Which freshmen play this year?

[John Galt]

I'm ready for a new thread. Given that we have 12 redshirt freshmen currently on the team, it's virtually guaranteed that 5-6 true freshman will play this year. Who do you think plays right away, in order of likelihood? Here's my list:

1. Jeff Jones. Yes we're deep at RB w/o him, but he will get carries and possibly see some time as a slot receiver.
2. Melvin Holland. We all know the receiving group is thin, so it would be surprising if at least 2 of the freshman don't play right away. I think Holland sees the field early and often.
3. Steve Richardson. Ekpe and Botticelli return, but after that we're unproven at DT. The staff has really talked up Steve, and I think he's in the 2-deeps early in the season, if not right away.
4. Connor Krizancic. See #2. He seems to be "college ready," and Gentry might need another year in the weight room.
5. Craig James. I think he plays on special teams and gets spot duty at CB, not because we need him this year, but because we need to season him for next year when he and Myrick will have to contribute.
6. Julien Kafo. This "kid" is already 20 years old and appears physically ready. I think he gets p.t. this year and is in the 2-deeps next year.

 

[Costa Rican Gopher]

1- I think Jeff Jones red-shirts. Or should at least. We're so loaded at RB with Cobb, Kirkwood, Williams & Edwards that I'm not sure how much of an upgrade JJ is at their specific strong suits or how many carries JJ would/should get? I also have a "believe it when I see it" attitude towards Freshman RB's being able to block effectively. That's what usually keeps them off the field at first.

2- Absolutely think Holland will play extensively. Like RB, young WR's often can't find the field because they don't/can't block. Holland is very physical, blocks & is a load. He'll play immediately imo.

3- Agreed on Richardson. Kills seems to have him all but plugged into the depth chart as a true Freshman, sort of like the Ekpe's the past couple years. Botti, Scott Ekpe, Peppers, Tims, Richardson and one of Legania/Hinojosa/Ndondo-Lay should make up the rotation.

4- Krizancic? I've never really thought of him as one of the immediate contributors, but maybe you're right, he does seem like a guy who's college ready? Still, I think we might see Devon Wright finally flourish and not need to throw another Freshman into the fire. I agree Gentry might need a year to bulk up and learn the blocking part of the game.

5- I hadn't envisioned James playing this year, but your argument has me thinking. Just as Myrick getting reps last season makes him a valuable 4th CB this year (Or 3rd CB if someone gets injured), James getting some reps could make him a valuable 4th CB next year (Or 3rd if someone gets injured).

6- Kafo might make some sense too but it'll be hard to get reps with Amaefula (Sr), Cockran (r-Jr), Keith (Jr), H. Ekpe (So), Perry (r-Sr) & Salzwedel (r-Fr) in front of him.

A couple of my own....

7- Dimonic McKinzy. If either Leidner or Streveler gets injured this year (likely) McKinzy could get become the #2 QB & have to be thrown into the fire.

8- Connor Mayes. About as college ready as an incoming OL can be. With Christensen being an unknowon for next year & Bobek probably a long shot, that leaves Tommy Olson at C & probably Zach Epping behind him. If one of them gets hurt, it's conceivable that Connor Mayes could play at Center.

That's about it imo. It's really exciting for a change to look at our incoming Freshman and think "We have too much depth for most of these guys to have a realistic shot of playing this year". Depth chart is really looking solid these days.

 

[60's Guy]

Seems very possible

I'm ready for a new thread. Given that we have 12 redshirt freshmen currently on the team, it's virtually guaranteed that 5-6 true freshman will play this year. Who do you think plays right away, in order of likelihood? Here's my list:

1. Jeff Jones. Yes we're deep at RB w/o him, but he will get carries and possibly see some time as a slot receiver.
2. Melvin Holland. We all know the receiving group is thin, so it would be surprising if at least 2 of the freshman don't play right away. I think Holland sees the field early and often.
3. Steve Richardson. Ekpe and Botticelli return, but after that we're unproven at DT. The staff has really talked up Steve, and I think he's in the 2-deeps early in the season, if not right away.
4. Connor Krizancic. See #2. He seems to be "college ready," and Gentry might need another year in the weight room.
5. Craig James. I think he plays on special teams and gets spot duty at CB, not because we need him this year, but because we need to season him for next year when he and Myrick will have to contribute.
6. Julien Kafo. This "kid" is already 20 years old and appears physically ready. I think he gets p.t. this year and is in the 2-deeps next year.

http://rivals.yahoo.com/minnesota/football/recruiting/commitments/2014

I would think 1,2,3, and 5 are very likely. I'm curious if Krizanncic gets an audition at all at quarterback for the Gophers. He is athletic. He is taller. Streveler has the thumb concern and McKinzy is short. He was an all everything as a senior in Ohio. I assume he's playing QB in the Ohio All Star game? Also, he hasn't played wide receiver for awhile. Don't know that that's not expecting too much? I'd give Gentry the edge to play on skill versus size. But have not really seen either one except on a clip. Holland may be the only wide receiver stepping in depending on health of the incumbents.

