BleedGopher
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Per Randy:
Gophers football coach P.J. Fleck leads what he describes as a life program, one that focuses on the development of players in four ways: academically, athletically, socially and spiritually.
The theory is that someone who pays attention to the details in those four categories will emerge as a high-end performer on the field and an upstanding citizen off it.
It can be a challenging program with strict rules, such as sitting in the front row and wearing collared shirts in the classroom. Fleck has emphasized that his program is not for everyone.
For Deven Eastern, however, the Gophers program was just what he needed at the exact right time.
Eastern, a fifth-year senior from Shakopee, has developed into a defensive tackle who has been a three-year starter for the Gophers with NFL aspirations. He’s done so by transforming himself from a teen who battled emotional and behavioral disorders to a 6-6, 315-pound stalwart who has become a team leader.
“We have high standards, and we have coaches that are willing to develop you every single day,” Eastern said during an interview at Team IFA headquarters in Minneapolis. “At times, it can be difficult when you’ve got guys always pushing you to be your best.
“But just being around a culture that’s built on growing and giving your all eventually pays off. I have a lot of respect for P.J. Fleck and the Gopher staff for what they’ve done for me over the years.”
Go Gophers!!
Gophers football coach P.J. Fleck leads what he describes as a life program, one that focuses on the development of players in four ways: academically, athletically, socially and spiritually.
The theory is that someone who pays attention to the details in those four categories will emerge as a high-end performer on the field and an upstanding citizen off it.
It can be a challenging program with strict rules, such as sitting in the front row and wearing collared shirts in the classroom. Fleck has emphasized that his program is not for everyone.
For Deven Eastern, however, the Gophers program was just what he needed at the exact right time.
Eastern, a fifth-year senior from Shakopee, has developed into a defensive tackle who has been a three-year starter for the Gophers with NFL aspirations. He’s done so by transforming himself from a teen who battled emotional and behavioral disorders to a 6-6, 315-pound stalwart who has become a team leader.
“We have high standards, and we have coaches that are willing to develop you every single day,” Eastern said during an interview at Team IFA headquarters in Minneapolis. “At times, it can be difficult when you’ve got guys always pushing you to be your best.
“But just being around a culture that’s built on growing and giving your all eventually pays off. I have a lot of respect for P.J. Fleck and the Gopher staff for what they’ve done for me over the years.”
Go Gophers!!