Golden Gophers – Page 99 – David Shama's Minnesota Sports Headliners

Mike Zimmer: QB Mond ‘too Nonchalant’

Posted on August 15, 2021August 15, 2021 by David Shama

Minnesota Vikings rookie quarterback Kellen Mond made his NFL debut yesterday in the team’s 33-6 loss to the Denver Broncos. Mond, with only three practices behind him, entered the game early in the second quarter and heard cheers from the home crowd watching Minnesota’s first preseason game.

The third round draft choice played the rest of the game, completing six of 16 passes for 53 yards and rushing for 25 yards. Considering his lack of practice time the former Texas A&M star appeared to make an okay debut, while showing his athleticism moving around in the pocket.

Head coach Mike Zimmer, talking on KFAN FM 100.3 after the game, focused on how the rookie has to pick up his pace of play including what he does in the huddle. “He’s going to have to move faster with everything he does. It’s too nonchalant right now.”

Mond couldn’t direct the Vikings to a touchdown. Failures included two attempts for the end zone from the Denver two-yard line. But he out played Jake Browning who joined the organization in 2019 and entered Saturday’s game apparently the No. 2 QB behind Kirk Cousins. Playing as the starter, Browning completed five of 10 passes for 31 yards. He also threw an interception returned for a touchdown. He looked too deliberate on reads and releasing the ball.

The Vikings had 31 players, many of them starters, who didn’t play in the game because Zimmer wanted to see his reserves. It was a difficult result, particularly in the first half with the Vikings losing 26-6 at halftime. On a KFAN interview before the third quarter Zimmer complained about the interception resulting in an 80-yard Denver TD pass, plus sloppy tackling, giving up a safety and a “terrible punt. “Other than that it’s been great,” said Zimmer who predicted physical practices this week.

Worth Noting

Club president Dave St. Peter told Sports Headliners Joe Mauer will be the presenter September 25 when Justin Morneau is inducted into the Twins Hall of Fame prior to the Toronto Blue Jays game at Target Field. “They’re great friends,” St. Peter said. “There is obviously tremendous respect.”

Morneau and Mauer played together from 2004-2013. Morneau, the first baseman, and Mauer, the catcher, both came through the Twins’ farm system and went on to win the American League MVP Award.

“Two of the best in the game at their respective positions in their time,” St. Peter said. “So obviously richly deserved recognition for Justin to be in the Twins Hall of Fame and Joe will be there soon.”

Twins TV viewership is off 55 percent compared with 2019, the last full season of big league baseball, according to an August 6 Forbes.com story. The Twins are down 47 percent from the COVID shortened 2020 season. Many MLB teams have seen viewership declines (some dramatic) from 2019 versus 2021.

St. Peter points out the Twins were on their way to the Central Division championship in 2019, while this season the club performance has been a major disappointment. Across the country there has also been a change in viewing habits by consumers and ratings are down for attractions like the NBA Finals and Olympics.

St. Peter said the Twins are counting on starting pitcher Joe Ryan, acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays in the Nelson Cruz deal this summer, to make an impact in coming seasons. He is on the St. Paul Saints Triple-A roster after winning two games in the Olympics for the silver medal American team.

“All you need to know is Mike Scioscia trusted this young man to start not one, but two games in the Olympics,” St. Peter said. “Mike Scioscia was there to win. This wasn’t an exhibition. This was championship caliber baseball for Mike Scioscia as the manager.”

Happy birthday to Tom Kelly who is 71 today. The former Twins manager led his teams to two World Series title titles.

Gophers’ offensive coordinator Mike Sanford Jr. said coaches challenged redshirt senior quarterback Tanner Morgan to become leaner, stronger and more explosive during the offseason. “It’s really transformed his game,” Sanford said of Morgan’s development. “And mentally I’ve never seen him at a better place. He is handling everything with such incredible leadership, and the intangibles he brings to the table are so unique.”

