Golden Gophers – Page 39 – David Shama's Minnesota Sports Headliners

New U QB: ‘I Live and Die by Preparation’

Posted on March 26, 2024March 26, 2024 by David Shama

Between now and the University of Minnesota’s opening football game August 29 against North Carolina, no Golden Gophers player will prompt more curiosity and anticipation than transfer quarterback Max Brosmer. He made FCS All-American last fall at New Hampshire while leading the FCS in passing yards and total offense. Yet there is no certain way to know how well he will perform at a higher level against FBS/Big Ten teams.

That answer will have to wait until the Gophers go through their 12-game schedule, but a few things are known after Brosmer’s short tenure here that includes workouts in the winter and now spring practices that began last week. The intel is this: the transfer QB is an adult, with a pro’s work ethic, dedication to preparation and a desire to lead.

“I live and die by preparation,” said Brosmer who played five years at New Hampshire and was a team captain in 2023. “I know that my skill only goes so far. I don’t run a 4.4. I can’t escape every single blitz but if I know it’s coming, then maybe I can have a chance to get out of it. …I think that it (escaping trouble) comes from a team effort. Comes from the staff and also a group effort from the offensive line, the running back room, the receiver room and me as well–together (with us) doing it. …There’s a lot that goes into it.”

Brosmer, already named a Gopher captain, has known for years that he doesn’t have the strongest arm to throw the football as hard or far as some of his peers. “The thing that I had to improve at a young age was to be able to throw to tight windows before they were there,” he said.

At New Hampshire last year Brosmer attempted 459 passes and was intercepted only five times. That kind of success comes from repetition and knowing where the holes will be in the secondary. Brosmer will also tell you success comes from knowing his receivers and mutually being in synch in all aspects of passing and catching.

It will take time on and off the field for Brosmer to develop things with his receivers, but he already has their attention and impressed both them and other teammates. Wide receiver Daniel Jackson, the team’s star wide receiver, refers to Brosmer as the “general” for the way he has taken over the huddle and been embraced and trusted by teammates.

“… In the huddle, on the field when we’re already lined up, he’s able to make adjustments on the fly,” Jackson said. “He’s able to see things that really no one else on the field is able to see. And he’s able to put us receivers and running backs in the best position to go out there and be successful. It’s just his knowledge of the game is very, very impeccable.”

The Gophers have struggled in recent seasons to develop a consistent passing offense. Last year they ranked 123^rd among 130 FBS teams in passing yards per game at 143.4.

Brosmer is aware of the challenge but has noted there is a strong willingness by him and others to put in the effort to make the results better in 2024, which will be his one year of eligibility at Minnesota. “I am super, super excited,” he said.

Brosmer added he sees talent to work with and added this about the receiver room: “There’s a crave and a desire to grow and to progress. …”

Brosmer is talking about work ethic and he has created a sense of commitment that goes beyond his teammates. “He’s the hardest worker I’ve been around. No question,” said co-offensive coordinator Greg Harbaugh Jr. who talks about “a partnership” with his QB.

Harbaugh said Brosmer has challenged him and changed him. “The best thing about (being) a coach is when a guy can challenge you, and he makes you better every single day. And I think that is the number one thing that he does. Me and him are together all the time, and we’re working together. He challenges me to make sure that every meeting that I have…that I’m ready to roll.”

The Gophers, 6-7 last year, didn’t find the passing consistency they needed with Athan Kaliakmanis who has transferred to Rutgers. Minnesota coach P.J. Fleck was looking for an experienced and accomplished quarterback in the portal.

“…We talked about how we needed a quarterback to walk in here and connect the entire football team,” Fleck said before spring practice started about his quarterback. “And that was going to be a tall task for anybody. But you can tell in two and a half short months this team is completely connected to him, has leaned on him and has looked to him for guidance.

“And that’s a credit to our players, but also a credit to him that he’s been able to do that in such a short amount of time. And it’s real, it’s authentic. He’s a special young man. And we look forward to him actually throwing some footballs here coming up. …Because this isn’t like having a freshman come in here that’s really talented.

“He has all the experience that you want. That doesn’t promise you anything, but it gives you a better chance. And his work ethic is through the roof and has really taken this team probably farther quicker than maybe expected.”

Coming out of Centennial High School in Roswell, Georgia he threw for 3,459 yards as a senior, but he didn’t have FBS recruiters knocking down his door. Late last year, though, there were FBS programs pursuing the high-profile Brosmer, but he didn’t take long to decide on the Gophers.

“…I wanted to get in out of the portal as quickly as I could as long as I was going to the school that fit me the best. Minnesota being that school for me.”

The fit has been more than fine so far.

