Author: David Shama

David Shama is a former sports editor and columnist with local publications. His writing and reporting experiences include covering the Minnesota Vikings, Minnesota Twins, Minnesota Timberwolves and Minnesota Gophers. Shama’s career experiences also include sports marketing. He is the former Marketing Director of the Minnesota North Stars of the NHL. He is also the former Marketing Director of the United States Tennis Association’s Northern Section. A native of Minneapolis, Shama has been part of the community his entire life. He is a graduate of the University of Minnesota where he majored in journalism. He also has a Master’s degree in education from the University of St. Thomas. He was a member of the Governor’s NBA’s Task Force to help create interest in bringing pro basketball to town in the 1980s.

Twins Shortstop Correa Impresses with High Character

Posted on September 12, 2023 by David Shama

Enjoy a Tuesday notes column.

Carlos Correa, with the richest contract on the team and a disappointing .228 batting average, has frustrated Twins fans during a difficult season but he has demonstrated leadership and high character. The club’s 28-year-old shortstop has experienced a painful summer playing with plantar fasciitis in his left foot but yet he has started 129 games for the Twins, a total no other teammate even comes close to.

In an era when fans complain about the constant injuries sidelining players, Correa’s will to play is admirable. He has shown a commitment to lead by example and an impact on teammates predicted by club president Dave St. Peter even before his first full season with the Twins in 2022. St. Peter told Sports Headliners in April of last year that he also expected the bilingual former Astros star to make an impact in the community.

Correa is the Twins’ nominee for the 2023 Roberto Clemente Award that annually recognizes the MLB player best representing the game with superb character, community involvement, philanthropy and other desirable behaviors on and off the field. On Correa’s resume of good deeds is a family foundation whose focus includes non-medical costs associated with pediatric cancer diagnosis.

For several years, considered one of baseball’s best shortstops, Correa has obviously struggled at the plate, but he does lead the team in RBI with 67. His hitting mechanics and balance have to be impacted by his sore foot. Known for producing in big moments in September and October, Correa is hitting .257 in his last 30 games as the Twins move toward clinching the AL Central Division title and playing in the postseason.

Although his running speed has slowed, Correa is having one of his best fielding seasons statistically. He has committed only six errors. His fielding average of .986 is near his MLB best for any season when he played in over 100 games.

Outfielder Walker Jenkins, the Twins’ first round draft selection this summer, is hitting a gaudy .362 for Single-A Fort Meyers. The 18-year-old has a .988 OPS, with three home runs and 22 RBI in 105 at bats.

With 333 career receptions Vikings WR Justin Jefferson can become the third player with at least 400 receptions in his first four career seasons and can surpass Michael Thomas (5,512) for the most receiving yards by a player in his first four career seasons in the NFL.

Justin Jefferson image courtesy of Minnesota Vikings

Jefferson had nine receptions for 150 yards in Sunday’s loss to the Bucs. He has at least 100 receiving yards in 25 of his first 51 career games. He has surpassed Lance Alworth as the fastest player in NFL history to reach 25 career games with at least 100 reception yards.

Jefferson, 24, also surpassed Randy Moss’s record as the youngest NFL player to reach 25 career games with at least 100 receiving yards. Moss was 25 when he set the record.

Leslie Frazier, the former Vikings head coach and now out of coaching, is appearing on various NFL Network studio shows, including NFL GameDay Live.

That was 84-year-old Owatonna native Tom Moore, who was a top assistant for the Gophers in the 1970s, on the sidelines in the Vikings-Bucs game on Sunday. Moore is in his fifth season as an assistant coach with the Bucs and 45^th in the NFL.

