Game Eight: Ohio State 45, Minnesota 31 (final)

BB73 · #2 (**permalink**) 04-16-2005, 03:32 PM

Here's an SI write-up on Minny's spring game. Gary Russell was a 2004 recruit from Walnut Ridge H.S. Looks like our defense will need to watch out for Maroney, Russell, and Goldy Gopher.

No surprise: Gophers' offense dominates spring game

Posted: Saturday April 16, 2005 2:57PM; Updated: Saturday April 16, 2005 3:06PM

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/200....ap/index.html

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- The Minnesota Gophers didn't keep score during their annual spring game on Saturday, but it was no secret who came out on top.
Amir Pinnix had 10 carries for 112 yards and two touchdowns and Gary Russell rushed 10 times for 106 yards and two more scores as the offense dominated the defense.
"The offensive play was better than the defense," coach Glen Mason said. "I was a little disappointed in the defense because they've been playing better this spring, but they didn't make many plays out there. I still believe we've got a good football team and we'll be OK."

The Gophers have made their mark as a running team for most of Mason's tenure, especially the last two years when Marion Barber III and Laurence Maroney became the first teammates in NCAA history to each rush for 1,000 yards in back-to-back seasons.

Even with Barber leaving school early for the NFL and Maroney limited to one trick play because of a sore knee, the Gophers showed their depth at the position on Saturday.

"There's been a lot of attention given to the running backs because Maroney's been injured -- not seriously injured -- and Barber decided to leave early," Mason said. "I thought both Gary Russell and Amir Pinnix had pretty good springs, but they played better today. They finished off strong and looked pretty good."
Instead of playing a conventional game pitting one team of Gophers against another, Mason elected to go primarily with matching the No. 1 defense against the No. 1 offense and the backups against the backups. No score was kept.

Both No. 2 units started the game, and Russell broke a 57-yard touchdown run on the third play from scrimmage. That set the tone for the afternoon, as Russell and Pinnix used superior blocking from the offensive line to run through, around and past what appeared to be an overwhelmed defense.

Pinnix scored on a 44-yard run and a 1-yarder and Russell's other score came when he took the ball off tackle and cruised untouched for 19 yards.

"The offensive line did a great job," Pinnix said. "They opened up some holes I have never seen. They deserve all the credit."

Heading into spring practice, Mason made defense the priority.

The Gophers ranked 75th in the nation in total defense last season, routinely missing tackles and giving up big chunks of yards on third-and-long situations.

Mason downplayed the defense's struggles on Saturday, saying he was satisfied with their performance through all of spring practice.

"I still think we're very much improved at the linebacking corps," Mason said. "So I feel pretty good about the defense."

New defensive coordinator David Lockwood said he has been pleasantly surprised by the play this spring, especially that of linebacker Jon Shevlin.

"The main thing is we got out of it healthy," Lockwood said. "We have to be more disciplined. We got some guys trying to do a little too much right now. If you can take away the big plays, then we're probably sitting pretty good."

"We had a few communication errors between the linebackers and the secondary, and you have to hand it to the offense -- they did play well," Shevlin said.

Another question mark entering spring was the kicking game after the team lost Rhys Lloyd to graduation.

But Joel Monroe and Jason Giannini both looked good on Saturday. Monroe made field goals of 48 and 43 yards and Giannini drilled all of his extra points.

"It was a big, big question because Rhys Lloyd was gone," Mason said. "We've got more than one placekicker, and they looked good today."

Starting quarterback Bryan Cupito was 6-for-8 for 74 yards in limited duty, and Maroney's lone play was a goof -- a 75-yard touchdown run in which he faked a reverse the mascot, Goldy Gopher.

ScArLeT_bUcK · #3 (**permalink**) 05-05-2005, 08:00 PM

Well, i think we win, although it will be a close away game, minnesota is never a cupcake team.

and, if i may say, minnesota is just another yellow "M" to hate

BB73 · #4 (**permalink**) 06-23-2005, 10:02 AM

cfbnews.com

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Preview 2005
Minnesota Golden Gophers

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Want the CFN Gopher Preview in printable pdf?
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Head coach: Glen Mason
9th year at Minnesota: 51-45
20th year overall: 110-109-1
Returning O Lettermen: 18
Returning D Lettermen: 16
Returning ST Lettermen: 1
Lettermen Lost: 13

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Ten Best Gopher Players
1. RB Laurence Maroney, Jr.
2. C Greg Eslinger, Sr.
3. WR Ernie Wheelwright, Soph.
4. WR Jared Ellerson, Sr.
5. OG Mark Setterstrom, Sr.
6. DT Anthony Montgomery, Sr.
7. DT Mark Losli, Sr.
8. LB Kyle McKenzie, Sr.
9. RB Amir Pinnix, Soph.
10. OT Joe Ainslie, Jr.

