Defensive end Theiren Cockran has been impressive in Minnesota’s first three contests and Kill has taken notice. The redshirt sophomore has totaled 12 tackles, five tackles for a loss, three sacks and a forced fumble.
During Jerry Kill’s weekly media availability, he tried to keep the discussion away from his most recent on-field epileptic incident. The 3-0 Gophers rallied behind their coach against Western Illinois and now have their sets sight on a very tough San Jose State squad this Saturday.
Kill Moving On
Tuesday was Kill’s first appearance before the media following a seizure just before halftime against the Leathernecks. The Gophers’ coach made an opening statement during his press conference but largely stayed away from discussing his health.
“I appreciate everybody’s thoughts and things through the weekend and I appreciate that very much,” said Kill. “The press conference today is about our football players and our football team who did a great job in Saturday’s game and our preparations for San Jose State. That’s Coach Kill’s decision, not anybody else.”
Although Kill missed the entire second half against Western Illinois, he was pleased with the way his team bounced back, trouncing the Leathernecks in the second half.
“I’m very proud of our players and our coaching staff, the job they did in the game in the second half,” said Kill. “That’s the best way I can put it. I’m very proud of those guys and their preparation. Through good preparation they continue to do well. That shows you that this game is a heck of a lot more important that one person. That’s for sure.”
Injury Update
Philip Nelson limped off the field during the second quarter on Saturday and didn’t return to the game. The sophomore quarterback will be questionable against San Jose State but has been progression.
“Sunday, [Philip] wasn’t moving around very much and until we actually get to see how he’s doing,” said Kill. “I know the trainers said he has a hamstring strain and told me today that he’s around 65 to 70 percent. Those things, you don’t know how long they’re going to take. Our main concern today will be repping Mitch [Leidner] and [Chris] Streveler and getting those two young men ready to play.”
Another top player who missed time against Western Illinois was safety Cedric Thompson. Kill did not disclose the issue but did say Thompson was held out of multiple practices last week after a visit to the emergency room. Despite the setback, Thompson will play against a talented San Jose State passing attack on Saturday.
“He had a situation occur in practice that took him to the emergency room,” said Kill. “We had to wait to get him cleared and he got cleared on Friday. We always put players’ health before trying to win a football game and with him not practicing Wednesday and Thursday and trying to mentally be ready to play on Saturday…we had no plans on playing him. He’ll play this week. There’s no question about that.”
The Gophers have been thin at running with injuries to Berkley Edwards and Donnell Kirkwood but had both back for practice on Tuesday.
“Both [Berkley] and Donnell have been cleared to practice today; full tilt,” said Kill. “But again, [Berkley’s] a freshman. We’ve got three backs playing pretty well right now. We’ll see how that plays out and we’ll be smart with that.”
Leidner Shines
One player who stepped up in place of an injured player was redshirt freshman Mitch Leidner, who went on to lead the Gophers to victory in the second half.
“It’s a credit to [Mitch] and an outstanding job by Coach Zebrowski and his preparation,” said Kill. “As we found out on Saturday, somebody goes down, somebody has to step up and do their job…Mitch stepped up, Philip got hurt, he stepped up, was prepared for his opportunity and took advantage of his opportunity and played very well. We’re very pleased with what he did.”
Gophers Limit Penalties
The Golden Gophers have totaled just seven penalties for 52 yards through their first three games. Kill attributed this change to the maturation of his football team.
“A lot of up-downs; immediate reinforcement,” Kill joked when asked how his team has stayed almost penalty-free. “As you mature your program into what you’re trying to do discipline, doing what you’re supposed to, don’t beat yourself, keep the game close; you emphasize that more and more. I think our kids, through a lot of up-downs and reinforcement right off the bat, learned that silly penalties will get you beat.”
Cockran Starts Strong
Defensive end Theiren Cockran has been impressive in Minnesota’s first three contests and Kill has taken notice. The redshirt sophomore has totaled 12 tackles, five tackles for a loss, three sacks and a forced fumble.
“Well, TC’s a young man that is just getting better and better,” said Kill. “He’s 6-foot-6 and 240 pounds and has great athleticism. We’ve got a lot of young players and he’s one of them. He’s getting better and better each week. I’m just really proud of his progress as a young player and his best years are ahead of him. There’s no doubt about that.”