Out of spring: Minnestoa
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In our "Out of Spring" series, Orange and Blue News takes a look at spring football for the Illini's 2018 opponents.
Next up, we look at the Minnesota Golden Gophers. Illinois hosts Minnesota at Memorial Stadium in Champaign on November 3, 2018.
Illinois lost to the Gophers 24-17 last year in Minneapolis. Minnesota rushed for 290 yards in the victory, with Koby McCary and Rodney Smith both topping the century mark.
Minnesota held its annual spring game on April 12. Redshirt freshman quarterback Tanner Morgan finished 18-28 for 272 yards and two touchdowns. Rodney Smith had 5 carries for 67 yards.
Orange and Blue News caught up with Matt Jessen-Howard from The Gopher Report to the get the lowdown on Minnesota headed out of spring ball. Follow Matt on Twitter @mjessenhoward. Follow Minnesota Gopher football @GopherFootball.
What were some of the major storylines this spring as PJ Fleck begins his second year as the head coach at Minnesota?
Matt Jessen-Howard: The biggest storyline for Minnesota this spring was the QB battle. Redshirt freshman Tanner Morgan, 5.7 three-star JUCO early enrollee Vic Viramontes, and early enrollee walk-on Zack Annexstad all got reps with the first team in spring camp.
Another major storyline was running back Shannon Brooks' injury. He'll miss the entire season with a lower leg injury. When healthy last year, he was a part of a 1-2 punch with Rodney Smith.
Finally, the upcoming eligibility of transfers and return of last season's injured players has been a big talking point in Minnesota. Perhaps the best defensive player, Antoine Winfield Jr., is back after missing almost all of last season with a knee injury.
Demetrius Douglas was the team's No. 2 receiver last year as a true freshman before injuring his knee and missing most of the season. Alabama defensive tackle transfer OJ Smith and Florida cornerback transfer Chris Williamson will both be eligible this year, as well.
Did anyone emerged this spring as the likely starter at the quarterback position, and what do the candidates bring to the field?
MJH: Redshirt freshman Tanner Morgan was clearly the best quarterback in the spring, and while he's the favorite, I don't think it's safe to say he's completely locked up the job yet.
Vic Viramontes, a Michigan and Arizona commit out of high school, was one of the top JUCO quarterbacks in the country last season but looked uncomfortable and unadjusted to Big Ten football in spring practice and had several turnovers in the spring game. In fall camp, he'll again get the opportunity to compete for the starting job, despite the highs and lows so far.
Lastly, true freshman walk-on early enrollee Zack Annexstad impressed many this spring and will be given the opportunity to win the job in the fall. Annexstad started at IMG Academy earned Power 5 offers near Signing Day and started over 5.7 three-star and now Rutgers quarterback Artur Sitkowski at IMG, so he's not a typical walk-on. Annexstad looked composed and comfortable for a true freshman in the spring game.
Tanner Morgan was the best in the spring, likely next best was Zack Annexstad. Vic Viramontes will still have the best shot in the fall.
What position groups looked like a team strength this spring, and who are the top playmakers on both sides of the football?
MJH: Linebacker is the strongest unit on the team and maybe the only position group where fans are entirely comfortable. The leader of the front seven is middle linebacker Thomas Barber, who last year led the team in tackles and was named All-Big Ten Third Team. Outside linebacker Kamal Martin returns as a starter, and Carter Coughlin will move to outside linebacker after being named All-Big Ten Honorable Mention as a stand-up rush end last season.
The biggest playmakers on offense are running back Rodney Smith and wide receiver Tyler Johnson. Smith is an elusive, do-it-all back who was named Team MVP last season and has already racked up 2805 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns in his career. Tyler Johnson was the team's top receiver last year. He has great athleticism and hands and has been working with wide receivers coach Matt Simon to improve his consistency and ability to get separation against man coverage. He'll again be the Gophers top receiver this year. In the spring game, he made this Sportscenter highlight one-handed catch.
On defense, the top playmakers are Antoine Winfield and Carter Coughlin. Winfield is short but quick, a powerful hitter, and has a nose for the ball. Coughlin's speed makes him a weapon and playmaker, even though moving back to outside linebacker may come with a learning curve this season.
Who were some newcomers and / or break-out performers this spring that fans should be aware of? Did any early enrollees or redshirt freshmen stand out?
MJH: Fleck redshirted almost everyone from his last class and many will contribute this year as redshirt freshman. I have seven redshirt freshmen starting in my projected depth chart.
The most notable and important redshirt freshman is quarterback Tanner Morgan, as previously discussed. Running back Mo Ibrahim may join him in the backfield; he was the definite No. 2 running back this spring. Chris Autman-Bell emerged as the likely No. 2 receiver behind Tyler Johnson. Jake Paulson will compete to start at tight end. Guard Blaise Andrires and incoming JUCO tackle Jason Dickson are both likely to start this fall on the offensive line.
Defensively, Boye Mafe and Esezi Otomewo are redshirt freshman who could both start at defensive end. Florida cornerback transfer Chris Williamson will also compete for playing time.
From a national or Big Ten perspective, I think Minnesota's biggest breakout performers will be Chris Autman-Bell and Antoine Winfield Jr. Bell would have likely started as a true freshman last year if he wasn't hurt and emerged as a relatively well-rounded true freshman receiver this spring. Winfield's talent is a surprise to no one in Minnesota, but outsiders may be surprised by just how much value he brings to the Gopher defense now that he's healthy. He's the team's best and most valuable defensive player.
What are some questions that still need to be answered when the Gophers open camp later this summer?
MJH: The biggest question is "who will be quarterback?" Tanner Morgan has put distance between himself and others right now, and it would give Gopher fans and coaches more comfort if he's able to further establish himself as "the guy" in the fall.
PJ Fleck talks about needing a "pair and a spare" at running back, so who backs up Rodney Smith is also a question. Last season, Minnesota had three very talented backs in Smith, Kobe McCrary, and Shannon Brooks. McCrary has graduated and with Brooks hurt, the Gophers now only have young and/or unproven talent behind Smith. Mo Ibrahim was the clear No. 2 back in the spring but will face competition from true freshman Bryce Williams and Nolan Edmonds when they arrive on campus.
Last season, the wide receiver corps struggled greatly to get separation. With almost all receivers returning, incoming true freshmen, and three redshirt freshmen now available, Minnesota hopes the unit will improve this fall. But because of their youth, wide receiver play is still a very valid concern for 2018.
Lastly, defensive back depth is a question. Returning starters Antonio Shenault and Kiondre Thomas were the clear top two corners this spring and will face some competition from transfer Chris Williamson. But Williamson has struggled greatly to stay healthy and Coney Durr -- who emerged as a future star as a freshman -- hasn't returned to top form since an ACL tear, so the Gophers may have to rely on youth at corner. At safety, Minnesota is confident in Winfield and Jacob Huff, but there are no scholarship players with playing experience behind those two.