Megan picks Boye Mafe as a new defensive starter who will have the biggest impact this season

[BleedGopher]

per Megan's Q&A:

Q: Which new starter do you think will have the biggest impact in 2020? – Jason Hendrix
A: Mmm, this is a tough one because I think there’s a couple answers on defense (where, like, all the new starters are). I think the easy pick is Boye Mafe at rush end as Carter Coughlin’s successor. Gophers coach P.J. Fleck was boasting about Mafe’s 40-inch vertical and general speed ahead of spring ball, calling the junior “twitched up.” I also randomly spent some time around him at the Outback Bowl when I went on a pilgrimage through Busch Gardens for a story, and he seemed like a really fun guy. But honestly, there’s a lot of guys on defense that excite me. I want to see what sophomore Tyler Nubin can do in Antoine Winfield Jr.’s stead. I’m intrigued by Justus Harris finally in a starting role at nickel. Braelen Oliver at linebacker. Honestly, I’m even looking forward to seeing new punter Mark Crawford. I’m so desperate for sports, please bring them back.

You've Got Mailbag: Which new Gophers starter will have the most impact in 2020?

There's going to be some turnover at key positions for University of Minnesota football in 2020? Who are the likely candidates to step forward?

www.startribune.com

Go Gophers!!

 

[Urbandale]

Is Megan not up-to-date on news, or have I been reading it wrong? I thought Braelen Oliver had a severe injury and is presumed out for the year.

 

[UpAndUnder43]

Is Megan not up-to-date on news, or have I been reading it wrong? I thought Braelen Oliver had a severe injury and is presumed out for the year.

That I have not seen.

 

[Urbandale]

That I have not seen.

I'll go on the assumption that I don't know what I'm talking about. I'm social distancing from actual knowledge.

 

[A_Slab_of_Bacon]

I'll go on the assumption that I don't know what I'm talking about. I'm social distancing from actual knowledge.

 

[PitinoFan]

Is Megan not up-to-date on news, or have I been reading it wrong? I thought Braelen Oliver had a severe injury and is presumed out for the year.

He has an injury, but that’s all we know for certain.

 

[KoolAid]

There were some hints at something (injury or non-injury) being off with Oliver. But I would think Megan has a lot more inside info than we do. This kid Oliver sure looks like he's on track to be playing on Sundays...3 more years with him

 

[RememberMurray]

I'm optimistic that Mafe will do a fine job taking over Coughlin's spot.

I'm pretty confident that Oliver (if healthy) and Sori-Marin can step in more than adequately for Barber and Martin.

But I don't think anybody is likely to replace Winfield without there being some type of drop-off. I hope I'm wrong, but Antoine was an All-American for a reason. He is an amazing, special player.

 

[#2Gopher]

I could have sworn that Fleck said that Oliver will be back. What he meant by that I don't know. This year, next year? Couldn't get a read on that.

 

[Veritas]

I'm optimistic that Mafe will do a fine job taking over Coughlin's spot.

I'm pretty confident that Oliver (if healthy) and Sori-Marin can step in more than adequately for Barber and Martin.

I'm optimistic that Mafe will do a fine job taking over Coughlin's spot.

I'm pretty confident that Oliver (if healthy) and Sori-Marin can step in more than adequately for Barber and Martin.

But I don't think anybody is likely to replace Winfield without there being some type of drop-off. I hope I'm wrong, but Antoine was an All-American for a reason. He is an amazing, special player.

Just finished watching the PSU game again and I will say what I have said before: we are going to have a hard time replacing the defensive players who made plays in that game. We may or may not get there, but seven out of eleven is a lot.