Gophers Travel Notes: Rose Bowl Return

Stillwater-based Creative Charters has been arranging Golden Gophers football fan trips since 1993 and will be carrying on that tradition in the fall including the October 12 game against UCLA at the Rose Bowl. Minnesota last played in the Rose Bowl on January 1, 1962—ironically against UCLA.

For over 60 years Gophers fans have yearned to see their team back in the “Granddaddy” of all bowl games. It hasn’t happened but the next best thing is playing in Pasadena during the regular season where the Bruins host their home games.

Creative has already sold out three trips for the return to the Rose Bowl. “We have the entire Godfrey Hotel,” Steve Erban told Sports Headliners.

Steve and wife Dorothy own Creative Charters, and they’re adding two more trip packages to accommodate the strong interest in the game. The Godfrey and now the Loews, both in Hollywood, are host hotels. Creative Charters has also scheduled a Warner Bros. Studio Tour as part of the trip experience.

Fleck said going back to the Rose Bowl means coming “full circle for a lot of families” in a football program that is tradition rich. U defensive lineman Danny Striggow, a Minnesota native, said of the game and the playing venue: “That’s an awesome opportunity.”

A potential 600 travelers going with Creative Charters thinks so, too.

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Taylor: Equity Group Not in Place for Wolves Sale

Posted on March 19, 2024March 19, 2024 by David Shama

Finalizing the deal to sell the NBA Timberwolves and WNBA Lynx remains unclear with a deadline of March 27 looming.

In 2021 owner Glen Taylor struck a multi-phase payment plan with Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez to acquire the Minneapolis-based basketball franchises for $1.5 billion. The final payment to give Lore and Rodriguez majority control over the teams (Taylor becomes a minority owner) is due a week from Wednesday.

That deadline is an extension of a previous date and indicates the challenge the buyers have experienced in raising capital needed for the takeover. Taylor told Sports Headliners yesterday about $600 million is needed to make the final payment.

Doubters might be skeptical of the sale being completed. Taylor’s communications with the two buyers haven’t been frequent of late but he did offer important news about financing.

“They had an equity group that was going to come in and put in $300 million, and that equity group has either withdrawn or the NBA has denied them,” Taylor said. “They have to go out and find new revenue. That I do know. I don’t know if they found it or what they’re going to do. We haven’t seen the schedule of ownership yet.”

The NBA will have a final call on approving the sale even if the Lore and Rodriguez group meet their final payment obligation. That might not be a slam dunk. If the league isn’t convinced the new owners can meet operating obligations with their finances, approval won’t be granted.

It’s believed Lore and Rodriguez will want to replace Target Center to better serve customers while improving revenues and financial value of the two franchises. A source told Sports Headliners the Farmers Market near downtown is a site of interest to the potential new owners.

Taylor would neither confirm nor deny the speculation about the location at 312 East Lyndale Avenue North. “…I don’t think I am the one that should comment on that. I think you should ask that of those guys.”

Gophers Basketball Notes

Anticipating how a college basketball team will perform the next season has never been dicier than it is now. With players having “free agency” to change schools at a whim, it’s best not to go overboard about the Gophers who potentially could have all five starters return.

The possibility of having center Pharell Payne, forward Dawson Garcia and guards Cam Christie, Elijah Hawkins and Mike Mitchell Jr. returning has college basketball authorities upbeat about Minnesota’s future. School athletic director Mark Coyle says a preseason top 25 ranking could happen, with Michigan State coach Tom Izzo and Big Ten Network analyst Brian Butch seeing the Gophers as possible title contenders in the Big Ten Conference.

After consecutive last place finishes in the conference and a combined league record of 6-33, coach Ben Johnson had his best Big Ten regular season record going 9-11 and 18-14 overall. Minnesota has its first NIT invite since 2014 and opens play tonight at Butler.

Izzo: “…Ben’s done an unbelievable job with the program. They could be the No. 1 team in the league next year so hat’s off to them.”

Butch told Sports Headliners the Gophers could be “top four” in the league next year. He said his alma mater, Wisconsin, might be in that company, too.

Garcia, a junior, made second team All-Big Ten as chosen by the media. He is averaging 17.7 points per game and has an admirer in Izzo. “…He’s a very good player, and if he keeps getting better, watch out,” the legendary Michigan State coach said.

Hawkins, who ranks second nationally in assists with 7.5 per game, is Garcia’s roommate. “Me and him, we feel like it starts with us. We’re the older guys in the lineup.

“I feel like as we go, the team goes. Dawson is a great player for us. He’s our leading scorer here. We expect a lot out of him, and he gives it to us.”

Hawkins, the team’s point guard, transferred from Howard last year and expects to make a decision soon about returning for his senior season. “I love Minneapolis. It’s like my new home, I guess. I love my teammates and my coaches. They test me every day to get better.