The Saturday Down South website ranks Minnesota’s Mo Ibrahim the No. 2 running back in the nation. Sanford said the redshirt senior is more powerful than last season and sets an example for Minnesota’s other running backs. “Mo is the leader of that room,” Sanford said.

With the Gophers having an inexperienced wide receiver group, look for the running backs and tight ends to be targeted more in the passing game. Redshirt sophomore tight end Brevyn Spann-Ford, 6-7 and 270, has caught only five passes in his career, but could emerge as a star.

Texas A&M transfer Dylan Wright was the No. 70 overall recruit in 2019 by 247Sports and sorted through offers from big time programs before choosing the Aggies. “He is raising eyebrows, that’s for sure,” Sanford of Wright, who is preparing for his first season at Minnesota as a redshirt sophomore.

Defensive coordinator Joe Rossi on being referred to by his Minnesota players as a guru; “I don’t like it.”

Why? “Because it’s about players, not coaches,” Rossi said. “Players have to go out and make plays. Players gotta go out and execute defense. …”

Rossi has been using a trio of big, physical linebackers in practice. Jack Gibbens (245 pounds), Braelen Oliver (230) and Mariano Sori-Marin (245) will at times during the season be rotated out but they give the Gophers size and toughness needed against some opponents, particularly in Big Ten games.

Fbschedules.com reported the Gophers will host Eastern Illinois for a game Thursday, September 3, 2026. Minnesota will pay the Panthers $500,000, per the contract obtained by the website. Following that opener, the Gophers host Mississippi State Saturday, September 12.

The assumption this offseason was Minnesota Wild forward Kirill Kaprizov, last season’s NHL Rookie of the Year, would be signed to a new contract by now. Whatever is holding up a new deal isn’t known but part of the delay could be who the 24-year-old listens to in his native Russia. Are there behind the scenes figures that hold influence and even power over Kaprizov? Business and politics in Russia are different.

It’s interesting that after Kaprizov was drafted it took multiple attempts by the Wild to bring him to Minnesota. He can make a lot of money playing in Russia but it’s not the NHL and he enjoyed his experience in Minnesota last season. Maybe there is a 10 percent chance he plays in Russia this fall, but the expectation here is he will be in a Wild uniform when the season starts in October.

Forward Kevin Fiala, the Wild’s other most valued scorer, faces a contract arbitration hearing deadline Tuesday. The Wild won’t lose him for next season but Fiala could become an unrestricted free agent in 2022.

No decision or agreement has been made regarding NHL players participating in the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, per a Friday news release from the Minnesota Wild. Talks remain ongoing, although as of now there is a pause in the 2022 NHL schedule from February 7-22 to allow participation. If there is no participation, a revised regular season schedule will be released.

The Minnesota Football Coaches Association (MFCA) announced Fridley’s Justin Reese as its 2020 Coach of the Year yesterday. His Tigers had a 7-0 record in 2020. Reese is the fifth ever Class 4-A coach to win the award.

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Twins Ready to Celebrate 1991 Champs

Posted on August 10, 2021 by David Shama

Enjoy a Tuesday notes column:

The Minnesota Twins excel at celebrating their history and that will be evident before Saturday’s home game when the 1991 World Series championship team is honored.

Club president Dave St. Peter told Sports Headliners this morning that about 30 former players, coaches and front office folks associated with that team will be in attendance.

Dave St. Peter (photo courtesy of Minnesota Twins)

Reunions like these are valued by the Twins not just for the fans but for those who made the World Series championship possible. St. Peter said it’s “the least” the organization can do to honor those who produced one of the franchise’s two world titles (1987 is the other). Attendees are transported and hosted for the weekend at the club’s expense.

