BleedGopher
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per Megan:
Smith, 23, had torn the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee as a junior at Mundy’s Mill High School. Then last September, just three offensive plays into the second game of the season against Fresno State, he tore his left ACL. He had surgery again and went right back to work rehabbing and mentoring teammates.
Smith would meet with Ibrahim every Monday to go through the game plan, Burns said, answering any of Ibrahim’s questions. Fleck had Smith travel to every game, so he was even on the sidelines to pump up the young running backs pregame if they lacked energy.
“I got to experience the season through a different lens, having to step back and coach up the younger guys,” Smith said. “Being that role model figure for those guys, despite not playing. Making sure that we had the right practice habits throughout the whole season, watch film, stay on top of things.”
With Smith setting the tone, the running backs have developed deep friendships that make for a selfless group. No harsh feelings, “it’s always love,” according to Ibrahim.
Because of injuries to two senior running backs early last season, Ibrahim quickly went from an unknown to the team’s go-to tailback, finishing with 202 carries for 1,160 yards and nine touchdowns. He credited lessons from Smith and Brooks for much of his success.
Now that there’s a logjam at the top again, Smith and Ibrahim both preach how having depth at running back is a strength, not a threat.
“Everybody’s going to be fresh,” Ibrahim said. “We might go 20 yards, and then somebody else comes in and does another 20 yards, and nobody will be tired. And I think we can use that as a weapon.”
http://www.startribune.com/gophers-...eers-in-backfield-for-final-season/558632352/
Go Gophers!!
Smith, 23, had torn the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee as a junior at Mundy’s Mill High School. Then last September, just three offensive plays into the second game of the season against Fresno State, he tore his left ACL. He had surgery again and went right back to work rehabbing and mentoring teammates.
Smith would meet with Ibrahim every Monday to go through the game plan, Burns said, answering any of Ibrahim’s questions. Fleck had Smith travel to every game, so he was even on the sidelines to pump up the young running backs pregame if they lacked energy.
“I got to experience the season through a different lens, having to step back and coach up the younger guys,” Smith said. “Being that role model figure for those guys, despite not playing. Making sure that we had the right practice habits throughout the whole season, watch film, stay on top of things.”
With Smith setting the tone, the running backs have developed deep friendships that make for a selfless group. No harsh feelings, “it’s always love,” according to Ibrahim.
Because of injuries to two senior running backs early last season, Ibrahim quickly went from an unknown to the team’s go-to tailback, finishing with 202 carries for 1,160 yards and nine touchdowns. He credited lessons from Smith and Brooks for much of his success.
Now that there’s a logjam at the top again, Smith and Ibrahim both preach how having depth at running back is a strength, not a threat.
“Everybody’s going to be fresh,” Ibrahim said. “We might go 20 yards, and then somebody else comes in and does another 20 yards, and nobody will be tired. And I think we can use that as a weapon.”
http://www.startribune.com/gophers-...eers-in-backfield-for-final-season/558632352/
Go Gophers!!