“I feel like in the beginning of the season I was struggling a little bit with turnovers and stuff as far as that, so I feel like through the season I got better and better. Next year I definitely feel like we’ll be a good team, a better team.”

Guard Braeden Carrington played frequently as a sub this year and could be the first player off the bench next season. He said it’s not “too much to hope for” that the Gophers will be a nationally ranked team in the fall of 2024.

Carrington wants to see more consistency within games from the team. At times opponents went on scoring runs and the Gophers became “flustered,” he said. “I think if we can get that figured out (consistency through 40 minutes), I think we’ll be good for next year.”

Carrington, a sophomore defensive stopper, believes he can improve his agility and strength to become an even better defender. “My goal is to be an all-defensive player (in the Big Ten),” he said.

It seems likely Johnson will receive a contract extension and additional compensation in his contract. He is the Big Ten’s youngest head coach at 43 and believed to be the lowest paid.

The Badgers, who finished second in the Big Ten Tournament, might have all their starters return except for forward Tyler Wahl from Lakeville. Moving into Wahl’s spot could be Lakeville native Nolan Winter, who is the son of former Gopher center Trevor Winter.

Nolan showed considerable improvement during his freshman year and at 6-11 has exceptional skills including his outside shooting. “I think the future is so bright for Nolan,” said Butch. “He’s a great kid.”

Winter might team with 7-foot junior starter Steven Crowl from Eagan to give the Badgers two bigs in their lineup. They continue the legacy in Madison of exceptional players from Minnesota who became Badgers this millennium.

Wisconsin is in the NCAA Tournament for the 27^th time and is one of only five programs to participate 23 times in the last 25 years. Butch, who is the game radio analyst for Wisconsin, said the ongoing recruiting pipeline to Minnesota is because so many players have found success playing for the Badgers. Those players have bought into a culture of sacrificing for each other, and the Badgers have turned out Big Ten titles and NCAA Tournament runs under coach Bo Ryan and now Greg Gard.

“…They understand what exactly it is to be successful,” Butch said. “They buy into what Wisconsin is about.

“And you’ve seen changes (in style). This year Wisconsin is scoring the ball more than they have. Kids have seen that, too. Greg is willing to change. To adapt. I think that helps, too.”

Izzo said coming to Minneapolis for the Big Ten Tournament was a “tearful visit for me” because of his friendship with the late Flip Saunders, the former Gophers point guard, and Timberwolves executive and coach. “…Flip Saunders deserves to be even thought of more than he probably is here because he loved this city, he loved the Gophers, he loved the Timberwolves, and I love him. Sad to see him not with us right now.”

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Chargers May Offer Vikings Path to Quarterback McCarthy

Posted on March 17, 2024March 17, 2024 by David Shama

The Vikings have potential to move up in the first round of next month’s NFL Draft by making a trade with the Chargers. Minnesota could propose sending its No. 11 and 23 first round picks to Los Angeles, along with wide receiver Jordan Addison, in exchange for the No. 5 slot in the draft.

That move would give Minnesota a high probability of being able to select Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy. For months speculation has been he is a Viking favorite in the quarterback-loaded 2024 draft.

A former college coach compares McCarthy to 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy who in his second season almost led his team to a Super Bowl win over the Chiefs. Both are heady quarterbacks who play with poise.

“J.J. (is a) similar style with better arm talent and athleticism,” the coach said in a text. “Would be a great pick for the Vikes.”

There’s almost a national consensus the first three franchises drafting in the first round—the Bears, Commanders and Patriots—will select quarterbacks, and perhaps in the order of Caleb Williams, Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels. The Cardinals hold the No. 4 selection and seemingly are committed to five-year veteran QB Kyler Murray and won’t select McCarthy.

Wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. is considered a generational talent and certain to be the first wide receiver selected in the draft. He should be a perfect fit for the Cardinals who need a big play receiver to complement Murray.

The above scenario would provide the Vikings the opportunity to trade with the Chargers for McCarthy. Los Angeles has one of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks in Justin Herbert. They have just four wide receivers on their roster and are not only depleted in numbers but in talent after releasing mainstays Keenan Allen and Mike Williams.

The Chargers are reorganizing payroll and personnel under new leadership including head coach Jim Harbaugh. They could be interested in receiving Addison, a talented deep threat still on a rookie contract who played like a future star for the Vikings last season. With the Vikings No. 11 selection Los Angeles might be able to land Brock Bowers, considered the prize among tight ends. At No. 23 Harbaugh could find a physical offensive lineman.

Kwesi Adofo-Mensah photo courtesy of Minnesota Vikings

Minnesota GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah might test the Chargers by offering tight end T.J. Hockenson instead of Addison. If it’s Hockenson, then maybe the Vikings will also dangle a second round pick while retaining Addison.

