P.J. FLECK – Page 8 – David Shama's Minnesota Sports Headliners

Golden Gophers Football Recruiting Alert: Mataalii Benjamin

Posted on May 28, 2025May 28, 2025 by David Shama

The first of two Gophers Summer Splash weekends starts on Friday in Minneapolis. The invitation only event is for high school football players Minnesota is targeting for its recruiting class of 2026.

The attendees will number about 25, including 10 who already have made verbal commitments to the Gophers, per recruiting authority Ryan Burns from Gopher Illustrated and 247Sports. He talked to Sports Headliners about prospects who already are, or will be, of high interest to Minnesota fans.

Yes, Burns said the Gopher coaches would be “through the roof” in the coming days if they received a verbal commitment from the state’s No. 1 ranked player, Roman Voss from Jackson.

“I’d also tell you they’d love to add a kid from Utah named Mataalii Benjamin who is a very high upside offensive tackle,” Burns said. “And being able to add tackle bodies is very important. They’re one of the toughest things to find across college football because they’re always in such high demand.

“Benjamin has offers from all over the country but being able to get him on campus this weekend is very important for them. …I think he’s one of the higher upside guys that they’ve been targeting along the offensive line in some time.”

A player Burns is locked in on is wide receiver Hayden Moore from Newberry, Florida. After Moore verbally committed to the Gophers, he picked up an offer from Big Ten power Penn State and he is “tentatively” scheduled to visit there next month, per Burns who is curious to learn the Florida native’s thoughts after this weekend.

Voss is the player who Gopher fans have zeroed in on. The 6-foot-4, 220-pound prospect is so versatile he could be a possibility at multiple positions in college, but Burns predicts he will be a tight end.

“I think he’s going to be a great college tight end,” Burns said. He added that Voss “is as athletically gifted a tight end as I’ve seen come out of this state since Brevyn Spann-Ford (former Gopher now with the NFL Cowboys).”

Burns said in college Voss could remind him of former Iowa All-American Sam LaPorta, now a standout tight end for the NFL Lions. He added that Voss and his family are on board with his playing tight end in college.

At one time it was thought Voss, who is expected at Summer Splash, might choose Iowa. The Hawkeyes are known as a tight ends factory and Jackson is near the Iowa border. “Iowa is not in it for (securing) Roman Voss,” Burns said.

Voss is “essentially bound” to either Alabama or Minnesota, per Burns who said the coveted prospect will visit the Crimson Tide in June with indications a college destination will be made after that. Jackson is a short drive to Sioux Falls, South Dakota where Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer became acquainted with southwest Minnesota recruiting when he was leading the program at the University of Sioux Falls.

Four-star state of Minnesota recruits Howie Johnson, a defensive lineman from Forest Lake, and Andrew Trout, an offensive tackle from Cold Spring, are already Gopher commits and expected to be at Summer Splash. They are players Burns believes could contribute early in their college careers.

The next highest ranked in-state player is high three-star Dodge Center athlete Pierce Petersohn who is also expected to attend Summer Splash. Burns said the uncommitted Petersohn is projected as a college linebacker by Minnesota and Iowa State, and a tight end by Penn State. “He’s going to take official visits to all three of those schools coming up here in the next month or so, and then he’s going to try and figure out what’s best for him.”

How does Burns view the quality and depth of talent in the state for the class of 2026? “I just don’t think it’s a very good year in the state of Minnesota to be quite honest with you. I think it’s a below average year. It’s a year where you’ve got a lot of high-end guys at the top. Guys like Roman Voss, Howie Johnson, Andrew Trout, Pierce Petersohn, but I think the cliff drops off pretty steeply after the top five I would say; top maybe 6, 7, 8. …In terms of depth I don’t think it’s a great year.”

Despite not being that enthused about the in-state talent depth, Burns believes the 2026 Gopher recruiting class could be one of the best since head coach P.J. Fleck came to Minnesota in 2017. Burns offered praise to the staff for getting in early with a lot of their targets and building relationships.

