Iceland12
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Didn't see a thread on this. Sorry if I missed it but it's pretty good.
http://www.twincities.com/sports/ci_28779402/gophers-football-running-back-rodney-smith-earns-an
Gophers freshman running back Rodney Smith did not make a single mistake in the 46 snaps he took in Minnesota's 23-17 loss Thursday to Texas Christian, coach Jerry Kill said Tuesday.
"He's the only back I've had in a long time that played 46 plays and he graded out perfect, never made a mistake -- not in pass protection, not running the ball, no mental errors," Kill said. "So, I'd say he needs to play more."
Smith ran 16 times for 88 yards, averaging 5.5-yards a carry, and scored a touchdown. He had the most yards in a Gophers running back's debut since Amir Pinnix also had 88 yards and a TD in 2004.
Smith, of Jonesboro, Ga., said redshirting last season was a big reason for his sucess.
"I learned a lot from these older guys ... and knowing what to do helps ... so it wasn't that much of a challenge," Smith said.
Kill said the coaching staff did not consider playing Smith last year. And while Kill was high on Smith's potential during spring practice and fall camp, Thursday's performance still stood out.
"Do you expect a freshman running back to do that well?" Kill said. "No, not in the first game."
http://www.twincities.com/sports/ci_28779402/gophers-football-running-back-rodney-smith-earns-an
Gophers freshman running back Rodney Smith did not make a single mistake in the 46 snaps he took in Minnesota's 23-17 loss Thursday to Texas Christian, coach Jerry Kill said Tuesday.
"He's the only back I've had in a long time that played 46 plays and he graded out perfect, never made a mistake -- not in pass protection, not running the ball, no mental errors," Kill said. "So, I'd say he needs to play more."
Smith ran 16 times for 88 yards, averaging 5.5-yards a carry, and scored a touchdown. He had the most yards in a Gophers running back's debut since Amir Pinnix also had 88 yards and a TD in 2004.
Smith, of Jonesboro, Ga., said redshirting last season was a big reason for his sucess.
"I learned a lot from these older guys ... and knowing what to do helps ... so it wasn't that much of a challenge," Smith said.
Kill said the coaching staff did not consider playing Smith last year. And while Kill was high on Smith's potential during spring practice and fall camp, Thursday's performance still stood out.
"Do you expect a freshman running back to do that well?" Kill said. "No, not in the first game."