The team came off a disappointing 1990 season and wasn’t expected to have a great year in 1991. But there was a core of talent led by Kirby Puckett and Kent Hrbek. Prior to the season GM Andy MacPhail and manager Tom Kelly (both of whom will be part of the 30th anniversary celebration this weekend) sorted through options to improve the club. They hit the jackpot in acquiring pitcher Jack Morris and the productive bat of Chili Davis. Both were huge contributors to the 1991 success during the season and playoffs.

Alumni from the 1991 team will be on radio and TV broadcasts, sharing stories. Bally Sports North will telecast pregame activities honoring the team. The peerless Jim Kaat, a member of the Twins 1965 World Series team, will work the TV games in the booth with Dick Bremer.

After the Minnesota Vikings cut Jeff Gladney last week, the transaction furthered the second-guessing of not drafting former University of Minnesota All-American Antoine Winfield Jr.

In the 2020 NFL Draft the Vikings, in need of cornerbacks, made Gladney a first round selection. Available, though, was Winfield who the Tampa Bay Bucs took in the second round. He played safety for the Bucs last fall and made nearly 100 tackles while showing he was a draft day steal.

Winfield, who turns 23 next week, could have been the successor to 32-year-old Harrison Smith as Minnesota’s premier safety. This season it looks like Smith will be paired at safety with former Dallas Cowboys sixth round pick Xavier Woods who the Vikings signed as a free agent this offseason. Woods, 26, didn’t grade well last year in Dallas.

Since the 2020 draft the Vikings have strengthened their cornerback roster with the acquisition of younger players and vets. That’s happened without Gladney, who was cut from the team after an indictment for felony assault. He hadn’t been with the club since April following a rookie season when he struggled with mental errors.

Winfield, who was named to the Pro Football Writers of America NFL All-Rookie Team, had doubters among pro scouts because of his 5-9 height. But his tackling, instinct to track the football in the air and rare ability to make the biggest of plays was on full display with the Gophers. The Vikings often had personnel evaluators at Winfield’s Gopher games at TCF Bank Stadium but didn’t prioritize him enough to take him in the first round.

It’s an unfortunate draft saga for the Vikings who could have selected a legacy home town player. Winfield’s dad, Antoine Winfield Sr., was a Pro Bowl cornerback for the Vikings and a fan favorite. Antoine Jr., beloved by Gophers followers, might have been even more popular here.

The Vikings franchise is worth $3.35 billion. That’s according to the new Forbes.com valuation of NFL franchises. The Vikings, ranked No. 18 in value, were purchased by the current ownership group for $600 million in 2005.

The Vikings practice today at their training camp in Eagan, then host joint practices with the Denver Broncos Wednesday and Thursday. After a players’ day off Friday, the Vikings play the Broncos in a preseason game starting at 3 p.m. Saturday in U.S. Bank Stadium.

Tickets for Saturday’s game are inexpensive on the secondary market, likely available at under $10 per ticket. Actual attendance at the game could be 40,000 to 45,000.

Figure the Vikings at 50/1 odds to win the 2022 Super Bowl.

Fans are welcome at Gophers football practice starting at 7 p.m. Thursday in Huntington Bank Stadium. Attendees are encouraged to donate school supplies and also decorated oars for display inside the stadium.

Looks like Minnesota will be about a 14 point underdog to Ohio State for the September 2 season opener in Minneapolis.

A gambler could probably bet $100 and win $20,000 if coach Ben Johnson’s Minnesota basketball team emerges next spring as NCAA champions.

Wendy Blackshaw, who leads the Minnesota Sports and Events organization, and husband John Blackshaw, are the latest “Behind the Game” guests of co-hosts Patrick Klinger and Bill Robertson. John is president of the Bloomington-based Tunheim public relations and public affairs agency. The program is available for viewing on the “Behind the Game” YouTube Channel and via cable access throughout the state.

The newly launched College Football Players Association is a national organization with Minnesota ties. Executive director Jason Stahl is a former faculty member at the University of Minnesota. Three of the seven advisory board members have Minnesota connections: former Gopher football players Gaelin Elmore and Pete Najarian; and ex-University of Minnesota regent Michael Hsu.

