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Gophers Football Bierman Briefings – Friday, August 14 Practice Highlights
By Luke Gildemeister
http://www.gopherhole.com/news_article/show/543847?referrer_id=388419
Despite the steamy weather in Minneapolis on Friday morning, the Gophers held a shortened, well-orchestrated practice at the Bierman Field Athletic Building. The practice served as the final tune-up prior to Saturday’s full contact scrimmage. Here are some notes and highlights:
-During kickoff drills, numerous players saw reps as returner. Among them were: KJ Maye, Jeff Jones, Briean Boddy-Calhoun, Rodney Smith, Jalen Myrick and Antonio Johnson.
-Freshman quarterback Demry Croft impressed during 11-on-11 drills. He connected with receiver Rashad Still on a 10-yard pass. Later, he hit freshman tight end Bryce Witham for a 20-yard gain. During the same drills, quarterback Mitch Leidner missed receiver Eric Carter on a deep route, but later teamed up with receiver KJ Maye for a short gain.
-Overall, the defense controlled seven-on-seven drills. Quarterbacks Mitch Leidner, Chris Streveler and Demry Croft each took snaps, in that order.
-Wide receivers continued to work on technique and short routes. Receivers coach Brian Anderson could be overheard, muttering, “eyes up!” to his players during drills. Later in practice, the receivers worked on gaining separation against their defensive back teammates during coverage drills.
-Head coach Jerry Kill again closely observed his quarterbacks and wide receivers in what seems to be a trend during fall camp. Due to the heat, he scheduled more water breaks than usual and also concluded practice noticeably early. He was in good spirits on Friday, smiling and chatting with players in between drills.
-Among attendees at Friday’s practice were: interim athletic director Beth Goetz, University of Minnesota president Eric W. Kaler, Tampa Bay Buccaneers director of college scouting Mike Biehl, Pittsburgh Steelers college scout Mike Butler and the Big Ten Network broadcasting crew, who were setting up their booth to broadcast from the Bierman Field Athletic Building.
In summary, Friday’s practice was efficient despite limited contact amidst the sweltering heat. Coaches primarily focused on fundamentals and technique with the players. Let’s hope for an exciting showing at Saturday’s scrimmage, in what should be the most contact we see prior to the TCU game, which stands just 20 days away.
*Due to the Minnesota Vikings preseason game being held at TCF Bank Stadium, Saturday’s scrimmage will be held at 10:10 a.m. at Sea Foam Stadium on the campus of Concordia University in St. Paul. It is free to the public.
By Luke Gildemeister
http://www.gopherhole.com/news_article/show/543847?referrer_id=388419
Despite the steamy weather in Minneapolis on Friday morning, the Gophers held a shortened, well-orchestrated practice at the Bierman Field Athletic Building. The practice served as the final tune-up prior to Saturday’s full contact scrimmage. Here are some notes and highlights:
-During kickoff drills, numerous players saw reps as returner. Among them were: KJ Maye, Jeff Jones, Briean Boddy-Calhoun, Rodney Smith, Jalen Myrick and Antonio Johnson.
-Freshman quarterback Demry Croft impressed during 11-on-11 drills. He connected with receiver Rashad Still on a 10-yard pass. Later, he hit freshman tight end Bryce Witham for a 20-yard gain. During the same drills, quarterback Mitch Leidner missed receiver Eric Carter on a deep route, but later teamed up with receiver KJ Maye for a short gain.
-Overall, the defense controlled seven-on-seven drills. Quarterbacks Mitch Leidner, Chris Streveler and Demry Croft each took snaps, in that order.
-Wide receivers continued to work on technique and short routes. Receivers coach Brian Anderson could be overheard, muttering, “eyes up!” to his players during drills. Later in practice, the receivers worked on gaining separation against their defensive back teammates during coverage drills.
-Head coach Jerry Kill again closely observed his quarterbacks and wide receivers in what seems to be a trend during fall camp. Due to the heat, he scheduled more water breaks than usual and also concluded practice noticeably early. He was in good spirits on Friday, smiling and chatting with players in between drills.
-Among attendees at Friday’s practice were: interim athletic director Beth Goetz, University of Minnesota president Eric W. Kaler, Tampa Bay Buccaneers director of college scouting Mike Biehl, Pittsburgh Steelers college scout Mike Butler and the Big Ten Network broadcasting crew, who were setting up their booth to broadcast from the Bierman Field Athletic Building.
In summary, Friday’s practice was efficient despite limited contact amidst the sweltering heat. Coaches primarily focused on fundamentals and technique with the players. Let’s hope for an exciting showing at Saturday’s scrimmage, in what should be the most contact we see prior to the TCU game, which stands just 20 days away.
*Due to the Minnesota Vikings preseason game being held at TCF Bank Stadium, Saturday’s scrimmage will be held at 10:10 a.m. at Sea Foam Stadium on the campus of Concordia University in St. Paul. It is free to the public.