</TD></TR><CENTER><TR><TD bgColor=#ffffff height=18><TABLE id=table16 width=160><TBODY><TR><TD align=left width=146 bgColor=#800000 colSpan=2>2005 Schedule

</TD></TR><TR><TD align=left width=27>9/3</TD><TD align=left width=119>at Tulsa</TD></TR><TR><TD align=left width=27>9/10</TD><TD align=left width=119>Colorado State</TD></TR><TR><TD align=left width=27>9/17</TD><TD align=left width=119>Florida Atlantic</TD></TR><TR><TD align=left width=27>9/24</TD><TD align=left width=119>Purdue</TD></TR><TR><TD align=left width=27>10/1</TD><TD align=left width=119>at Penn State </TD></TR><TR><TD align=left width=27>10/8</TD><TD align=left width=119>at Michigan</TD></TR><TR><TD align=left width=27>10/15</TD><TD align=left width=119>Wisconsin</TD></TR><TR><TD align=left width=27>10/29</TD><TD align=left width=119>Ohio State </TD></TR><TR><TD align=left width=27>11/5</TD><TD align=left width=119>at Indiana</TD></TR><TR><TD align=left width=27>11/12</TD><TD align=left width=119>Michigan State</TD></TR><TR><TD align=left width=27>11/19</TD><TD align=left width=119>at Iowa</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></CENTER><CENTER></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE id=table13 height=299 cellSpacing=0 width=169><TBODY><TR><TD align=left width=165 bgColor=#ffffff height=253><TABLE id=table17 cellSpacing=0 width=169><TBODY><TR><TD bgColor=#800000>2004 SCHEDULE
CFN Prediction: 8-3
2004 Record: 7-5

</TD></TR><TR><TD align=left bgColor=#ffffff>Preview 2004 predicted wins <TABLE id=table18><TBODY><TR><TD align=left>9/4</TD><TD>Toledo W 63-21</TD></TR><TR><TD align=left>9/11</TD><TD>Illinois State W 37-21</TD></TR><TR><TD align=left>9/18</TD><TD>at Colorado St W 34-16</TD></TR><TR><TD align=left>9/25</TD><TD>Nwestern W 45-17</TD></TR><TR><TD align=left>10/2</TD><TD>Penn State W 16-7</TD></TR><TR><TD align=left>10/9</TD><TD>at Michigan L 27-24</TD></TR><TR><TD align=left>10/16</TD><TD>at Michigan St L 51-17</TD></TR><TR><TD align=left>10/23</TD><TD>Illinois W 45-0</TD></TR><TR><TD align=left>10/30</TD><TD>at Indiana L 30-21</TD></TR><TR><TD align=left>11/6</TD><TD>at Wisconsin L 38-14</TD></TR><TR><TD align=left>11/13</TD><TD>Iowa L 29-27</TD></TR><TR><TD align=left>12/31</TD><TD>Music City Bowl
Alabama W 20-16</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR><CENTER></CENTER><CENTER></CENTER><CENTER></TBODY></TABLE></CENTER></CENTER></TD></TR><TR><TD align=middle width=157 bgColor=#ffffff height=21><SCRIPT ******************** src="http://media.fastclick.net/w/get.media?sid=16942&m=3&tp=7&d=j&t=n"></SCRIPT><NOSCRIPT></NOSCRIPT></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
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Offense Breakdown and Analysis | Defense Breakdown and Analysis
- Depth Chart | Further Analysis
- Get this preview in printable form

By Pete Fiutak
Did Minnesota miss its window? On the verge of being the Big Ten's next big thing for the last two years, everything was humming along nicely only to lose to Michigan in gut-wrenching fashion followed up by horrific performances against Michigan State to end all Big Ten title hopes. Now the league is back to being nasty meaning the Gophers might continue to be just another very good team that doesn't make a real run at a conference title. To break the cycle of disappointing seasons (at least by the suddenly high standards expected of them), they need a tougher attitude and most importantly, a tougher defense.

Head coach Glen Mason and his staff have put together a juggernaut of a rushing offense that should pave the way for a monster season for RB Laurence Maroney. The line is outstanding and the receiving corps might be the most talented in the Big Ten. The problem is a defense that hasn't been consistent in years and always seems to have a major problem tackling someone. The other problem is to get mentally tough enough to get past major disappointments.