Kafo has size, strength and maturity but may lack the skill set to contribute early?

I believe Gary Moore will play at DT.

 

[60's Guy]

1- I think Jeff Jones red-shirts. Or should at least. We're so loaded at RB with Cobb, Kirkwood, Williams & Edwards that I'm not sure how much of an upgrade JJ is at their specific strong suits or how many carries JJ would/should get? I also have a "believe it when I see it" attitude towards Freshman RB's being able to block effectively. That's what usually keeps them off the field at first.

2- Absolutely think Holland will play extensively. Like RB, young WR's often can't find the field because they don't/can't block. Holland is very physical, blocks & is a load. He'll play immediately imo.

3- Agreed on Richardson. Kills seems to have him all but plugged into the depth chart as a true Freshman, sort of like the Ekpe's the past couple years. Botti, Scott Ekpe, Peppers, Tims, Richardson and one of Legania/Hinojosa/Ndondo-Lay should make up the rotation.

4- Krizancic? I've never really thought of him as one of the immediate contributors, but maybe you're right, he does seem like a guy who's college ready? Still, I think we might see Devon Wright finally flourish and not need to throw another Freshman into the fire. I agree Gentry might need a year to bulk up and learn the blocking part of the game.

5- I hadn't envisioned James playing this year, but your argument has me thinking. Just as Myrick getting reps last season makes him a valuable 4th CB this year (Or 3rd CB if someone gets injured), James getting some reps could make him a valuable 4th CB next year (Or 3rd if someone gets injured).

6- Kafo might make some sense too but it'll be hard to get reps with Amaefula (Sr), Cockran (r-Jr), Keith (Jr), H. Ekpe (So), Perry (r-Sr) & Salzwedel (r-Fr) in front of him.

A couple of my own....

7- Dimonic McKinzy. If either Leidner or Streveler gets injured this year (likely) McKinzy could get become the #2 QB & have to be thrown into the fire.

8- Connor Mayes. About as college ready as an incoming OL can be. With Christensen being an unknowon for next year & Bobek probably a long shot, that leaves Tommy Olson at C & probably Zach Epping behind him. If one of them gets hurt, it's conceivable that Connor Mayes could play at Center.

That's about it imo. It's really exciting for a change to look at our incoming Freshman and think "We have too much depth for most of these guys to have a realistic shot of playing this year". Depth chart is really looking solid these days.

Wow! I agree with almost all your points, as I often do...ha..but not always. I do disagree on Jeff Jones. If he is eligible, I'd bet the house he plays. I agree we already have a lot of good backs but Jones didn't come to sit imo. Total guess, but I think he sees himself here three years and onto to the NFL. Just too much local hype, pressure, highly rated recruits watching how he is handled for him to sit unless he asks to which would shock me. And, That's not what I hear. Kirkwood is a senior. Williams needs carries desperately. The Kill hype for Edwards suggests he is being counted on. Cobb, 1,000 yard rusher. I get all that but Jones has to fit in somewhere too imo.

 

[diehard]

The best available will be on the field. It's all about winning. Kill is about winning. This a pretty exciting class coming in. Even though we have some depth (as in like never before) we will see a lot of freshmen on the field. Special teams especially. A rare event when two true freshmen play on the DL should be expected. JJ will be all over the field and pile up a lot of yards.

 

[tikited]

Jones plays if he doesn't want to red shirt. You know Jones, family, and staff talked about this during the recruiting process. I'm guessing Jones wants to play right away. No way the coaching staff and Jones aren't on the same page imo.

 

[jaymil]

I think Elmore is a possibility as well as Jerry Gibson. I know we're pretty deep at TE but Plsek and Goodger just don't have the athleticism those two have and we may want to put another pass catching threat out there to compliment Maxx.

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[MadtownGopher]

I think Jones probably plays, but I think the biggest benefit to having him redshirt would be to have him focus on academics to make sure he stays eligible throughout his entire career.