An example is offensive tackle Daniel McMorris from Oklahoma who is expected at Summer Splash. Burns said Minnesota was the first school to offer McMorris but now he has over 20 offers including Wisconsin and Stanford.

To make this one of Fleck’s best classes Burns said the Gophers will need a “great next 30 days of recruiting.” He projects by the end of June the 2026 Minnesota will have “north of 20” verbal commitments.

The Gophers will host a second Summer Splash June 13-15, with a smaller number of targets expected to attend, per Burns.

Under NCAA rules, prep players can’t make signed agreements with schools for several months from now.

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Potential Jordan Addison Suspension Hangs Over Vikings

Posted on March 21, 2025March 21, 2025 by David Shama

There is a possibility the NFL will suspend star wide receiver Jordan Addison for multiple games during the 2025 season. The impact on the outcome of those games could be significant for a team with Super Bowl ambitions.

Addison was arrested last July by the California Highway Patrol on suspicion of driving under the influence. His car was reportedly found blocking traffic on I-105 near Los Angeles International Airport while he was asleep in the driver’s seat.

The NFL is waiting for the legal process to proceed before issuing a possible sanction that could be a three-game suspension. Jordan has pleaded not guilty to two misdemeanor charges stemming from his arrest.

Fox 9 reported last week Jordan had a pre-trial hearing on March 12 in Los Angeles County Superior Court and that a pre-trial conference date is set for April 10. When the legal process concludes the NFL will decide if Addison has violated the league substance abuse policy.

This isn’t Addison’s first road incident as a Viking. In 2023 he was cited for speeding and reckless driving at 140 MPH on Interstate 94 in St. Paul. He later pled guilty to a misdemeanor speeding charge, $686 fine and had his license suspended for six months.

In two seasons Addison has proven his high value to an offense that is the envy of many rival teams. He’s an exceptional complement to superstar wide receiver and teammate Justin Jefferson.

Addison has been both durable and productive. He has played in 32 of 34 regular season games. He has 1,786 career receiving yards and 19 touchdowns while averaging an impressive 13.4 yards per reception.

Jordan Addison image courtesy of Minnesota Vikings

Addison can make a difficult catch, a long reception or a clutch catch setting up an important drive or a winning score in the end zone. His absence next fall as the offense’s No. 2 receiving threat could impact the outcome of games and playoff seeding for Minnesota.

None of this is lost on the Vikings front office. Expect the Vikings to be proactive in addressing their wide receiver room which has already lost Trent Sherfield and could lose another free agent WR from last season in Brandon Powell.

Jalen Nailor, the team’s No. 3 WR option last season, is back after an okay 2024 and is on the last year of his rookie contract. And this week they signed former Purdue receiver Rondale Moore as a free agent. He missed all of last season with the Falcons because of a knee injury but previously played three seasons with the Cardinals where he showed game-breaking speed as a receiver and runner. If healthy he could add explosiveness to the Minnesota offense, including as a punt and kickoff returner.

The Vikings could still be shopping for wide receivers. Targets drawing media speculation include free agents Amari Cooper and Tyler Lockett. Superstar Tyreek Hill has been upset with the Dolphins in the past and it’s possible the Vikings might figure out a way to acquire him.

With the No. 24 selection in the first round, the Vikings could opt for a wide receiver having already filled needs in the offensive and defensive lines with free agent signings. Two standouts who might be available at No. 24 are Emeka Egbuka from Ohio State and Luther Burden III of Missouri.

Worth Noting

Carter Coughlin, the former football standout for Eden Prairie High School and the Golden Gophers, has five years of pro experience at linebacker and special teams for the NFL Giants but is now a free agent. Coughlin and former Baylor All-American volleyball player Yossi Pressley married last June.

New Gophers defensive coordinator Danny Collins carries a ticket stub from a Northwestern-Notre Dame football game he attended in South Bend when he was three years old to remind him of the motivation needed to be a college coach. Collins is referring to his unit as the “H.A.V. O.C. Defense.” Means how, attack, violence, one (togetherness), compete.