One advisory board member is anonymous on the organization’s website because he is a college football player. The CFBPA allows players, whether on the advisory board or paying members of the organization, to have the option of keeping their names private.

The CFBPA is an advocacy organization for current and past college football players. The following is the stated mission on its website: “The CFBPA will engage in nationwide advocacy for the rights of college football players and be dedicated to their health, safety and welfare. The CFBPA will make sure that college football players everywhere are finally organized to have a collective voice in the decision making within their sport.”

The organization allows others to pay the $24 membership fee for players and is having a membership drive targeting donors this month. As of late last week Hsu said there were less than 100 players who are members, but he expects substantial growth. The organization is interested in surveying college football players about many topics including the name, image and likeness issue, and expansion of Power Five Conferences. “There’s no doubt it (CFBPA) can work,” Hsu said.

The CFBPA is not a union and presently unions are not in play for college athletes because of legal precedent. Hsu said none of the CFBPA leadership is paid including Stahl.

Minnesota United CEO Chris Wright will leave his position after the season and his successor will be introduced to the media this afternoon (Tuesday).

Sports trivia enthusiast Bob Klas Jr. reminds friends Jim Thorpe was among the best Olympians ever. The gifted Thorpe excelled in several sports including track and field, and football—and won the 1912 intercollegiate ballroom dancing championship!

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U Deserves More ‘Love’ from Media

Posted on August 8, 2021August 9, 2021 by David Shama

Most media authorities are respectful but not excited about the season ahead for the Golden Gophers. Wisconsin, Iowa and Northwestern are consistently predicted to finish ahead of Minnesota in the Big Ten West. Top 25 national rankings? Not for the Gophers.

Minnesota, though, is positioned to surprise. The Gophers can match or exceed most Big Ten rivals in the number of returning starters. If quarterback is the most important position in college football, the Gophers boast Tanner Morgan now in his fifth year with the program. Offensive and defensive lines also determine outcomes of games and Minnesota’s lines have experience and depth. The Gophers also have one of the nation’s best running backs in Mohamed Ibrahim.

The Gophers have prove-it positions like wide receiver and linebacker to answer but coach P.J. Fleck’s team has the look of a surprise West Division champion. After an 11-2 season in 2019, Minnesota fell back to 3-4 in the year (2020) of COVID. That record and Minnesota’s defensive woes in the early part of the schedule have impacted predictions of media reps from newspapers, magazines and online.

But that was last year, a season in which the Gophers lost two games by a total of four points and saw the defense improve in November and December. Minnesota, with minimal spring and fall practice time and trying to replace defensive stars from the 2019 team, struggled for awhile last year but got better under the direction of its talented defensive coordinator, Joe Rossi.

Rossi has a line that has added transfer Nyles Pinckney from Clemson and Val Martin from North Carolina State. Boye Mafe, a gifted pass rusher, is a potential All-Big Ten defensive end. The other defensive end, Esezi Otomeow, is a sleeper talent who could do big things. There are several other d-linemen who can play and collectively give the Gophers a steady rotation to keep fresh players on the field.

Based on spring practice Morgan acknowledged the defensive line improvement. “There’s a lot of guys that can make a lot of plays,” he said.

Fleck and his players believe they can beat anyone on their schedule, including Big Ten bully Ohio State with its many gifted players. Because of Minnesota’s talent and experience, Fleck said the program has a “players-led team.” Veteran receiver Chris-Autman Bell describes the Gophers as “super connected.” Mafe said that because of COVID last year it was difficult to bond, but the “chemistry” is much better now.

The coaches and players have stuck together during difficult times. Minnesota’s number of players transferring out of the program ranks among the lowest in the Big Ten during 2020 and 2021, despite the social unrest in the city and other parts of the country. The coaching staff has also remained stable.