Former Viking Matt Birk is a partner in Heritage Gear, an Edina-based firm that creates only American made premium accessories in the licensed sports merchandise industry. Heritage Gear creates high end wool and leather duffels and totes, cashmere scarves, merino wool blankets and other crafted goods for 50 major colleges, the NFL and most recently expanded to Major League Baseball. https://www.heritagegear.com/?gclid=CjwKCAjw6eWnBhAKEiwADpnw9sXpjrlO72SJf8tM6g07MFtOQvOLqFyAyqvE-MprOKoO9OUD5X1VohoCJIcQAvD_BwE

The 2-0 football Gophers are about a touchdown underdog at North Carolina Saturday, but my view is the game is tossup. The Carolina cornerbacks could be vulnerable to Minnesota’s passing game and the Gopher defense has allowed one touchdown in two games.

A win over the 2-0 Tar Heels, ranked No. 20 in the Associated Press poll, could put Minnesota into the national top 25.

Darius Taylor, who rushed for 193 yards last Saturday against Eastern Michigan, is the Big Ten Freshman of the Week. Taylor’s total is the second highest in school history for a true freshman, trailing only Darrell Thompson’s 205 against Bowling Green in 1986. Taylor has impressed with his maturity and attitude on and off the field.

Taylor is likely to be the Gophers’ lead running back this season. Minnesota’s quality and depth at running back was hurt after the 2021 season when major contributors Bucky Irving and Ky Thomas transferred. Irving is at Oregon and Thomas plays for Kent State after first transferring to Kansas.

Dinkytown Athletes, the Gophers’ official collective, has helped WR Daniel Jackson, who made an extraordinary toe-tapping TD catch against Nebraska, connect with Athlete’s Thread to sell clothing celebrating the extraordinary reception. https://athletesthread.com/collections/daniel-jackson

DA hosted over 100 guests at a tailgate party before the Minnesota-Eastern Michigan game, most of them members of the collective that started about a year ago to benefit Gopher athletes. Players from the Gopher men’s basketball team also attended the event.

It wouldn’t be surprising if former Gophers guard Andre Hollins is the new analyst on University of Minnesota basketball radio broadcasts next season, working with play-by-play voice Mike Grimm.

Signaling plays on the sidelines for Eastern Michigan Saturday was Jeremiah Salem, grandson of former Gophers’ head coach Joe Salem. Jeremiah, a sophomore quarterback, is the son of Brad Salem, tight ends coach at Memphis.

Minneapolis native and longtime college basketball coach Jay Pivec (most recently a men’s assistant at St. Thomas) is working on his autobiography, The Book of Piv. It’s a delightful collection of stories from a colorful and high character coach who made his coaching mark in the five-state area. “All the stories are as true as they need to be,” Pivec writes. “With the exception of my own, some names have been changed to protect the stupid.”

Armstrong High School alum Cameron Hodges, who played for Pivec at Minneapolis Community and Technical College, has joined the NBA Houston Rockets as an assistant coach after previous positions in the league including with the Clippers, Sixers and Spurs.

Edina native Anders Nelson, who played collegiately at St. Thomas and most recently for William & Mary, signed a professional basketball contract last month to play in Switzerland. Playing as a grad student in 2022-2023, the 6-foot-1 guard led William & Mary with an 11.2 points per game average.

It looks like sophomore Mason West, already a hockey star and now throwing touchdown passes as Edina High’s quarterback, is on his way to a place among the Hornets’ greatest athletes.

Abbey Murphy, who scored 29 goals last season for the Gopher women’s hockey team, has been named to the All-WCHA preseason team.

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Here’s the Predicted Outcome in All 17 Vikings Games

Posted on September 10, 2023 by David Shama

The Vikings open their regular season schedule today against the Buccaneers. Here’s how I see the outcome of every game on the 2023 schedule.

Week 1: It was a dream come true for the Bucs to have Tom Brady in his “golden years.” Post-GOAT era, not so good. The Vikings will win by 12 today. Record: 1-0.

Week 2: The Vikes go prime time later this week playing in Philly Thursday night. The Eagles are legit Super Bowl contenders, but the Vikings make it close in a four-point loss. No shame in losing to Jalen Hurts who could be the NFL MVP. Record: 1-1.