The Gophers, 8-5 last year, began spring practice Thursday with head coach P.J. Fleck praising the intelligence of the team he’s observed over the winter months. Tight end Jameson Geers, a senior, called this the “most connected” team he has seen.

Fleck indicated 2024 freshman All-American safety Koi Perich will not only figure again in the return game but be used on offense. Last season he was the team’s primary punt and kickoff returner, with minimal plays on offense. Athletically gifted and instinctual, Perich could produce big plays on offense as a receiver, runner or even a surprise passer.

Fleck believes his 2024 quarterback Max Brosmer is opening the eyes of pro evaluators, commenting that the Georgia native has “solidified himself” as a draft pick who is moving up the draft board.

If Niko Medved is named as the new men’s head basketball coach at the U, it will be interesting to see if players from his Colorado State roster follow him to Dinkytown. Potential transfers could include two Minnesota natives on the Rams roster who are freshmen, Kyle Jorgensen, a 6-9 forward from Washburn, and Jon Mekonnen, 6-8 forward from Eastview.

Jorgensen has played in 32 games, starting four and averages 4.3 points. Mekonnen hasn’t played for the Rams who today have their NCAA Tournament opener against Memphis in Seattle. Minneapolis game time is 1 p.m. and TBS has the telecast.

Condolences to family and friends of former Gophers and Edina High School football player Paul Wright who passed away from cancer March 16. Paul lettered at Minnesota from 1970-72.

The Minnesota Football Coaches Association Clinic is coming up March 27-29 and organizers want to get out the word on these two correct links regarding the schedule and academy: 2025 MFCA Clinic Schedule; 2025 MFCA Clinic Schedule

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Sources Surface on Minnesota Twins Ownership Sale

Posted on March 19, 2025March 19, 2025 by David Shama

(Updated 3:25 p.m. March 19, 2025)

Enjoy a Wednesday notes column.

A sports industry source who has been in Fort Myers this winter told Sports Headliners he believes there are two entities offering $1.65 billion to buy the Twins franchise from the Pohlad family.

If so, that means Twins representatives have leverage with competing potential buyers. It’s been thought for some time ownership wants more than $1.65 billion to sell the MLB franchise they have owned since 1984.

The asking price might be $1.8 billion. Forbes valued the Twins at $1.46 billion early last year, but that number will increase when new valuations come out soon.

The Orioles sold for a reported $1.7 billion last year. It could be argued the Twins are the more valuable franchise because the Baltimore-based Orioles are less than 40 miles away from another MLB franchise, the Washington Nationals.

The source described the competing entities as “very much interested” in acquiring the franchise. He predicted a sale of the club, which relocated to Minnesota from Washington D.C. in 1960, could happen by July, although it’s also been made clear the Pohlads won’t sell for anything less than their desired price range.

Another source outside the organization, who has passionately followed the club for years and knows Twins authorities, said he is told there are more than two potential entities, probably three or four. “At least one is local, I believe,” he said.

That source expressed some confidence that a change in ownership could happen in the next 60 days.

It was widely reported last month that Chicago-based billionaire Mat Ishbia is no longer interested in buying the Twins. He has a minority interest in the White Sox and the thought is he could be poised to become the majority.

BTW, what’s the over-under for the Twins often frequently injured trio of Byron Buxton, Carlos Correa and Royce Lewis playing in a combined 300 games or more this season? Prediction here is a cautious yes!

Qualifying for the Stanley Cup playoffs this spring could have implications for the Wild next summer. The Wild will have about $22 million more in salary cap space for next season starting July 1 when NHL free agency begins. Minnesota wants to present the image of a winner to free agents and after missing the playoffs in 2024 has to be hoping for a successful run in the postseason.

Winning at least one playoff series could make the franchise more appealing to free agents. So, too, would word next summer that the team’s superstar, forward Kirill Kaprizov, is signing an extension on his five-year contract that runs through 2025-2026.

The Wild, currently positioned as a wild card entry, is 4-5-1 in the last 10 games but got an important win Monday night at home, 3-1 over the Kings.

