Photo courtesy of the Star Tribune.
Practice Notes:
- Coach Kill also mentioned that the injury to Duke Anwanyu was a knee injury, and that he will be out for the entire season.
- This was the first practice that fans were allowed to watch, and there were about 100-150 fans on hand to watch practice. This added to the intensity of the practice and a few times it became quite “spirited” which is pretty normal as players ramp up intensity.
- Jon Christensen is getting some reps in, but he has only been playing with second string.
- Jerry Kill made a statement that Rodrick Williams is “playing angry.” That was certainly on display as Williams had a number of great runs, and an impressive pancake block during one on ones.
- Wide Receiver KJ Maye continued to impress in practice, and made a very impressive toe touch catch out of bounds.
- Leidner continues to show off his development as a passer, with another strong practice. Leidner connected on a remarkable 30 yards pass to Donovahn Jones.
A compilation of quotes from players to the media after practice:
Quotes from Jerry Kill
(On execution at this stage of practice)
I think it’s good. I mean we’re in the fourth day of practice, so I think that part of it is pretty good compared with what it has been. Just the fact that these kids have worked so hard in the summer time. So that puts you ahead of schedule, and our young guys are learning and there’s athleticism there, so we feel good about that and the big key is to make sure they’re staying healthy.
We asked David Cobb what his individual goals are, and he said twelve wins, what does that say about the kind of kid he is, and what do you hope to see from him this season?
That’s a very good answer. That’s the best I can put it. He’s coming in really good shape with a really good attitude, he’s worked on special teams a lot harder. He’s very focused and success makes you do that sometimes. I’m very pleased, I’m glad he had that answer, it means some people are listening.
(On Isaac Fruechte)
Well he’s a senior. So those seniors have to step up. And we don’t have a lot of those on the offensive side of the ball, so I know it’s important to him and he’s worked hard. It’s time for him to take advantage of that opportunity.
(On Bob McNamara’s legacy, having his name on players helmets)
Bob was somebody I got to meet when I first got here, and I think his family, and legacy and pinky, and what that family’s done for the university and certainly athletics and all of athletics… It’s a tremendous loss to the state of Minnesota, and certainly a great loss to the football family, and all of the people who knew Bob. I never knew once person who said anything bad about Bob McNamara. So I thought it was very fitting to do what we’re doing, and anytime you leave a legacy like that you wanna reward somebody and his family. So we’re excited about that and we know his family is.
(Donovahn Jones progression as a receiver)
Well experience always pays off, and he’s learning the position, learning how to be a wide receiver, and his progression has been good. I think that maturity is a part of that, and you have to grow up. I wasn’t very mature when I was 17, 18 years old, so they get asked a lot out of them, to grow up fast so to speak. Some grow up faster than others. David Cobb is a great example.