Week 3: The Vikings have been playing in the NFL since 1961 but Minnesota and the Chargers have only met 13 times. In their first matchup ever at U.S. Bank Stadium the Chargers are sluggish from their West Coast trek and lose by a touchdown in the September 24 game. Record: 2-1.

Week 4: Word is the Panthers will be a so-so team this fall but Carolina fans are applauding during this October 1 game when WR Adam Thielen puts the Panthers ahead in the second half with a touchdown reception. But it’s not a great reunion for the former Vikings hero after the Purple, taking advantage of mistakes by rookie QB Bryce Young, win in overtime. Record: 3-1.

Week 5: Brian Flores’ defense has been turning heads with its play the first four weeks but not on October 8 when the Chiefs play their first game ever at U.S. Bank Stadium. That quarterback seen in all those TV commercials befuddles the Vikings and the Chiefs win by 21. Record: 3-2.

Week 6: Vikings players are likely privately pleased they don’t have to visit the Windy City late in the season. This October 15 game, however, is no fun for Minnesota as new Bears linebackers Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards cause havoc with Kirk Cousins and friends in a six-point Chicago upset. Record: 3-3.

Week 7: In an October 23 Monday night matchup in Minneapolis, the 49ers show why they could meet the Bengals or Chiefs in the Super Bowl next winter. The San Francisco defense harasses Cousins and his receivers, while the 49er offense, led by RB Christian McCaffrey, having his best NFL season ever, puts up 28 points in a 10-point win. Record: 3-4.

Week 8: Green Bay’s Jaire Alexander and Minnesota’s Justin Jefferson are singing kumbaya before the game, but J.J. is humming Skol Vikings at the finish. Not only does Jefferson get the best of his outspoken rival, but the Vikings defense has one of its best games confusing new starting Packers QB Jordan Love in this October 29 matchup in Green Bay. Record: 4-4.

Week 9: The Falcons have a terrific runner in rookie Bijan Robinson but the passing attack is toothless even playing at home November 5 against Minnesota. The Vikings have one of their better days so far on offense, with rookie WR Jordan Addison having a big day as the Vikings win by 20 points. Record: 5-4.

Week 10: The Saints come marching into Minneapolis November 12 and former New Orleans defensive end Marcus Davenport has a two-sack day against his old team. It’s not enough, though, because the vulnerable Vikings secondary is missing injured players and talented Saints WRs Michael Thomas and Chris Olave produce explosive gains in a 9-point New Orleans victory. Record: 5-5.

Week 11: On November 19 the Vikings play in Denver for the first time since 2015 and they haven’t won there since 1999. That changes this year in a shoot-out in the west as comeback quarterback Russell Wilson causes problems, but Cousins and his key pass catchers have several touchdown receptions. However, it’s RB Alexander Mattison who scores on a swing pass in the closing minute to give the Purple a one-point win. Record: 6-5.

Week 12: November 27 will be the 17^th time the Vikings and Bears have played on a Monday Night (the most ever MNF opponent for the Purple). U.S. Bank is rocking as usual and Bears QB Justin Fields looks to run when his first read isn’t there. The Vikings defense contains Fields, and the Minnesota offense puts up four touchdowns in a revenge win by 18 points. Record: 7-5.

Week 14: After a bye week, the Vikings play the Raiders for the first time in Las Vegas. This is no gamble, playing in Vegas on December 10 against a Raiders team having another poor season. Mattison rushes for a career-high 140 yards and the score is so one-sided Cousins back up Nick Mullens plays against his old team. Record: 8-5.

Week 15: The game date is TBA but wondering if former Vikings coach Mike Zimmer will leave his nearby Kentucky ranch and sneak in the backdoor at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati? Cousins threw for 351 yards in a 27-24 overtime loss in 2021 in Cincy. The game turns into a chess match between Flores and Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo who both are skilled at disguising and mixing up schemes. Bengals QB Joe Burrow wins the day for his Super Bowl favorite team as the Vikings lose 23-17. Record: 8-6.