The Chargers have the option of staying at No. 5 and likely taking Malik Nabers, perhaps the second-best wide receiver in the draft. Addison, though, is a proven commodity and Harbaugh is on a mission to build a championship team in Los Angeles and could warm to the idea of additional picks in his first draft.

With a bridge quarterback for next fall in Sam Darnold, the Vikings are on the clock to find their future leader and best playmaker. They don’t need to panic, though, as the draft approaches.

Worst case scenario is staying at No. 11 and finding a Bo Nix or Michael Penix Jr. Then take a season to develop whoever the new QB is and accept the likely reality the losses will pile up. Minimal wins will result in a favorable draft position next season and could present the Vikings with an even better opportunity to select a talented quarterback or other playmaker.

Adofo-Mensah would be wise to also think long term about a 2025 opportunity to acquire a first-round pick from a likely bottom feeder team. The lowly Panthers don’t figure to show much improvement next season and have many positional needs. In the months ahead Adofo-Mensah should keep his Carolina colleagues on speed dial.

Worth Noting

In Adofo-Mensah’s two previous drafts leading the Vikings he has had minimal success, clicking on one major success in Addison who had 70 receptions for 911 yards and 10 touchdowns last season. The pressure is on Adofo-Mensah in the next 12 months to make moves that pay off. The public is restless, and ownership won’t have indefinite patience with the first-time GM.

Contrary to what you may have heard, junior Gophers point guard Elijah Hawkins, the Big Ten assists leader, isn’t a lock to return for another season at Minnesota. “It’s going to be a quick decision, though, in the next week or so,” he told Sports Headliners after Minnesota’s opening game loss in the Big Ten Tournament to Michigan State on Thursday.

It was a Minneapolis and Target Center first hosting the Big Ten men’s and women’s tournaments the past two weeks. Kevin Warren, the former Vikings executive now president of the Bears, led the Minneapolis destination drive when he was Big Ten commissioner.

Word is the tournaments may not return, though, with the Big Ten likely to use past destinations and new ones on the West Coast as the league expands with Oregon, UCLA, USC and Washington.

The men’s tournament was played before thousands of empty seats while the women’s tourney, led by pop culture Iowa phenom Caitlin Clark, packed the building. In Iowa’s three games reported attendance was 18,354, 18,746 and 18,575.

The Timberwolves, averaging 18,024 per game, rank 17th in NBA attendance, per ESPN.com.

Despite having one of the best seasons in franchise history, there are covered seats in Target Center not available for sale at Timberwolves games. Although those seats are not the most desirable, they could be available for sale soon as the playoffs near.

Put this in the “I will show them category.” Former Gophers basketball coach Dan Monson, fired by Long Beach State several days ago, led the 49ers to the Big West Tournament title last night and an entry into the NCAA Tournament field.

Another former Gophers head coach, Richard Pitino, led New Mexico last evening to the Mountain West tourney title and an NCAA Tournament invite.

Happy Birthday yesterday to former Gophers’ basketball captain Paul Presthus who turned 79.

The WrestleMania extravaganza is April 6 and 7 in Philadelphia and don’t be surprised if it’s staged next year at U.S. Bank Stadium.

MLB.com has the Twins ranked No. 15 for best farm system among 30 franchises. The top Minnesota prospects are outfielder Walker Jenkins (No. 10 in player rankings), shortstop Brooks Lee (No. 18) and outfielders Emmanuel Rodriguez (No. 42) and Gabriel Gonzales (No. 79). The Orioles’ farm system is ranked No. 1.

It will be a high of 51 degrees with partial sun in Kansas City for the Royals and Twins opener March 28, per Accuweather.com.

Former Golden Gophers quarterback Tim Salem, who played for his dad Joe Salem at Minnesota in 1980, has been hired as senior advisor for special teams at Georgia Tech. Salem has made a career of successful assistant coaching stops including at Illinois, Pitt, Purdue and Ohio State.

The Gophers men’s hockey team now awaits its positioning in the NCAA Tournament on March 24 after losing 2-1 to Michigan last night in a Big Ten Conference Tournament semifinals game. “I didn’t like us for big stretches tonight,” Minnesota head coach Bob Motzko said. “The first five minutes, I thought we had a little pop and gave a goal up. Then we got back on our heels.”

There were about 60 attendees last Tuesday night at Huntington Bank Stadium for an informational meeting regarding Name, Image and Likeness opportunities to benefit female athletes at Minnesota. Financial commitments will be coordinated through the official Gophers collective, Dinkytown Athletes.

The football Gophers begin practice Thursday and will not hold an official spring game. The 11 a.m. Saturday practice at Huntington Bank Stadium will be open to members of Dinkytown Athletes. The general public can attend the 4:30 p.m. practice at Athletes Village April 11.

Could be the golf course at Interlachen Country Club may not open until August or later because of renovation.

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