How does a team as good as Minnesota lose to Indiana 30-21? How can it lose five out of its final six games, and then beat a rock-solid Alabama team in the Music City Bowl? This is a talented team that has the potential to be a real thorn in everyone's side, but that's not enough for Mason in his tenth year at the program.

He has taken Minnesota from point A to point B, and perhaps even a bit further with a ten win season in 2003. Now he needs to show the world that his team can beat the big boys again with the last truly impressive victory coming at Ohio State in 2000. There will be some big chances to make a big splash, but if it doesn't happen, there can't be any more hangovers. This is a team due for a big break and a big season, but it'll also need to make its own luck.

The Schedule: At Tulsa, Colorado State and Florida Atlantic should mean a 3-0 start, and then things get tricky with the Big Ten schedule that doesn't have much of a break until the November 5th game at Indiana. With no Northwestern and no Illinois, the Gophers will have to play all the big boys including road trips to Michigan, Iowa and a resurgent Penn State. Purdue, Wisconsin, Ohio State and new nemesis Michigan State have to come to the Dome.

Best Offensive Player: Junior RB Laurence Maroney. While Amir Pinnix and Gary Russell will get more than their share of carries, the 5-11, 205-pound Maroney will be the featured star of the offense and should be the Big Ten's signature offensive star. It'll be a major disappointment if he doesn't blow past the 1,500-yard mark.

Best Defensive Players: Senior DTs Anthony Montgomery and Mark Losli. There are several major problems and holes in the Gopher defense, but tackle won't be one of them with two big, experienced bodies in the middle. With a general lack of size on the line, these two have to stay healthy.

Key player to a successful season: Sophomore CB Jamal Harris. Trumaine Banks is a decent corner to hold down the number one spot, but he's not last year's star Ukee Dozier and needs help. Harris needs to shine right away for there Gophers to improve on the nation's 109th best pass defense.

The season will be a success if ... Minnesota finishes with nine wins and beats Michigan. A bowl game is a near-lock, but there has to be a step taken to the next level and start beating the top teams. A win over fly-in-the-ointment Michigan and/or a win over a top five Ohio State team would do wonders for Mason and the program.

Key game: October 8th at Michigan. Over the last three seasons, Minnesota is 18-2 before playing Michigan (and 11-0 over the last two years) and 7-7 following the losses to the Maize and Blue. Mason and the rest of the Gophers would love to go an off-season without being reminded daily about how they blew the Michigan game.

2004 Fun Stats:
- Third quarter scoring: Minnesota 109 - Opponents 46
- Average yards per carry: Minnesota 5.4 - Opponents 3.7- Sacks: Minnesota 24 for 169 yards - Opponents 9 for 60 yardsOffense Breakdown and Analysis | Defense Breakdown and Analysis
- Depth Chart

<HR>2005 Recruiting Class
Star of the Class
Alex Daniels LB 6-2 220 (Brookhaven High School) Columbus OH.
Ranked as a four-star performer and the 11th-best athlete in the nation by Rivals...named the 16th-best linebacker in the nation and the 108th-best overall player by College Football News...selected to the SuperPrep Midwest Team, ranked as the 26th-best player and listed as the 36th-best defensive back in the nation...ranked as the 10th-best safety in the nation by Scout.com...selected as a PrepStar All-Midwest Region performer...named to Ohio News Network All-Ohio Team...two-time all-city selection and was a 2004 all-conference, all-area and all-state choice...made 100 tackles with five sacks, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries in leading his team to 2004 state title...also intercepted three passes, returning two for touchdowns

Instant Impact Players
Steve Davis LB 6-3 195 Florissant (McCluer North) Mo.
Ranked as the 47th-best outside linebacker in the country and the second-best overall linebacker in Missouri by Rivals...selected to the SuperPrep Midlands Team, ranked as the 37th-best player and fifth-best defensive end...named to the PrepStar All-Midlands Region Team...named first-team all-state by the St. Louis Post Dispatch his junior and senior seasons and was also a two-time all-city and all-conference selection...earned Defensive Player of the Year honors at McCluer North in 2004...registered 123 tackles, 12 sacks, eight tackles-for-loss and three forced fumbles in 2004

