RBs this year

[wait!what?]

From what I saw last year Kirkwood really had some skill but this year we haven't heard much about him. Is he still on the team? If so, he should easily be considered the 3rd and possibly 2nd back in the lineup.

 

[Frod0]

Definately still on the team. Do you follow the Gophers at all? He was just hurt and took a medical redshirt. His size and speed or lack thereof may start to mean that the other freshman and RS Frosh (Wright and Edwards respectively) will push him for more PT.

 

[corcoran1]

he looked great today.

 

[BleedGopher]

Marcus article on this very topic: Minnesota Gophers competition among running backs is hot and heavy this spring

http://www.twincities.com/gophers/ci_17830804

Go Gophers!!

 

[Bob_Loblaw]

That last line in that article scares me quite a bit. (It says something about Brooks Michel and Jimmy Gjere experiencing concussion like symptoms).

Michel missed a lot of time last year and even had to leave school because of issues with concussions so it could be pretty severe in his case. First and foremost, it's a serious thing and I hope he is alright. Secondly, I also this doesn't jeopardize his football career. I know that is jumping to conclusions, but people don't mess around with those anymore.

Lastly, our offensive line could really be hurting if guys like Michel (probably our most reliable backup) and Gjere get dinged up.

 

[BleedGopher]

1500 AM on the RB situation:

http://1500espn.com/sportswire/Notebook_Group_mentality_taking_hold_at_running_back041311

Go Gophers!!

 

[dpodoll68]

1500 AM on the RB situation:

http://1500espn.com/sportswire/Notebook_Group_mentality_taking_hold_at_running_back041311

Go Gophers!!

Interesting that they mention Gatling. No offense to the kid or anything, but I've never heard of him as anything more than roster filler. Perhaps he's opening some eyes this spring?

 

[corcoran1]

He kind of reminds of a combination of Eskridge and Bennett. Not as shifty as Bennett, or have as much lean as Eskridge, but the same size and shape, probably less top end speed, but I have only seen of him on short runs. 5'9", and 200 lbs, or something like that. Does not look he will beat the other guys out, but attacks the LOS pretty well. Runs hard.
Could not figure out where Kirkwood gets the power and then saw him up close after practice, 50% of his body weight, complete utter guess, must be from the waist to the knees. Bennett is similar, but less obvious. I don't think there is anything most people could ever due to develop thigh muscles like that are actually still flexible. Thinking back to Barry Sanders, who was also built like that, having that much of your weight that low must be an incredible advantage in shifting directions with power.

 

[GopherInPittsburgh]

Interesting that they mention Gatling. No offense to the kid or anything, but I've never heard of him as anything more than roster filler. Perhaps he's opening some eyes this spring?

Best last name ever.

 

[wait!what?]

Thanks!

Yeah, after reading the Tues 4/12 FBT - I did not see Kirkwood's name and I thought I may have missed something but the links in this thread have reassured me that DK should be ready for 2011.

 

[Bob_Loblaw]

Interesting that they mention Gatling. No offense to the kid or anything, but I've never heard of him as anything more than roster filler. Perhaps he's opening some eyes this spring?

This could definitely be the case, but I don't think he sees much of the field unless Wright doesn't qualify (or if Edwards is moved). I know I promised I wouldn't bring up the Edwards moving but after Hammock said that he will be a RB, but now with Hammock gone and it being mildly hinted at a couple times, I had to chime in.