Gophers Football Briefings from Bierman: First Practice Highlights

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Gophers Football Briefings from Bierman: First Practice Highlights
By Luke Gildemeister

http://www.gopherhole.com/news_article/show/541802?referrer_id=388419

The Minnesota Gophers kicked off their first practice of fall camp Friday morning, just moments after the startling news broke regarding the resignation of Gophers Athletic Director Norwood Teague. Despite the controversy surrounding the Bierman Field Athletic Building, players and coaches seemed focused and upbeat throughout the two-hour practice. Here are some highlights from day one:

-Linebackers coach Mike Sherels was very vocal and positive with his group, using an energetic approach to stress correct form and technique with Jack Lynn, Jonathan Celestin and De’Vondre Campbell, who seemed to be in outstanding shape.

-Redshirt freshman Isaiah Gentry stood out with his impressive speed and acceleration throughout multiple drills, even against his defensive counterparts. He seems to maneuver well, using his 6’4”, 206 lb. frame to his advantage.

-Head Coach Jerry Kill and Graduate Assistant Adam Weber spent a considerable amount of time instructing freshmen wide receivers Hunter Register, Louis Tuszynski, Adam Mayer and Matt Morse as they ran routes for incoming freshman quarterback Demry Croft.

-Senior defensive back Briean Boddy-Calhoun gained quite the ovation from his defensive teammates when he picked off a dart thrown by quarterback Mitch Leidner. Later in practice, redshirt junior linebacker Jack Lynn drew similar applause when he read and intercepted a mid-range route.

Despite the troubling news concerning Norwood Teague, Gopher players and coaches were an animated bunch on Friday, merely excited to finally start fall practice. Expect the enthusiastic approach to continue in practices this weekend.
 

"Redshirt freshman Isaiah Gentry stood out with his impressive speed and acceleration throughout multiple drills, even against his defensive counterparts. He seems to maneuver well, using his 6’4”, 206 lb. frame to his advantage." This is good, no great news.

I have said since I saw his recruiting tape, this kid is special. And Coach Kill has said they will push him to be great. 6'4 with fluid speed, Ski U Man!
 

I have been waiting to see some explosiveness at offense.

The Gophers seem to be focusing on improving the passing attack for the upcoming season.
 

I have been waiting to see some explosiveness at offense.

The Gophers seem to be focusing on improving the passing attack for the upcoming season.

+1. If we can develop even just a more consistent passing (not suggesting it has to be prolific...although of course that would be great too!!) game to loosen up and keep defenses guessing more then it is a given that our offense can do some pretty great things this year and going forward, as I am more than confident in our running game.
 

"Redshirt freshman Isaiah Gentry stood out with his impressive speed and acceleration throughout multiple drills, even against his defensive counterparts. He seems to maneuver well, using his 6’4”, 206 lb. frame to his advantage." This is good, no great news.

I have said since I saw his recruiting tape, this kid is special. And Coach Kill has said they will push him to be great. 6'4 with fluid speed, Ski U Man!

Husker- I will continue to watch him on a daily basis. Definitely am rooting for him!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 



GopherLady, Joe C, & others who have press credentials and access to regular football practices:

Can you keep tabs on how well our backup QBs Streveler, Perra, and Rhoda are doing without violating Coach Kill's policy on divulging details? I just want to know who is playing well.

They have a long hard season ahead of them, and we certainly like to see these backups have touches in practice & garbage time during the regular season.

With Mitch playing well enough the last two seasons, these guys have the luxury that Marqueis Gray and Philip Nelson did not have to bulk up and develop. It is time they take the next step. It is too bad we did not see Perra in the Spring scrimmage being injured.

Next year's Fall Practice will be very interesting with the QB battles. We will like to see some stiff healthy competition.
 

thanks for the bierman briefinds luke, fun read.

+1 on hoping for insight on qb2 battle. also i'd be curious to hear how many reps jeff jones does get in the backfield.
 

GopherLady, Joe C, & others who have press credentials and access to regular football practices:

Can you keep tabs on how well our backup QBs Streveler, Perra, and Rhoda are doing without violating Coach Kill's policy on divulging details? I just want to know who is playing well.

They have a long hard season ahead of them, and we certainly like to see these backups have touches in practice & garbage time during the regular season.

With Mitch playing well enough the last two seasons, these guys have the luxury that Marqueis Gray and Philip Nelson did not have to bulk up and develop. It is time they take the next step. It is too bad we did not see Perra in the Spring scrimmage being injured.

Next year's Fall Practice will be very interesting with the QB battles. We will like to see some stiff healthy competition.

I have always assumed and believed that the rules for "the press" are not the same as for the fans who attend the practices. The press certainly does report on how individuals performed at the practices. I would be interested to hear if there are any restrictions as to what they can report on, and if so, what they are. I would be surprised if they are limited as long as they use common sense.
 



"Redshirt freshman Isaiah Gentry stood out with his impressive speed and acceleration throughout multiple drills, even against his defensive counterparts. He seems to maneuver well, using his 6’4”, 206 lb. frame to his advantage." This is good, no great news.

I have said since I saw his recruiting tape, this kid is special. And Coach Kill has said they will push him to be great. 6'4 with fluid speed, Ski U Man!

husker70,

Just curious ........... what were your impressions after watching Holland's tape. Only reason I ask is I thought he impressed me as every bit as much as Gentry.

Nice to see these kids out there and a part of the Gophers!
 

+1. If we can develop even just a more consistent passing (not suggesting it has to be prolific...although of course that would be great too!!) game to loosen up and keep defenses guessing more then it is a given that our offense can do some pretty great things this year and going forward, as I am more than confident in our running game.

Anyone concerned with the fact that Leidner was picked off twice on the first day?
 

Anyone concerned with the fact that Leidner was picked off twice on the first day?

Knew someone would go there. I'd expect Leidner to be picked off more early in camp than later in camp.
 

Anyone concerned with the fact that Leidner was picked off twice on the first day?

About the same level of concern I'd have with our secondary if they gave up a 70 yard TD in practice...minimal
 





Anyone concerned with the fact that Leidner was picked off twice on the first day?

No and it is a stupid question for so many reasons. But congratulations, you do win the prize for the first practice posting raising doubt about Leidner. There certainly are questions that need to be answered but day one is a tiny bit early archy. I would say that you have really have jumped the gun with your question.:banghead::horse::banghead::horse:
 

Anyone concerned with the fact that Leidner was picked off twice on the first day?

Depends on how you look at it. Is it a result of bad QB play? Or a result of a great defense? I am taking the more optimistic approach here.
 





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