BleedGopher
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per Sid:
Gophers NFL talent
Last season, the Gophers had 10 players in the NFL: cornerbacks Briean Boddy-Calhoun (Colts) and Marcus Sherels (Vikings), linebackers De’Vondre Campbell (Falcons), Blake Cashman (Jets) and Damien Wilson (Chiefs), offensive tackles Donnell Greene (Jaguars), Nate Wozniak (Falcons), defensive tackle Ra’Shede Hageman (Falcons), safety Eric Murray (Browns) and tight end Maxx Williams (Cardinals).
The program is starting to turn a corner when it comes to producing pro-level talent, and it will show in the draft this year.
The Gophers had four players taking part in the NFL combine, the marquee event for draft prospects: linebackers Carter Coughlin and Kamal Martin, defensive back Antoine Winfield Jr. and wide receiver Tyler Johnson.
All four have a real shot to be drafted in April and play in the NFL. Not to mention that seniors such as running backs Rodney Smith and Shannon Brooks, who were not invited to the combine, could see NFL action.
That the Gophers have as many invites to the combine as Wisconsin speaks a great deal about how Fleck is succeeding at building a program that can produce talent at the next level.
“Eventually I think every player wants to be able to be put in a position where they could play on Sunday,” Fleck said about talking to recruits. “I don’t know how many people just want to play college football. ... They want to be able to maximize their talents, not only at this level but hopefully at the next level, as well.”
The fact is that when it comes to recruiting, it is a big selling point for Fleck and his staff when their players reach the NFL, even if it means they sometimes lose a player like Winfield before his eligibility is up.
www.startribune.com
Go Gophers!!
Gophers NFL talent
Last season, the Gophers had 10 players in the NFL: cornerbacks Briean Boddy-Calhoun (Colts) and Marcus Sherels (Vikings), linebackers De’Vondre Campbell (Falcons), Blake Cashman (Jets) and Damien Wilson (Chiefs), offensive tackles Donnell Greene (Jaguars), Nate Wozniak (Falcons), defensive tackle Ra’Shede Hageman (Falcons), safety Eric Murray (Browns) and tight end Maxx Williams (Cardinals).
The program is starting to turn a corner when it comes to producing pro-level talent, and it will show in the draft this year.
The Gophers had four players taking part in the NFL combine, the marquee event for draft prospects: linebackers Carter Coughlin and Kamal Martin, defensive back Antoine Winfield Jr. and wide receiver Tyler Johnson.
All four have a real shot to be drafted in April and play in the NFL. Not to mention that seniors such as running backs Rodney Smith and Shannon Brooks, who were not invited to the combine, could see NFL action.
That the Gophers have as many invites to the combine as Wisconsin speaks a great deal about how Fleck is succeeding at building a program that can produce talent at the next level.
“Eventually I think every player wants to be able to be put in a position where they could play on Sunday,” Fleck said about talking to recruits. “I don’t know how many people just want to play college football. ... They want to be able to maximize their talents, not only at this level but hopefully at the next level, as well.”
The fact is that when it comes to recruiting, it is a big selling point for Fleck and his staff when their players reach the NFL, even if it means they sometimes lose a player like Winfield before his eligibility is up.
University of Minnesota shines in athletics, academics
Beyond on-field success, the Gophers have high graduation rates and grade-point averages.
www.startribune.com
Go Gophers!!