Week 16: Better plan to open presents on Christmas Day. Christmas Eve, December 24, has the Vikings hosting the Lions, their main rival to repeat as NFC North Division champs. The last time the teams played in Minneapolis, Cousins, with 45 seconds remaining, threw the winning TD pass to WR K.J. Osborn in Week 3 of the 2022 season. At a magical time of year in 2023, guess what? Cousins and former Lion T.J. Hockenson beat Detroit in the closing minutes of the game. Record: 9-6.

Week 17: The Packers come to town and the Vikings play like they had too much eggnog, or maybe aquavit. It’s the first time since 2005 the Pack has been in Minneapolis without Aaron Rodgers and the Vikings find Love is much improved since the earlier meeting between the two teams. In the most disappointing loss of the season, the heavily favored Vikings lose by 5 points, but the game isn’t even that close. Record: 9-7.

Week 18: In Detroit Jefferson caps a year for the ages by having over 100 yards in receptions, a total that puts him past 2,000 yards for the season. He becomes the first receiver in NFL history to reach 2,000 yards during the regular season. That’s worth a festive celebration but a loss to the Lions isn’t. The Vikings, playing without several injured starters, suffer a two-touchdown loss to a Lions team that clinches the NFC North title. Game date TBA. Record: 9-8.

Recap: The Vikings don’t come close to last season’s record of 13-4 but luck into the playoffs with their mediocre record. How will they fare in the postseason? For that outlook, you have to wait until January.

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Justin Jefferson & the 2,000 Yards Question in 2023

Posted on September 5, 2023September 5, 2023 by David Shama

Vikings superstar wide receiver Justin Jefferson had 1,809 receiving yards last season. In NFL history only five others have totaled over 1,800 yards in the regular season, including Cooper Kupp from the Rams who had over 2,000 yards in 2021-2022 counting playoff games.

Jefferson, age 24, starts his fourth NFL season Sunday in Minneapolis against the Bucs. There will be a national watch to see if Jefferson can become the second member of the 2,000 yards club and the first to do it in the regular season. In Jefferson’s first three seasons his 4,825 yards is the most ever for an NFL player.

Voted the second-best player in the NFL this summer by his peers, Jefferson plays for a creative head coach in Kevin O’Connell who, along with offensive coordinator Wes Phillips, devises schemes to get the former LSU star open against aggressive defenses.

A former executive with NFL teams, speaking to Sports Headliners on condition of anonymity, recognizes Jefferson’s extraordinary talents and the coaching staff’s high IQ but is skeptical about the 2,000 yards target. “I don’t see a 2,000-yard season. He’s going to have so much attention on him with double and triple teams. …I know that’s his goal to be a 2,000-yard guy but that’s a pretty high ask, I would say.”

The benefit to the Vikings for all the attention to Jefferson will be more opportunities for other playmakers, perhaps starting with rookie wide receiver Jordan Addison who shows big play potential. Wide receiver K.J. Osborn and tight end T.J. Hockenson can also stretch the field for a potentially explosive passing game led by quarterback Kirk Cousins.

Jefferson’s career high in touchdown passes is 10 in the 2021 regular season (eight last year). Davante Adams of the Raiders led the NFL with 14 touchdown receptions last season. You can add a touchdown watch to tracking J.J. this season.

Another topic of Jefferson news is an expected contract extension that could be announced this week. The new terms might be $30 million or so over five to six years. How much will be guaranteed? “That’ll be a $100 million plus, I am sure,” said the source referenced earlier.

Gophers Football In-State Recruiting Update

The Star Tribune published its 23-man preseason All-Metro Dream Team last week. Included in Jim Paulsen’s story were Golden Gophers class of 2024 commits Jide Abasiri, Prior Lake; Sam Macy, Chanhassen; and Mo Saine, Eden Prairie. Who else might the Gophers pursue?

