PP: Expect Gophers' running backs to catch more passes, Fleck says

[BleedGopher]

per Greder:

The Gophers’ plans to expand the role of Rodney Smith last season were foiled when the standout running back suffered a season-ending knee injury in the second game. Those plans are now back in play.

Head coach P.J. Fleck told WCCO-AM on Sunday, July 28, he hopes to get Smith more involved in the passing game when the season starts Aug. 29 against South Dakota State at TCF Bank Stadium.

“Rodney Smith has worked really hard in terms of not just the running back position, but he’s also worked really hard at playing wide receiver,” Fleck said on the radio. “… Last year, he got hurt, so we weren’t able to show it, but he can really do a lot of things in the slot.”

Minnesota's running back depth could allow for personnel packages featuring two running backs, but don’t expect both to be lined in the backfield. That’s not offensive coordinator Kirk Ciarrocca’s style, Fleck said.

“Somehow, someway,” Fleck said. “… They are really going to like it.”

https://www.brainerddispatch.com/sp...running-backs-to-catch-more-passes-Fleck-says

Go Gophers!!

 

[A_Slab_of_Bacon]

Maybe ... but I also sort of expect coach's to say this for strategic reasons.

I don't doubt we'll see some of it but when the season gets harder we will see if it is a regular thing or not.