Gophers look to avenge the 2011 loss to New Mexico State at TCF Bank Stadium.
On Tuesday, Jerry Kill spoke with the media at his weekly press conference and Big Ten conference call. Topics ranged from injured players to ways Minnesota is looking to improve in their second game against New Mexico State.
Injury Update
Although CB Derrick Wells has returned to practice, Berkley Edwards and Donnell Kirkwood have been out with injuries meaning depth could still be an issue for the Gophers in New Mexico. While both backs are improving, Minnesota’s backfield could be thin come Saturday evening.
“We’ll just have to see…Donnell did not practice [Monday] and neither did Berkley,” said Kill. “Donnell is walking better but that’s not running and cutting. We’ll just have to see if Berkley’s making progress. We’ll see what happens as the week goes.”
McDonald Out For Semester
Wide receiver Andre McDonald was unable to complete fall camp this August. His time away from the team looks to be extended according to Kill.
“Right now, he’s not going to play for us this semester,” said the Gophers’ head coach. “That’s all I’m going to say on that.”
Gophers Looking to Improve
Jerry Kill and the Golden Gophers got off to a rocky start last Thursday but were able to pour it on in the second half for a convincing 51-23 victory over UNLV. The lapses by Minnesota gave the Gophers’ coaching staff plenty of teaching moments during practice this week.
“We’re excited to improve our football team from week-one to week-two and seeing where we can improve at,” said Kill. “And like all football teams and all coaches throughout the county, you know, we’ve got to get a lot better.”
Nelson a Running Threat
The sophomore quarterback threw for just 99 yards against UNLV but was able to rack up 83 yards and two scores on the ground.
“I thought Philip ran the ball very well,” said Kill. “We ran some zone read and they took the dive away and made him run the ball. A lot of people forget that he runs very well. He’s a 4.6, 4.55 guy so he ran and used his legs well. He made some big throws but I think he’ll be the first one to tell you that he’d like to have stuck a couple others but for the first game out and kind of a unique game because of so many big plays, I thought he did a good job and he’ll continue to grow in that position.”
A star duel-threat quarterback in high school, Nelson is more than comfortable using his feet to pick up extra yards.
“I’m willing to do whatever it takes to win so if that’s running the ball or throwing the ball, whatever it may be,” said Nelson.
Gophers Linebackers Off to Solid Start
One of the biggest questions heading into the season was the Gophers’ depth at linebacker. With a strong showing in their first game, Minnesota’s linebackers have put some fears to rest.
“I thought De’Vondre Campbell played very well,” said Kill. “Damien Wilson played like it was his first game starting a little bit but he’ll get better. He had a few mistakes, certainly things that we can correct. He’s a big kid that we expect a lot out of. Nick Rallis gave us some very valuable minutes and did good…Jack Lynn had a good ball game. We had to play six or seven linebackers because of the no-huddle situation and I thought that position did a good job.”
Hageman Dominates in Opener
Senior defensive tackle Ra’Shede Hageman had no shortage of pre-season hype this summer. The Minneapolis native lived up to the billing, starting the season with a solid performance against the Rebels thanks to an impressive blocked field goal attempt.
“The blocked field goal was an incredible play,” said Kill. “[Ra’Shede] and Roland Johnson pushed the guard back and he reached up with that long lever he has and blocked it and then chased it down. He didn’t fall on it, he pushed it to a teammate and the teammate picks it up and runs for a touchdown. It was a tremendous play.”
Although the fast pace of the game may have tired Hageman late in the contest, he was still a dominant force throughout.
“I think he got fatigued a little bit and you’re going to have that with the no-huddle system,” said Kill. “When he was fresh, he was a very dominant player. The big thing is, we’ve got to continue to work with him and he’ll get better each week. I mean his best games are ahead of him, I don’t think there’s any doubt about that but he got off to a great start.”
Williams Makes Strong First Impression
Tight end Maxx Williams may have had just one reception on Thursday, but his touchdown catch and blocking ability were enough to make a strong impression on the Gopher coaches.
“Maxx Williams is a good player…He’s got instinct, that’s something you can’t coach, he’s just got it.”