Preps – Page 17 – David Shama's Minnesota Sports Headliners

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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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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U NIL Competitive, Playing by the Rules

Posted on August 13, 2023August 13, 2023 by David Shama

It will be 12 months in September since the launch of Dinkytown Athletes, the name, image, and likeness (NIL) collective supporting student-athletes at the University of Minnesota. What’s the progress report?

Derek Burns, president of DA and a co-founder with Robert Gag, told Sports Headliners he is pleased a “sustainable model” is now in place to benefit men and women athletes at Minnesota. He said between 70 and 90 athletes have been part of over 400 transactions or deals benefiting them. Athletes earn compensation from making ads, commercials, endorsements and appearances for businesses, and for their participation at youth clinics, charity events and the promotion of DA to create more awareness of the entity which is not part of the U.

A major driver of opportunities has been the DA relationship as a vendor with Gopher Sports Properties, the Learfield company that holds radio rights for U games and is engaged in other activities like venue signage, corporate hospitality, and event sponsorships and promotions. Burns, a former Gopher football player and Twin Cities businessman, describes the relationship with GSP as “huge” and a highlight among successes in the first 11 months of DA.

In addition to businesses, DA generates revenues from individuals. “Memberships” range from $10 to $500 per month and provide benefits that include access to athletes and events, exclusive information via video and interviews, and merchandise and memorabilia. Large one-time contributions, of course, are also welcomed along with pledges for ongoing support.

For what Burns calls “competitive intelligence reasons” DA doesn’t make public how many contributors it has, or much much money it takes in and pays out. NIL, including in the highly competitive recruitment of football and men’s basketball players across the country, is a subject of scrutiny by every program and collective. Recruiters will use information about rival collectives to their advantage.

Sometimes part of their wooing process is illegal by NCAA policy. NIL isn’t supposed to be an inducement for athletes to influence their college choice. But there’s a lack of enforcement that even the public is aware of. Yet Burns believes pay-to-play is often a failed strategy because it attracts athletes for money only and not the various reasons involved with making a solid choice for a college decision (academic offerings, rapport with coaches, program success etc.).

Disgruntlement over NIL money can soon lead to athletes transferring to another program as they chase dollars. “We’re squarely focused on the current student-athletes,” Burns said.

In the past year multiple individuals and collectives have made headlines about NIL monies raised and gaudy compensation helping programs and athletes (a few reportedly around seven-figures). “That can provide a misconception about how everyone is doing (around the country),” said Burns, who acknowledged that reports sometimes aren’t verifiable and possibly inaccurate.

While Burns didn’t offer figures as to how much money DA has to potentially benefit Gophers football and basketball players, he said that “maybe in the middle is a good way to put it” in comparison with its 13 Big Ten rivals. Burns said no matter how high or low the numbers are “it will be manipulated and used in recruiting.”

The U athletic department is known as probably one of the strictest in the nation when it comes to enforcing and monitoring NCAA policy for student-athletes. The U is supportive of NIL and devotes staff and resources to ensure that it is administered by the rules. “We have a great relationship with (the) compliance (office),” Burns said.

DA is anticipating new revenue sources soon. One initiative will be to increase the number of memberships. A growth target will be an audience who Burns refers to as the casual fan.

“We’ve made a really good penetration in what I would call the really passionate part of the fan base,” Burns said. “The diehards. They’re on board, a lot of them are members.”

Burns pointed out that the football program sells about 24,000 season tickets and there is a lot of potential within that group. If 10,000 become Dinkytown Athletes members at even $10 a month, that’s over $1 million per year for DA.

Coming soon are announcements about a partnership with an adult beverage company, and a merchandise program involving legendary former Gopher athletes. A portion of sales from beer, hard seltzer and spirits will be donated to DA. So, too, will sales from t-shirts and retro jerseys.

NIL is a new phenomenon and the idea of athletes being rewarded for their success through collectives or directly through businesses is something some fans don’t support. Minnesota football coach P.J. Fleck acknowledged there are past U supporters who are opposed to the new model and liked things “the way it used to be” but he said NIL has changed the landscape of college football.

“Whether you believe in it or not, that’s the wave of college football, and if you want to see players stick around and stay, that’s going to be a huge emphasis. We need people to be involved with Dinkytown Athletes and the other avenues,” Fleck said. “So it’s critical now. It’s critical in having players come here. It’s critical in keeping players because players get to make choices and decisions all the time. …”

Changing beliefs is often difficult and sometimes impossible, but there are big money people who so far have said no to helping DA and Gopher athletes and coaches. If a few step up in the next 12 months, it will be another success story for Dinkytown Athletes. https://dinkytownathletes.com/

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