Many of the freshmen on the Gophers’ roster have been on the roster for roughly three months. Learning how to adjust is a challenge for everyone involved.
Head coach P.J. Fleck said the emotional component of being in a Division-1 program is the biggest hurdle young players must overcome. Whether it’s a relationship, family life, or personal expectations, the adjustment is important.
“To be able to watch them from where they were, to where they are now, there’s not a ton of difference because there’s not a physical difference,” Fleck said. “I think the biggest part is the emotional part of this whole thing.”
As players adjust to the strength and conditioning program, the physical aspects will start to take shape. Fleck said he is already noticing the emotional difference in a few players, such as running back Bryce Williams. Williams was one of the quietest players on the team, but is more talkative after spending time in the program.
“The mental part, they’re going to be coached, they’re going to know where to go, when to go there, how to be able to do that,” Fleck said. “This emotional fire is the biggest challenge and that’s the biggest change I’ve seen in our players.”
Annexstad learning about the “hot stove”
One of the players who has quickly made the adjustment is true freshman quarterback Zack Annexstad. Through his first three games, Annexstad has completed 55.7 percent of his passes for 537 yards and four touchdowns. More importantly, he hasn’t thrown a single interception. Fleck said Annexstad makes mental mistake from time-to-time, but he doesn’t let the circumstances dictate his behavior.
“The one thing I really like about Zack is he rarely makes the same mistake twice,” Fleck said. “When he does make a mistake, it’s almost like he embraces failing better than most people because when he does that, he knows how to respond to it.”
Fleck said the learning process for Annexstad is like training a young child not to touch a hot stove. Many of the areas he is trying to improve will be solved through personal experiences. When Annexstad missed a protection in Saturday’s win, he was pressured and tweaked his ankle. This is the perfect illustration of the “hot stove,” according to Fleck.
“He knows not to touch that part of the stove again and he fixes it and it’s one of those things,” Fleck said. “He’s a freshman, he’s going to touch the stove. As much as I tell him not to touch the stove….he loves the game and has fun with it and there’s no moment too big, but he’s still a kid.”
The addition of Marcus West is making a difference
When P.J. Fleck was identifying areas of improvement this offseason, he had his eyes on the pass rush. He hired Joe Rossi, a former Rutgers defensive coordinator, to serve as the defensive line coach. However, he wanted to add another pass rush specialist to work with rush ends like Carter Coughlin. Fleck hired Austin Peay assistant head coach Marcus West to fill the new coaching position. Rossi and West often split work with the edge rushers and interior defensive linemen during practice sessions. Many of the technical developments on the defensive line are the result of West and Rossi’s coaching, according to Fleck.
“I think Marcus West has a lot to do with this. I talk to our players constantly. Greg Schiano always taught me, as a head coach, you have to be an information gatherer – that’s it,” Fleck said. “I’m constantly asking our players, ‘what do you think of this guy?…Once and awhile as a coach, you say, ‘hey aren’t you glad you have him?’ And then you see a natural reaction.
“Everyone of our pass rushers loved to have Marcus West on our staff,” Fleck said. “They’re like, ‘man, coach, I don’t know where you found him, but thank goodness you brought him here.’’
Technical improvements Carter Coughlin made helped him post three sacks through the first three games. Coughlin has been one of the most disruptive players on the field in the non-conference slate. Fleck credits this to the technical improvements he’s made.
“I think having a true pass rush specialist has helped Carter take the next right step. He was always a great football player, but one thing about separating yourself just as a football player, now you’ve gotta be a technician at your position,” Fleck said. “It’s one thing to be a great rush end, but how are you a great rush end? Are you making enough plays? Are you that much closer to the quarterback than you were last year? And how do you close that gap? Fundamentals, technique discipline.”
Looking ahead to the Terps
The Gophers will travel to Maryland to open the Big Ten play on Saturday. The Terps are trying to pick up the pieces following a 35-14 home loss to Temple. Maryland was outgained 429-195 and struggled to find an identity through the air. They also couldn’t stop the run, allowing Temple to control the time of possession. P.J. Fleck said the option-style attack is going to be a challenge for the Gophers’ defense.
“Offensively, they’re a little bit like option football. It’s a little bit like Miami-Ohio, but like times ten. They have fly sweep motion on everything and you’ve gotta keep your eyes on everybody and you’ve got people down the field, you’ve got run game, you’ve got skill everywhere.
He said the offense will need to pay particularly close attention to senior defensive back Darnell Savage Jr. Savage Jr. posted seven tackles and an interception in last week’s game. His speed, range and playmaking ability stand out to Fleck and the coaching staff.
“Incredibly athletic backend, their best player I think is No. 4 on their defense,” Fleck said. “He’s all over the field. He’s like Antoine Winfield Jr. for us. Might even be faster. I mean, he is everywhere.”