“I think one of the big words for this team on the field (in 2021) is consistency and how we play,” Fleck said. “Last year I didn’t think we played consistent enough for a lot of reasons, starting with me.”

In 2020 Minnesota’s inexperience on defense and special teams was problematic. COVID limited practice time and preparation, and sometimes there was unexpected confusion on the field. For the Nebraska game, the Gophers had more than 30 players missing because of COVID but still won the game. This fall the pandemic could be less impactful and Minnesota will take the field with more experience including on special teams where two transfers with prior college success plan to make the field goal and extra point production considerably better. “We know we’re going to have to win really close games,” Fleck said.

The Gophers intend to do just that, with Morgan noting internal expectations for the season are far more optimistic than those of media authorities.

Worth Noting

Last week Fleck acknowledged past recruiting misjudgments. Although he didn’t name units, presumably the transfers from other programs last offseason were corrective moves in the defensive line, linebacker and kicker units. He remains committed to building his program with players just out of high school.

Gopher transfers include Martin, Pinckney, linebacker Jack Gibbens (Abilene Christian) and kickers Will Mobley (Temple) and Matthew Trickett (Kent State).

Newcomer of the year in Dinkytown? Defensive tackle Pinckney was a captain at Clemson and is likely determined to have a breakout final college season to position himself for the NFL Draft. Another candidate is true freshman cornerback Justin Walley, who impressed in the spring after early enrollment at the U and following a prep career where he was named Mississippi Mr. Football.

In a state long known for its successful businesses, name, image and likeness compensation for college athletes has the potential to be a positive for the Gophers. Coaches, though, can’t orchestrate paying of players because of NCAA policy and it will require leaders in the business community to show interest in compensating Gophers for their NIL.

For now it sounds like whatever NIL money comes to the Gophers, will be spread around. Ibrahim, who could be a Heisman Trophy candidate this fall, is committed to sharing. “…Any money that’s coming in is definitely going to get split with my five, six, seven, eight offensive linemen,” he said.

Speculation, including from a Sports Headliners source, is North Dakota State wants to join a soon to be revamped Big 12 Conference after the defections of Oklahoma and Texas. Jumping from FCS to a Power Five Conference will be a reality check for the football Bison who have built much of their success with rosters filled with Minnesotans.

Happy 85th birthday today to former Gopher quarterback and assistant coach Dick Larson. The charismatic Minneapolis native remains active in the work place running Integrity Wealth Management in St. Paul.

Herb Brooks, who tragically died in an auto accident August 11, 2003, would have been 84 last Thursday. The legendary former Gophers and Olympic hockey coach is still missed by countless friends and admirers. A master coach and a person of the highest character.

Former Gophers wide receiver Adam Mayer is working for Palo Alto-based Archer, and is recruiting and hiring engineers for flight, aeronautics and computer systems. Dad Barry Mayer was a starting running back on Gopher teams in the late 1960s.

The reservation deadline is Monday for the Football Hall of Fame Banquet coming up this Friday at the DoubleTree Hotel in St. Louis Park. The event is sponsored by the Minnesota Football Coaches Association and tickets can be ordered via www.mnfootballcoaches.com

Hall of Fame Inductees from the high school division are: Bill D. Bailey, Starbuck; Richard Robinson, Minneapolis North and Karl Deis, Mora. College Division inductees are: Mike Plinske, Bethel University and Terry Horan, Concordia College.

Butch Nash Assistant Coach Award winners for 2020 are: Jeff Boonstra, NLS; Joe Coenen, Chanhassen; Todd Hamer, Lakeville North; Mark Harris, Stillwater; Kevin Hulke, Minnesota Valley Lutheran; Gregory Johnson, Verndale; John Kyvig, Andover; Matthew Nelson, Kasson-Mantorville; Daniel Svoboda, GSL; Andrew Stephenson, Spring Lake Park; Michael Wenninger, Luverne.

Several other award winners will be announced Friday including the State Coach of the Year.

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