Jay Thomas RB 6-0 180 Oakdale (Tartan) Minn.
Tabbed as the 18th-best all-purpose back in the country by Rivals...selected as a PrepStar All-Midwest Region performer...named the 2004 Pioneer Press Football Player of the Year and a first-team all-state choice by the Associated Press...named to the KARE-11 and Star Tribune All-Metro teams his senior season...three-time all-conference and all-state selection...led the metro area in rushing in 2004 with a school record 1,549 yards on 154 attempts...also set school records for career rushing yards (3,083), career rushing touchdowns (27), career kickoff returns for touchdowns (6), and rushing touchdowns in a season (14) and a game (6)...also lettered in basketball and track...finished third in the 100-meter (10.77) and 200-meter dash (21.49) at the state meet

Rest of the Class

<TABLE id=table19 width=445 align=left border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width=140 bgColor=#ffffff>Michael Chambers</TD><TD width=30 bgColor=#ffffff>WR</TD><TD width=30 bgColor=#ffffff>6-1</TD><TD width=30 bgColor=#ffffff>180</TD><TD width=215 bgColor=#ffffff>Cuyahoga Falls (Wash Jesuit)</TD><TD width=40 bgColor=#ffffff>Ohio</TD></TR><TR><TD width=140 bgColor=#ffffff>Boyd Coleman</TD><TD width=30 bgColor=#ffffff>DB</TD><TD width=30 bgColor=#ffffff>5-11</TD><TD width=30 bgColor=#ffffff>170</TD><TD width=215 bgColor=#ffffff>Marietta (Wheeler)</TD><TD width=40 bgColor=#ffffff>Ga.</TD></TR><TR><TD width=140 bgColor=#ffffff>Eric Decker</TD><TD width=30 bgColor=#ffffff>WR</TD><TD width=30 bgColor=#ffffff>6-3</TD><TD width=30 bgColor=#ffffff>185</TD><TD width=215 bgColor=#ffffff>Cold Spring (Rocori)</TD><TD width=40 bgColor=#ffffff>Minn.</TD></TR><TR><TD width=140 bgColor=#ffffff>Otis Hudson</TD><TD width=30 bgColor=#ffffff>OL</TD><TD width=30 bgColor=#ffffff>6-5</TD><TD width=30 bgColor=#ffffff>290</TD><TD width=215 bgColor=#ffffff>Barrington (Barrington)</TD><TD width=40 bgColor=#ffffff>Ill.</TD></TR><TR><TD width=140 bgColor=#ffffff>Marcel Jones</TD><TD width=30 bgColor=#ffffff>QB</TD><TD width=30 bgColor=#ffffff>6-4</TD><TD width=30 bgColor=#ffffff>205</TD><TD width=215 bgColor=#ffffff>Inver Grove Heights (Simley)</TD><TD width=40 bgColor=#ffffff>Minn.</TD></TR><TR><TD width=140 bgColor=#ffffff>Dominic Jones</TD><TD width=30 bgColor=#ffffff>DB</TD><TD width=30 bgColor=#ffffff>5-10</TD><TD width=30 bgColor=#ffffff>180</TD><TD width=215 bgColor=#ffffff>Columbus (Brookhaven)</TD><TD width=40 bgColor=#ffffff>Ohio</TD></TR><TR><TD width=140 bgColor=#ffffff>Keith Massey</TD><TD width=30 bgColor=#ffffff>DB</TD><TD width=30 bgColor=#ffffff>6-1</TD><TD width=30 bgColor=#ffffff>185</TD><TD width=215 bgColor=#ffffff>Columbus (Brookhaven)</TD><TD width=40 bgColor=#ffffff>Ohio</TD></TR><TR><TD width=140 bgColor=#ffffff>Michael McKelton</TD><TD width=30 bgColor=#ffffff>DB</TD><TD width=30 bgColor=#ffffff>5-11</TD><TD width=30 bgColor=#ffffff>175</TD><TD width=215 bgColor=#ffffff>West Palm Beach (Royal Palm Beach)</TD><TD width=40 bgColor=#ffffff>Fla.</TD></TR><TR><TD width=140 bgColor=#ffffff>Chris Mensen</TD><TD width=30 bgColor=#ffffff>TE/DL</TD><TD width=30 bgColor=#ffffff>6-6</TD><TD width=30 bgColor=#ffffff>260</TD><TD width=215 bgColor=#ffffff>Solon (Solon)</TD><TD width=40 bgColor=#ffffff>Iowa</TD></TR><TR><TD width=140 bgColor=#ffffff>Troy Reilly</TD><TD width=30 bgColor=#ffffff>TE</TD><TD width=30 bgColor=#ffffff>6-7</TD><TD width=30 bgColor=#ffffff>235</TD><TD width=215 bgColor=#ffffff>Stevens Point (Stevens Point)</TD><TD width=40 bgColor=#ffffff>Wis.</TD></TR><TR><TD width=140 bgColor=#ffffff>Ryan Ruckdashel</TD><TD width=30 bgColor=#ffffff>OL</TD><TD width=30 bgColor=#ffffff>6-6</TD><TD width=30 bgColor=#ffffff>265</TD><TD width=215 bgColor=#ffffff>Apple Valley (Eastview)</TD><TD width=40 bgColor=#ffffff>Minn.</TD></TR><TR><TD width=140 bgColor=#ffffff>Jason Sekinger</TD><TD width=30 bgColor=#ffffff>OL</TD><TD width=30 bgColor=#ffffff>6-9</TD><TD width=30 bgColor=#ffffff>310</TD><TD width=215 bgColor=#ffffff>Columbus (Galloway-Westland)</TD><TD width=40 bgColor=#ffffff>Ohio</TD></TR><TR><TD width=140 bgColor=#ffffff>Ned Tavale</TD><TD width=30 bgColor=#ffffff>OL</TD><TD width=30 bgColor=#ffffff>6-2</TD><TD width=30 bgColor=#ffffff>305</TD><TD width=215 bgColor=#ffffff>St. Paul (Cretin-Derham) </TD><TD width=40 bgColor=#ffffff>Minn.</TD></TR><TR><TD width=140 bgColor=#ffffff>Nate Triplett</TD><TD width=30 bgColor=#ffffff>LB</TD><TD width=30 bgColor=#ffffff>6-3</TD><TD width=30 bgColor=#ffffff>220</TD><TD width=215 bgColor=#ffffff>Delano (Delano)</TD><TD width=40 bgColor=#ffffff>Minn.</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