 

[Killjoy]

Kill has already said that at least two of the 2014 defensive linemen recruited will play this fall and maybe even three.

 

[BJN]

This really is difficult.

Holland and likely Jones play right away on offense but that's probably about it.

On D, James will get some reps so he's ready for next year. Likely one or two of Richardson, Moore, and Kafo, too.

 

[e.bigelow]

I think Jeff Jones, possibly one of the WR recruits (Holland JR. most likely) and possibly both DT recruits.

 

[Spoofin]

My money is on J.Jones, M.Holland, S.Richardson, and C.James all playing. Not sure who else, but these 4 will, IMO.

 

[Pompous Elitist]

Cody Poock, Conner Mayes, Richardson, Holland Jr, Stelter or Moore. Kill said 2 , maybe 3 DL will play. Perhaps Elmore at DE then? Kafo? He's used to Canadian rules, may take some time to mentally transition.

Is Stelter college-ready? Has anyone seen him play?

I'm sure Jones will play if eligible. Like everyone else I don't see how you keep a 4 star talent off the field when we need to win yesterday. He might start out in the slot and get more carries if his blocking is up to par.

 

[Halsey Hall]

Wow! I agree with almost all your points, as I often do...ha..but not always. I do disagree on Jeff Jones. If he is eligible, I'd bet the house he plays. I agree we already have a lot of good backs but Jones didn't come to sit imo. Total guess, but I think he sees himself here three years and onto to the NFL. Just too much local hype, pressure, highly rated recruits watching how he is handled for him to sit unless he asks to which would shock me. And, That's not what I hear. Kirkwood is a senior. Williams needs carries desperately. The Kill hype for Edwards suggests he is being counted on. Cobb, 1,000 yard rusher. I get all that but Jones has to fit in somewhere too imo.

There were Cobb runs last year (especially against Indiana) where Jones scores and Cobb doesn't.

 

[Pompous Elitist]

If you believe 40 times I don't know if he is a lot faster based on a blurb from a camp last year...but like Sammy Watkins he has those incredible fast twitch moves to make guys miss and get the extra yards.

Watkins ran a 4.43, plenty fast but he plays even faster b/c he is so fast twitch. Brock Vereen ran a 4 47 and I think the avg goph fan was surprised at that b/c he never seemed as quick as he is fast if that makes any sense..

 

[die hard gopher]

There were Cobb runs last year (especially against Indiana) where Jones scores and Cobb doesn't.

Jeff Jones isn't that much faster then Cobb, Kirkwood or Williams. Its his acceleration and burst, lateral ability, vision and hands that make him great, so i don't know if it would have mattered however there will be times where he will make a guy miss in space when cobb would't have been able to. I however believe that Rodney Smith actually has a better slightly better combo of speed and power then Jeff by watching film. they are both about 200 pounds and both lowered the should a lot in there hudl highlights but it looked like Rodney is faster and has more breakaway speed. When you factor in all of the other things though jeff is the superior talent.

 

[die hard gopher]

I would like to just play Jeff and Melvin Holland and redshirt every single recruit besides those 2 as i think we will be able to afford to do so but it doesn't look like it by what Kill has said. Wisconsin last year started 8 former redshirts on D and 10 on O which is very impressive. We won't be able to say that when we have more then just a few very talented guys at the skill positions that don't redshirt. I don't think any D-lineman unless he is a 5 star has any business waisting his RS and playing as a true freshman. Especially at DT. You would also think we wouldn't need to play Craig James at all either as DB is our best unit and has a lot of depth. I'd say we waisted Myrick's RS last year as he didn't really play that much to burn it.

 

[oleboy41]

I'm ready for a new thread. Given that we have 12 redshirt freshmen currently on the team, it's virtually guaranteed that 5-6 true freshman will play this year. Who do you think plays right away, in order of likelihood? Here's my list:

1. Jeff Jones. Yes we're deep at RB w/o him, but he will get carries and possibly see some time as a slot receiver.
2. Melvin Holland. We all know the receiving group is thin, so it would be surprising if at least 2 of the freshman don't play right away. I think Holland sees the field early and often.
3. Steve Richardson. Ekpe and Botticelli return, but after that we're unproven at DT. The staff has really talked up Steve, and I think he's in the 2-deeps early in the season, if not right away.
4. Connor Krizancic. See #2. He seems to be "college ready," and Gentry might need another year in the weight room.
5. Craig James. I think he plays on special teams and gets spot duty at CB, not because we need him this year, but because we need to season him for next year when he and Myrick will have to contribute.
6. Julien Kafo. This "kid" is already 20 years old and appears physically ready. I think he gets p.t. this year and is in the 2-deeps next year.

