jared Weyler, right tackle Blaise Andries and right tackle Sam Schlueter...
When Gophers coach P.J. Fleck arrived in early 2017, some of his first spring practices included only five healthy offensive linemen. When one got hurt, practice plans went out the window, and with a lack of depth, the format for the spring game had to be altered. Now, Minnesota has more than 15 available offensive linemen at fall practices, and health hasn’t been an issue.
“It’s helped a lot,” Fleck said Monday about continuity on the line. “I wouldn’t say it’s night and day, but it’s better. It’s definitely better. I think as you continue to go through the years you will see it glue and come together more, but they are more together now than they’ve ever been. I think that is a credit to them.”
Leading the way up front are a pair of seniors — Greene from Marietta, Ga., and Weyler from Dayton, Ohio. Both have high expectations for the 2018 season.
Greene, 6-foot-7 and 320 pounds, was honorable mention All-Big Ten last year, and has played in all 25 games since transferring from Coffeyville (Kan.) Community College before the 2016 season. He is the best bet the Gophers have to end a 12-year run without an offensive lineman selected in the NFL Draft...
https://www.twincities.com/2018/08/24/gophers-offensive-line-has-the-greene-light-this-season/