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Preview 2005
Minnesota offense

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Basically ... If all the parts stay healthy and QB Bryan Cupito improves on his consistency and accuracy, the offense will be one of the top ten in America. The left side of the line, along with center Greg Eslinger, will dominate. The receiving corps looks like an NBA backcourt with size, speed and athleticism. Of course, the star of the show will be junior Laurence Maroney who should by a lock for at least 1,500 yards.

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Returning Leaders
Passing: Bryan Cupito
123-261, 2,097 yds, 14 TD, 7 INT
Rushing: Laurence Maroney
217 carries for 1,348 yds and 12 TDs
Receiving: Jared Ellerson
37 catches for 521 yds and 3 TDs

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Star of the offense: Junior RB Laurence Maroney
Player that has to step up and become a star: Freshmen QBs Tony Mortensen, Mike Maciejowski and Andrew Sloan El
Unsung star on the rise: Sophomore WR Micah Rucker
Best pro prospect: Maroney
Top three all-star candidates: 1) Maroney, 2) C Greg Eslinger, 3) G Mark Setterstrom
Strength of the offense: Running back, receiver
Weakness of the offense: Backup quarterback

Quarterbacks
Bryan Cupito isn't big, isn't all that mobile and completed fewer than 50% of his passes, but he'll throw for plenty of yards and be the unquestioned starting quarterback, but that's by default. It's up to three freshmen to battle for the number two job, which will be important considering Cupito will get banged around a bit.Player to keep an eye on: Tony Mortensen, Fr. ... Quarterback Rating: 7Projected Starter
- Bryan Cupito, Jr. - The unsung cog of the attack, Cupito did more than hand it off throwing for 2,097 yards and 14 touchdowns. However, accuracy is a major issue only completing 47% of his passes with seven interceptions. He's best at making defenses that concentrate too much on the running game by bombing deep with a good enough arm to get it to his speedy receivers. If he can hover around the 60% completion mark, the offense will be far, far better.

Top Backups
- Tony Mortensen, Fr. - The big freshman threw for 2,700 yards and 30 touchdowns at Hutchinson High School, but his real strength is his mobility with track star speed in a 6-3, 200-pound frame.
- Mike Maciejowski, Fr. - A smart bomber, the Columbus, Ohio native isn't nearly the athlete Tony Mortensen is, but he has the arm to grow into the number two role.
- Andre Sloan El, Fr. - A good, smart, all-around passer who has the potential to become a solid reserve right away. He'll most likely redshirt as the fourth quarterback in the mix.