Ryan Burns, the recruiting authority from GopherIllustrated, said one of the names to follow is senior offensive lineman Kene Anene from East Ridge who has verbally committed to Kansas. He interests the Gophers, per Burns, but they haven’t offered a scholarship. “He is probably someone they watch the first few games of tape of. Decide if they want to move on him from there.”

Minnesota is likely to watch tape, too, of Minneapolis North senior cornerback Zashon Rich. “Really athletic kid,” Burns said. “Really, really raw like a lot of Minneapolis North kids are. He’s big enough to be a Big Ten caliber athlete but he’s got a lot of refinement left and if he can show that on his senior tape, you’re going to see some power five schools on him pretty quick.”

Junior offensive lineman Sam Ruid from St. Francis could also be a Gopher target. “He is on a short list for best junior lineman in the state,” Burns said.

Paulsen described Robbinsdale Cooper junior linebacker Emmanuel Karmo as “considered the top recruit in the state in the class of 2025.” Burns said the Gophers are evaluating Karmo as are other programs.

Burns said the Gophers are also watching senior Mounds View slot receiver Tyler Nystrom. “I know he is on their radar for a potential preferred walk-on.”

Minnetonka senior quarterback Milos Spasojevic wasn’t selected for the dream team but Burns said he’s the only QB Minnesota has offered preferred walk-on status to. Wisconsin has done the same.

Worth Noting

Mid-American Conference Opponent Eastern Michigan receives a $1.4 million guarantee to play the Gophers Saturday night at Huntington Bank Stadium, according to information obtained by Sports Headliners from the University of Minnesota. Sun Belt Conference member Louisiana will get $1.3 million for playing the Gophers in Minneapolis September 30.

The Gophers’ third nonconference game is on the road September 16 at North Carolina where the Tar Heels will pay a $200,000 guarantee to Minnesota. Next year NC is at Minnesota and will receive $200,000 as the visiting team.

Gophers’ kicker Dragan Kesich and safety Tyler Nubin were honored by the Big Ten today for their performances in last week’s 13-10 victory against Nebraska. Kesich, who kicked the winning field goal in the game’s closing minutes is Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week. Nubin, who had two interceptions including one in the fourth quarter that helped Minnesota’s comeback from a 10-3 deficit, is Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week.

The Gophers used three of their top four running backs against Nebraska. Not playing was redshirt freshman Zach Evans who impressed in his one game last season, rushing six times for 29 yards and a touchdown against Northwestern. “He’s (Zach) doing good, but this is all about competition,” Gophers’ coach P.J. Fleck said about Evans. “I don’t make the depth charts. The players make the depth charts. I just pick who played best. Just because you did something one year, doesn’t mean you’re going to be there the next year. We keep adding talent, and you gotta go out there and perform. We have full trust in him when he gets out there and gets his opportunity.”

MLB.com’s Do-Hyoung Park pointed out yesterday that amazing Twins rookie Royce Lewis, who delivers in the biggest of moments at the plate, not only has hit three grand slams in the span of eight games, but four of his 13 career home runs have come with the bases loaded.

The Twins have won three of their last four games, including last night’s wild 20-6 victory over the Guardians in Cleveland. Former manager Tom Kelly once said momentum was as good as tomorrow’s starting pitcher.

Saint John’s is the No. 4 ranked team nationally in the latest D3football.com poll, moving up two spots since last week. MIAC rival Bethel is No. 16.

The Johnnies had a dramatic win in their opening game last Saturday against Trinity (Texas). Trailing 31-14 in the fourth quarter, Saint John’s scored the game’s final 20 points in a 34-31 overtime win over then-No. 4 ranked Trinity in Collegeville.

Twin Cities TV sports anchors Mike Max, Dawn Mitchell, Joe Schmit and Reggie Wilson will talk about the changing role of local television sports on Tuesday, September 26 at the Capital Club breakfast at Mendakota Country Club. More information about the Capital Club is available from Patrick Klinger, patrick@agilemarketingco.com.

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