That S.I. preview rated Adrian Peterson of the Vikings No. 2 among NFL running backs, second to LaDainian Tomlinson of San Diego. Bernard Berrian was 48th and Sidney Rice 60th among wide receivers. Minneapolis native Larry Fitzgerald Jr. of Arizona was rated fourth in the wide receivers ranking.
The Vikings used a Post-It-Note advertisement on the front page of the Sunday Star Tribune promoting $10 off on a single game ticket for the team’s two preseason home games. Meanwhile, Time magazine in a story about Michigan’s struggling economy reported that the Detroit Lions are using billboards to advertise $230 season tickets. The magazine also said there’s no waiting list for Detroit Red Wings season tickets despite the team being Stanley Cup champions.
Gopher coach Tim Brewster told Sports Headliners that his defensive line is more advanced than the offensive line because of experience. Among young Gophers to watch develop on the offensive line are two red shirt freshmen, center Trey Davis from Farmington High School and tackle Ryan Wynn from Maple Grove High School.
Brewster expects sophomore Adam Weber “to be one of the most outstanding quarterbacks in the Big Ten” Conference. He believes junior wide receiver Eric Decker is going to be “one of the better wide receivers in the country.”
Lou Holtz’s recruiting axiom when he coached here in the 1980s was the “body” came from Minnesota but the “arms and legs” had to come from elsewhere. With more high level skilled players coming out of the state than ever before, Brewster isn’t so sure that axiom is as accurate now.
Pam Borton’s Gopher basketball team plays four exhibition games in Italy later this month. The team leaves August 18 and returns August 28. Gopher athletic director Joel Maturi and wife Lois will be on the trip, too. NCAA rules allow a team to make an international trip every four years.
Former Gopher and NCAA wrestling champion Brock Lesnar has a new sponsorship agreement with a consumer food company, according to a source who requested anonymity. There’s talk the company will launch a Lesnar flavor. He will be a featured participant in the Ultimate Fighting Championship event on Saturday at Target Center. Lesnar, 1-1, will fight Heath Herring, 28-13-1, in a heavyweight match-up.