With the Vikings’ willingness to spend money, is it possible they could make a run at free agent quarterback Kurt Warner? The 37-year-old had an impressive season helping Arizona to the Super Bowl but there’s speculation he might not return to the Cardinals. The Vikings have one of the most expensive payrolls in the league, despite being last in NFL revenues.
Former Vikings’ assistant coach Dean Dalton said Warner’s backup, seldom used Matt Leinart, could help the quarterback situation here. “I think in time he will be good,” Dalton said.
Leinart isn’t a “gunslinger” type quarterback but has enough skills to fit with a team like the Vikings, especially if Minnesota can add another big play receiver, Dalton said. Leinart only played in four games (no starts) this past season, his third in the NFL. Leinart has a reputation for leadership and touch on the ball but isn’t a quick decision maker, according to Dalton.
High school and junior college football players can sign their national letters of intent on Wednesday and the public is invited to attend the Gophers’ signing day party at the Gibson-Nagurski Football Complex. Coach Tim Brewster will comment on recruits and show highlights beginning at 6:30 p.m. The event starts at 5 p.m. with registration available at www.goallineclub.com.
Neither Rivals.com nor Sporting News magazine have the Gopher class ranked in their top 25 listings. Scout.com has the Gophers at No. 45 in the country. Brewster said Minnesota’s class (21 or 22 signees expected) will be smaller than many other schools and that’s a reason for the lower rankings than a year ago when some sources had the Gophers in the top 25.
Brewster describes his incoming class as “excellent,” and predicted there could still be a “surprise” addition or two to the list of those who have verbally committed and are already expected to sign letters of intent. “I think when it’s announced (the rankings of schools after Wednesday), we will jump up,” he said.
A tireless recruiter, Brewster said he was in Indianapolis, Chicago, St. Louis, Shreveport, New Orleans, Miami and several schools in Minnesota last week. “I know how to pack,” Brewster said.
Sporting News ranks Breck wide receiver Bryce McNeal, headed to Clemson, the No. 30 player in the country. The magazine picked Gopher recruit Matt Garvin, a defensive end from Eastview High School, as one of six “sleeper” defensive players nationally.
George Blackwell, a former pro baseball player and now an amateur coach here, believes Gophers’ wide receiver Eric Decker can make the major leagues as a left fielder. Decker, a junior, will play baseball for the Gophers this season and skip spring football.