Running Backs
The early departure of Marion Barber III to the NFL takes away 1,269 yards and 11 touchdowns, but there shouldn't be much of a hiccup in the team's rushing production with Heisman candidate Laurence Maroney getting more carries and Amir Pinnix looking ready to step up and be a major factor. The combination of Pinnix and Gary Russell will be able to give Maroney plenty of breaks. The fullback situation is good with Justin Valentine able to do a little bit of everything and Jason Lamers a rising blocker.
Player to keep an eye on: Amir Pinnix, Soph. ... Running back rating: 9.5

Projected Starters
- Laurence Maroney, Jr. - One of the nation's best running backs, the 5-11, 205-pound junior has rushed for 2,469 yards and 22 touchdowns in his first two years mainly as a backup behind Marion Barber III averaging 6.5 yards per carry. Even so, he led the team in rushing and is a better home run hitter than the departed Barber. With speed, quickness and workhorse ability, he should be in for a huge season as the team's featured player.
- Fullback Justin Valentine, Soph. - A good power runner in a limited role, the 215-pound sophomore ran for 57 yards and four touchdowns and caught four passes for 64 yards, but he'll mostly be used as a blocker for Laurence Maroney.

Top Backups
- Amir Pinnix, Soph. - While he's not Marion Barber, Pinnix will be a good second option behind Laurence Maroney with a tremendous speed burst through the hole and excellent moves once he gets into the clear. He has good size and the potential to rip off several big runs if he gets a little bit of daylight. He was the MVP of the spring game with 74 yards and a touchdown.
- Gary Russell, Soph. - He's not as fast as Amir Pinnix and doesn't have the special skills of Laurence Maroney, but he'll be a good, steady, between-the-tackles runner who should be a consistent five-yard-per-carry back. He was third on the team with 144 yards averaging six yards per carry last year.
- Fullback Jason Lamers, Jr. - The 240-pound junior offers more size and a more physical blocker than the 215-pound Justin Valentine. He's a hard-nosed special teamer who'll be a big, but unnoticed, factor in the offense.

Receivers
If it wasn't for the running game, the Gopher receivers would be the featured stars. There's a ridiculous mix of size and speed with Ernie Wheelwright, Jared Ellerson and Micah Rucker combining to average around 6-4 and 205 pounds. Jakari Wallace is the fastest player on the team adding yet another home run hitter. The tight ends are fantastic with Matt Spaeth sure to grow into a first day NFL prospect with his size and hands.
Player to keep an eye on: Micah Rucker, Soph. ... Receiver rating: 9.5

Projected Starters
- Jared Ellerson, Sr. - Ellerson has been a top target for the last two years and has 90 catches for 1,543 yards and ten touchdowns in his career. More than just a deep threat, the 6-1, 200-pound senior averages 17.1 yards per catch and is a steady, consistent receiver when needed.
- Ernest Wheelwright, Soph. - The 6-5, 210-pound sophomore was one of the Big Ten's breakout players catching 30 passes for 654 yards and seven touchdowns averaging 21.8 yards per catch. He caught an 80-yard touchdown pass against Illinois State and caught three passes for 104 yards and two touchdowns in the blowout loss to Michigan State. His size poses major matchup problems, while his speed allows him to get by most defensive backs.
- Tight end Matt Spaeth, Jr. - A huge blocker and a good receiver, the 6-6, 270-pound junior earned honorable mention All-Big Ten honors finishing third on the team with 24 catches for 298 yards and four touchdowns. Even at his size, he can get deep averaging 12.4 yards per catch.

Top Backups - Micah Rucker, Soph. - At 6-6 and 210 pounds, Rucker is a big target who can jump out of the stadium. He didn't do anything as a freshman, but he has the deep speed to go along with his size to become a devastating weapon. He was a stars of the spring game catching three passes for 103 yards. He'll start out behind the 6-5 Ernie Wheelwright.
- Jakari Wallace, Sr. - As the smallest receiver in the mix, the 5-8, 170-pound senior makes plays with his blazing speed. Despite suffering a torn ACL a few years ago, he's the team's fastest player running a 4.34 40. He caught 20 passes for 341 yards averaging 17 yards per catch last season.
- Tight End Jarod Posthumus, Sr. - A top recruit as a quarterback, the 6-4, 255-pound senior was switched to tight end early on and now appears ready to handle more work. He's a better blocker than a receiver, but he'll get a few catches with four for 78 yards so far.

Offensive Line
There could stand to be more developed depth and the right side is welcoming new starters, but this is going to be a fantastic line. It might not be as good as last year's group that only allowed nine sacks and paved