I'd say that's pretty spot on. Jones has the talent with the ball in his hand to play right away. The question is if his all around game is ready. He'll have to earn PT as Cobb is a proven work horse, Williams and Kirkwood are power backs that have shown they can do some positive things and Edwards is the change of pace guy. Jones will have to find a role.

I think 2 of the incoming WRs play but that could change. As of now we're basically 5 deep at WR with Fruechte, Woli, Jones, Maye and Carter. Hutton played last year and Devon Wright is still hanging around so that's 7 guys. I can definitely see Holland playing and getting reps split out. Connor K appears physical enough and could potentially help in the return game but I don't know if they'll need him this year.

Richardson seems like a lock to play and as you said Kafo is so physically ready he can likely at least help on ST even if he's too raw for base D right now

James probably plays because the staff seems to hate to RS corners and he's supposedly a really good return man.

 

[Costa Rican Gopher]

I would like to just play Jeff and Melvin Holland and redshirt every single recruit besides those 2 as i think we will be able to afford to do so but it doesn't look like it by what Kill has said. Wisconsin last year started 8 former redshirts on D and 10 on O which is very impressive. We won't be able to say that when we have more then just a few very talented guys at the skill positions that don't redshirt. I don't think any D-lineman unless he is a 5 star has any business waisting his RS and playing as a true freshman. Especially at DT. You would also think we wouldn't need to play Craig James at all either as DB is our best unit and has a lot of depth. I'd say we waisted Myrick's RS last year as he didn't really play that much to burn it.

I disagree that we wasted Myrick's red shirt. We play 3 CB's on a regular basis, which means we must have 4 competent CB's. Right now Murray & Myrick are #1 & #2. Wells should be ready by Fall practice but history says the shoulder could get re-injured at some point & BBC's knee probably won't be 100% until the B1G season. It's nice to know Myrick played some last year & will be ready to step in if we need him.

That's the same recipe we'd be applying to Craig James as well. Get him some reps this year so that next year it's #1-Murray (Sr), #2-BBC (Sr), #3-Myrick (Jr), #4-James (So).

 

[die hard gopher]

I disagree that we wasted Myrick's red shirt. We play 3 CB's on a regular basis, which means we must have 4 competent CB's. Right now Murray & Myrick are #1 & #2. Wells should be ready by Fall practice but history says the shoulder could get re-injured at some point & BBC's knee probably won't be 100% until the B1G season. It's nice to know Myrick played some last year & will be ready to step in if we need him.

That's the same recipe we'd be applying to Craig James as well. Get him some reps this year so that next year it's #1-Murray (Sr), #2-BBC (Sr), #3-Myrick (Jr), #4-James (So).

Why can't you just get Craig James some reps as a RS freshman so that for his RS sophomore year he will be ready to go? Same goes for Murray and Myrick so that by the time that they will be getting a few reps they have a big ten ready body which is essentially the reason for redshirting guys. Also Myrick was not on the 2 deeps for most of the year. Baltazar, Shabazz, Murray, Vereen/Wells and a healthy BBC were all ahead of him so i think we definitely could have afforded to keep his RS.

 

[Dr.Don]

I am going to be like lots of Holers who over analyze things: I don't know.

 

[John Galt]

Why can't you just get Craig James some reps as a RS freshman so that for his RS sophomore year he will be ready to go? Same goes for Murray and Myrick so that by the time that they will be getting a few reps they have a big ten ready body which is essentially the reason for redshirting guys. Also Myrick was not on the 2 deeps for most of the year. Baltazar, Shabazz, Murray, Vereen/Wells and a healthy BBC were all ahead of him so i think we definitely could have afforded to keep his RS.

I hear what you're saying, but this is the same appoach they took with Wells, Antonio Johnson, and Demarius Travis. They let a kid play as a true freshman not because they necessarily need him as a freshman, but because they know they will need him as a sophomore. Myrick probably wasn't "needed"on the field this year, but he will be in 2014. The seasoning he got should pay dividends.

 

[fryguy22]

Why can't you just get Craig James some reps as a RS freshman so that for his RS sophomore year he will be ready to go? Same goes for Murray and Myrick so that by the time that they will be getting a few reps they have a big ten ready body which is essentially the reason for redshirting guys. Also Myrick was not on the 2 deeps for most of the year. Baltazar, Shabazz, Murray, Vereen/Wells and a healthy BBC were all ahead of him so i think we definitely could have afforded to keep his RS.