Wild owner Craig Leipold ranks No. 11 overall among the 32 NHL owners, per a survey of fans done by The Athletic. In an article by James Mirtle on Monday he wrote: “Leipold was ranked sixth for his willingness to spend on the team and eighth for treatment of the fan base, although he ranked middle-of-the-pack in organizational stability and franchise vision.”

Mirtle noted that Wild patrons had the most responses to the survey of any fan base.

St. Paul mayor Melvin Carter, with his last name on the back of a Wild jersey, walked in the city’s St. Patrick’s Day parade on Monday. Green Wild jerseys were everywhere among the crowd watching the parade near Rice Park.

The transfer portal opens for college basketball players on Monday. More than ever where a player lands is about opportunity to play right away and earn significant money. With the Big Ten and other power conferences expected to budget more than $20 million in revenue sharing to be used on football, men’s basketball and a few other sports, athletes will enrich themselves way beyond just NIL earnings.

Potentially this is a win for the Gophers and their new coach (expected to be Niko Medved, see March 15 Sports Headliners). In a bidding war with a historical blue-blood program, Minnesota may be able to offer more playing time and money than a Michigan State, Kansas or Kentucky.

Medved’s Colorado State Rams are about a 2.5 points favorite to win their NCAA Tournament opener Friday against Memphis State in Seattle. TBS will televise the 1 p.m. Minneapolis time game.

Auburn, former college basketball coaches tell Sports Headliners, is the most talented team in the NCAA Men’s Tournament.

Bobby Jackson was in town earlier this month as an assistant coach for the NBA 76ers and the presence of the former University of Minnesota superstar prompted reflection about the all-time starting five for the Golden Gophers. Here’s the Sports Headliners lineup:

Guards, Jackson and Voshon Lenard. Forwards, Kevin McHale and Lou Hudson. Center, Mychal Thompson.

How about the all-time state boys’ basketball tournament team?

Guards, Khalid El-Amin and Tyus Jones. Forwards, Mark Olberding and Chet Holmgren. Center, Randy Breuer.

P.J. Fleck and others with the Golden Gophers meet with the media tomorrow to preview the opening of spring practice that day. The Gophers aren’t planning a Spring Game, following the trend of other programs to cancel the traditional gathering.

The public is welcome to attend the 4:15 p.m. practice April 15 at the team’s indoor facility at the Athletes Village. Dinkytown Athletes members may also attend the 4:15 p.m. practice March 26 at the same location.

Parker Knoll, the senior outfielder transfer from Lawrence University who was a D-III All-American last year, is sixth on the baseball Gophers in batting average at .259 while playing in 16 games and starting 14.

Minnesota, 8-10 overall, hosts 9-6 St. Thomas in a 6 p.m. game tonight at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Gophers are averaging about 17 fans per game in six home games at the bank this winter, per stats.ncaa.org.

The St. Thomas men’s basketball team that finished second in both the Summit League regular season standings and the conference tournament attracted only 20,117 total fans for 14 home games at Schoenecker Arena. The Tommies averaged 1,437 fans per game, playing to 65 percent of capacity, per stats.ncaa.org.

The Tommies, with a 24-10 overall record and 12-4 in league games, will play in the new Lee and Penny Anderson facility next fall with a basketball capacity of about 5,500. Despite the program’s winning legacy, dating back to Division III national championships, sell-outs have been rare at Schoenecker.

Remarkable and much-admired Tom Swain passed away earlier this month at age 103. He was a great advocate for the University of Minnesota and held various leadership positions starting with ticket manager for the Golden Gophers in the 1940s. He was a gentleman’s gentleman and much admired for how he related to people.

A Minneapolis native and Gopher fan, Tom told Sports Headliners in 2021 that he or his family had owned U football season tickets every year except one since 1921. “The year of my birth,” he said.

Regarding becoming a centenarian, Tom said in the column: “There are such few people that get there (to 100), I feel very gratified. I am very fortunate to have made it this far because growing old is a privilege denied to many. I am not sure why I deserve to get to 100 but I am very grateful.”

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