Golden Gophers are working to improve
P.J. Fleck’s infectious enthusiasm and personality won over Minnesota fans who are eager to see the Gophers program return to gridiron glory.
But as Fleck and his staff continue to retool the program, there are going to be some growing pains.
Strong recruiting and experience will help the program, which is No. 74 in Orlando Sentinel college insider Matt Murschel preseason 2018 college football rankings. Murschel ranked all 129 Football Bowl Subdivision teams in the country. The Sentinel staff takes a closer look at a new team daily, counting backward from No. 129 to our projected No. 1 team.
5 Minnesota
P.J. Fleck (5-7, entering second season; 35-29 overall)
5-7, 2-7 in the Big Ten Conference, sixth in West Division
Fleck inherited a Minnesota program lacking real experience and depth at several spots on the roster. Those deficiencies were reared their ugly heads midway through the season as the offense struggled to gain its footing thanks in part to a rash of injuries on the offensive line. The program failed to earn a bowl bid for the first time since 2011. DT Merrick Jackson, DT Steven Richardson, LB Jon Celestin, DB Kunle Ayinde, DB Duke McGhee, P Ryan Santoso
RB Rodney Smith, WR Phillip Howard, OL Donnell Greene, OL Conner Olson, OL Sam Schlueter, DE Nate Umlor, DE Carter Coughlin, LB Kamal Martin, LB Thomas Barber, DB Antonio Shenault, DB Jacob Huff
The Gophers capitalized on having one of the best pass defenses in the country last season. The unit allowed just 175 yards per game through the air thanks to a combination of talented players like linebacker Thomas Barber, who led the team in tackles with 115, as well as Carter Coughlin (6.5 sacks) and safety Jacob Huff (three interceptions).
Rodney Smith carried much of the workload for the Gophers’ ground game in 2017; finishing fourth among the conference’s rushing leaders in carries (229). It appears he’ll have to be called on to do the same in 2018 after backup Shannon Brooks (369 yards) suffered a seasonending injury this spring.
Sophomore Tanner Morgan and freshman Zack Annexstad appear the most likely starting quarterabck candidates. They face a challenge trying to transform a struggling passing attack.
“We wanted to see decisive decision making, accuracy and we wanted to see development of their fundamentals,” Fleck said.
The team continues to upgrade the roster with talent and depth, two things the Gophers sorely lacked in 2017. Fans can expect improvement, but they should remember it took Western Michigan — Fleck’s former team — four seasons before the Broncos managed to play at an elite level.