Minnesota Gophers 2024: Anthony Smith’s Versatility Key to Defensive Line Success

[BleedGopher]

Per BVM:

The Minnesota Gophers' defensive line is set to be one of its most talented groups under coach P.J. Fleck, bolstered by returning veterans Danny Striggow, Jalen Logan-Redding, and Jah Joyner, along with LSU transfer Jaxon Howard. Sophomore Anthony Smith, a highly-rated recruit, has shown promising potential with 16 pressures and 2 sacks in his redshirt freshman season. His versatility allows him to play multiple positions, providing the Gophers with tactical flexibility on defense. Coach Fleck highlights the importance of mobility within the defensive line, which should enhance performance on the field. The team's depth could lead to a strong showing in the competitive Big Ten conference.

By the Numbers

• Smith had 16 total pressures and 2 sacks last season.
• He's ranked as the No. 220 player in the 2022 recruiting class.

State of Play

• The Gophers' defense is adapting multifaceted strategies with talented linemen.
• Smith is expected to rotate between inside and outside positions in 2024.

What's Next
As the 2024 season approaches, Minnesota's defensive line will seek to refine their strategies and maximize their talent through varied rotations. Smith's unique skill set may elevate the defensive unit, offering more complex formations to challenge opposing offenses.

Bottom Line
The Gophers' defensive line depth presents a significant advantage in the Big Ten. If they effectively utilize players like Anthony Smith in versatile roles, they could dominate in the trenches, leading to improved performance on the scoreboard.

Minnesota Gophers 2024: Anthony Smith's Versatility Key to Defensive Line Success

The Minnesota Gophers' defensive line is set to be one of its most talented groups under coach P.J. Fleck, bolstered by returning veterans Danny Striggow, Jalen

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Go Gophers!!

 

[MonikerSchmoniker45]

Love the idea of moving Smith around to put him on the opponent's weakest lineman and letting him wreak havoc.

 

[MNVCGUY]

Smith looks like a beast out there at 6'6" 285. He has shown a some flashes of the player he could become and hopefully this is the year he busts out in a big way.

We have some exciting prospects along the D-Line in guys like Smith, Eastern, Joyner, Howard....to go along with some of the established guys as well.

Has been a while since D-Line was a strength of this team but it feels like we could be on the verge of that happening. A disruptive defensive line would make life a lot easier for the LBs and DBs.

 

[jonnyganas]

I keep hearing about versatility and moving guys around in this new defense. I heard Fleck mention yesterday that they wanted to do more of this in previous season(s) but now feel like they have the guys to do it. But with a new coordinator, new schemes and guys playing multiple roles, that could be risky or take time to pull off. Whatever they do, they NEED to be better than last year.

 

[GopherMarroon]

Not mentioned, incoming Riley Sunram is highly rated. Others would know better when he may be ready to make an impact.

Defensive line is the crown jewels. It's so elusive.

Riley Sunram, Minnesota Golden Gophers, Defensive Line

Member of 247Sports’ 2024 Freaks List. Also plays basketball and competes in shot put, discus, and javelin. As a junior, won the North Dakota Class B state...

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