The "healthy BBC" ahead of him isn't really a valid argument though, since BBC was only healthy for about 15% of the season

 

[corcoran1]

Killjoy is right CKill has said two or maybe three freshmen DL will play. I am assuming Stelter is the DL who will definitely RS.
I really hope Krisancic will be given a look at QB. The kid is a terrific athlete.
I expect Gentry to RS, just to adjust to college academics. Adding Carter to the active WR roster should make RSing both Krisancic and Gentry possible (with CKill possible does not mean probable).
We do not need the freshmen TEs to play this season, I hope they both RS. CMayes should RS, even though he is physically the best center on the team as a freshman, his total performance will not be better than the upper class centers this year because of his inexperience in calling blocking assignments.
JJ will play. CKill said he expects him to be a first round draft choice, if I heard him correctly so there is no point in RSing him, he will not be here 5 years.
James plays. We do not RS freshmen DBs who can contribute.
Poock starts.
Hopefully Gary Moore RS, but it will be tough to convince CKill to let him RS.

 

[CDH27]

I think Gentry and Holland may play because of the lack of WR depth. I think Moore has the size to play as a freshman. James may get a chance to play.

 

[MNVCGUY]

I am surprised there is not more concern being expressed in regards to the prospect of true freshmen starting on the DL next year. I think in regards to Jones it will really depend on his ability to block, I am in the camp that hopes he can redshirt next year but if he is as good as advertised he will almost certainly play.

 

[die hard gopher]

Killjoy is right CKill has said two or maybe three freshmen DL will play. I am assuming Stelter is the DL who will definitely RS.
I really hope Krisancic will be given a look at QB. The kid is a terrific athlete.
I expect Gentry to RS, just to adjust to college academics. Adding Carter to the active WR roster should make RSing both Krisancic and Gentry possible (with CKill possible does not mean probable).
We do not need the freshmen TEs to play this season, I hope they both RS. CMayes should RS, even though he is physically the best center on the team as a freshman, his total performance will not be better than the upper class centers this year because of his inexperience in calling blocking assignments.
JJ will play. CKill said he expects him to be a first round draft choice, if I heard him correctly so there is no point in RSing him, he will not be here 5 years.
James plays. We do not RS freshmen DBs who can contribute.
Poock starts.
Hopefully Gary Moore RS, but it will be tough to convince CKill to let him RS.

Where did you here that? Not that he wouldn't be. Also Rallis is starting ahead of Poock on the first teams LBs.

 

[die hard gopher]

Gary Moore if i understand correctly has all the physicals tools but is very raw technique wise so i would hope we can redshirt him.

 

[Costa Rican Gopher]

Where did you here that? Not that he wouldn't be. Also Rallis is starting ahead of Poock on the first teams LBs.

I remember Jack Lynn technically being ahead of Damien Wilson when he first got here & thinking "that won't last long". Same deal here. I think Rallis gets overlooked & should be in the mix this year, but Kill has been absolutely raving about Poock all through Spring camp. Everyone who's been attending practices comes away saying Poock is absolutely bringing the wood & that we can pencil him in along with Wilson & Campbell as the starters. I'll be shocked if Poock is not the starter.

 

[Costa Rican Gopher]

Why can't you just get Craig James some reps as a RS freshman so that for his RS sophomore year he will be ready to go? Same goes for Murray and Myrick so that by the time that they will be getting a few reps they have a big ten ready body which is essentially the reason for redshirting guys. Also Myrick was not on the 2 deeps for most of the year. Baltazar, Shabazz, Murray, Vereen/Wells and a healthy BBC were all ahead of him so i think we definitely could have afforded to keep his RS.

I think you play James because presumably the following year he'll be getting regular snaps as our #4 CB behind Murray (Sr), BBC (Sr) & Myrick (Jr). Why throw a player who's never played a snap in a real game in that position if you don't have to? It's also not far fetched to think someone could get injured, transfer, whatever & suddenly we're counting on him as the #3. We'd be kicking ourselves for not getting him some game reps as a Freshman if that happened.

Could we have afforded to red shirt Myrick? Absolutely. Especially when BBC was still healthy & we had 5 or 6 (if you count Vereen?) guys ahead of him. He still played though & that tells you how committed the staff is to developing an experienced 4th CB for the following season. I'd be a lot more nervous about the CB position right now with Wells & BBC injured if Murray was the only healthy CB with any game experience.

Plus, as OleBoy said he returns punts. That's a separate issue of course, but many believe he'll be our PR this year. He's that good.