Adam Weber might catch a pass or two next fall, and he won’t take every snap in Gopher games, but make no mistake the sophomore-to-be quarterback from Mounds View figures to remain Minnesota’s starter.
Coach Tim Brewster said last week that “I truly expect him to be our starting quarterback” and the Gophers won’t have multiple starters. Almost in the same breath, Brewster made it clear he expects “dynamic” play out of the quarterback position and he doesn’t want to ask a player to do things he isn’t comfortable with.
That will mean some opportunity for transfer David Pittman who had 556 completions for 6,346 yards and 61 touchdowns in junior college. He is so athletically versatile he will probably play at wide receiver, running back and perhaps in the defensive secondary. Brewster said Pittman may even throw a pass or two to Weber when the Gophers alter their personnel in the team’s varied spread offense. The coach describes Pittman as a leader, a player with charisma and someone who is “going to help us immediately.”
Weber was the Sporting News all-Big Ten freshmen team quarterback last season. Playing as a red shirt in the mentally and physically demanding spread offense, the first year quarterback set school single-season records for passing yards (2,895), completions (258), touchdown passes (24) and total offense (3,512) during the 2007 season.
Brewster was pleased with Weber’s development during the 12 game season (he started every game) but wants more progress. That will include not only mastering the complex offense even more and throwing with better accuracy (19 interceptions), but Brewster expects Weber to be a team leader, to be vocal and show charisma.
The Gophers begin spring practice on Wednesday, March 26. The annual spring game open to the public is Saturday, April 19.
The development of Weber and Pittman will be storylines to watch in the spring, but also of interest will be the defense. Minnesota ranked last among Big Ten teams during conference play giving up almost 500 yards per game.
Brewster said the Gophers will approach spring drills with an “emphasis to be physical” on defense and there will be a lot of time devoted to tackling.