Preps – Page 19 – David Shama's Minnesota Sports Headliners

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.”

Justin Jefferson image courtesy of Minnesota Vikings

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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22’s ‘Crib’ Source of Wisdom for New Minnesota Viking CB

Posted on August 1, 2023August 1, 2023 by David Shama

Enjoy a Tuesday notes column.

Faces change in the Vikings’ secondary from season to season except for one. Safety Harrison Smith, 34 and with 11 past seasons of NFL experience, provides continuity and leadership to a unit in flux.

As safeties and cornerbacks compete in training camp and beyond for playing time, they know Smith sets an example with his performance and leadership. It didn’t take long for new cornerback Joejuan Williams, a 2023 free agent signing, to seek out Smith who wears jersey No. 22. Williams is in competition to be one of the team’s two new starting cornerbacks.

Joejuan Williams photo courtesy of Minnesota Vikings

“Even though there’s a huge age difference, at the end of the day, that’s a leader right there,” the 25-year-old Williams told Sports Headliners. “I’ve picked his brain first time I went over to his crib. Everybody sittin’ (and) chillin’ having fun and I am asking him 20 questions. I felt like I was annoying him. Just asking him (about) his leadership skills, how he’s done it for so long. I love to pick people’s brains like that and so, yeah, he’s been a great help.”

Here’s what Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell said stands out about Williams, a second round pick of the Patriots in 2019 who stayed with New England through 2019: “First and foremost, his size (6-3, 212 pounds). I’ve always known as an offensive guy, you know those bigger corners, just because they’re long, they can play physical.

“I think he’s done a really…great job since he’s gotten here, physically preparing himself as a bigger corner. He’s a very strong player. He’ll cause a lot of problems for us around the line of scrimmage with reroutes and rhythm and timing of passing games. He’s savvy, a smart player, very instinctive. …”

Williams, the tallest of the Vikings’ safeties and corners, is part of a group that includes Andrew Booth Jr., the 2022 second round pick who has often been injured during his career. This could be a pivotal season for Booth.

Williams is taking a willing attitude to help with the 22-year-old Booth. “I know he’s coming out with a chip on his shoulder, and so I am going to help him every step of the way,” Williams said.

Who become the starters and first players off the bench in the secondary will be determined the way coaches always decide these things and regardless of the position they play, per Nick Mullens. The Vikings’ backup quarterback said it’s all about dependability and trust, disciplined play, who works hard and is a good teammate.

Mullens joined the Vikings via trade in late August of last year “Coming into year two is big,” he said regarding more knowledge and comfort with the offensive system.

Gophers coach P.J. Fleck said yesterday the competition to determine the starters on the offensive line at right tackle and left guard will be “the battle of camp.” Redshirt junior Martes Lewis and redshirt senior JJ Guedet are competing at right tackle, while hoping to start at left guard are sixth-year senior Karter Shaw and redshirt senior Tyler Cooper.

Minneapolis native and cornerback Craig McDonald is awaiting a waiver ruling from the NCAA to be eligible for the Gophers this season. The waiver approval is necessary because McDonald has transferred twice in his college career, having been first at Iowa State and later Auburn. McDonald would have three years of eligibility with the Gophers and Fleck is upbeat about his potential contribution.

The Gophers have started practice for their season opener against Nebraska at home Thursday, August 31. Two free open practices are available to fans, starting with this Saturday’s 7 p.m. event at Huntington Bank Stadium. The Tuesday, August 15 practice is also open to the public and starts at 3:30 p.m. at the team’s practice facility at the Athletes Village.

Saturday’s gathering is the annual Family Day Practice and will feature a fan fest on the West Plaza. Fans are encouraged to bring diapers and donate them to the Diaper Bank of Minnesota. Also, as in the past, fans can bring decorated oars to adorn the stadium hallway the Gophers travel from their locker room to the field on game days.

Former Gophers head football coach Jerry Kill turns 62 on August 24 and is healthy as he prepares his New Mexico State team for a second season under his leadership. The Aggies are picked for fifth in their new league home, Conference USA, but Kill teams have a way of surprising. Public season tickets to see the Aggies start at $70.

When Dawn Plitzuweit was considering becoming the women’s basketball coach for the Gophers earlier this year, she spoke with Richard Pitino about what it is like to work under Minnesota AD Mark Coyle. “I am not exactly sure how they got connected but I was surprised and also excited that she did talk to Richard because I knew she was interested (in Minnesota), and I knew Richard—how he felt about this place—that it would be a good conversation.”

Pitino, who left his job as Minnesota’s men’s coach in March of 2021 to take over at New Mexico, has long had a solid relationship with Coyle. “…We just have a really good friendship and really thankful for that friendship,” Coyle said.

The Twins, who face the MLB trade deadline later today at 5 p.m., have lost five consecutive games including three straight over the weekend to the lowly Royals (.299 winning percentage). The two teams don’t play again until next season when they open the regular season March 28-31 in Kansas City. The Twins were 6-1 in Minneapolis against the Royals but only 3-3 in Kansas City.

Former Twin Luiz Arraez enters August hitting a gaudy .381 through 107 games for the Marlins. MLB.com points out today that after 107 games in 1941 and 82 fewer at bats Ted Williams was hitting .411 for the Red Sox. Williams, who once played for the Minneapolis Millers, was the last MLB hitter to average .400 for a season (he hit .406 in 1941).

Minnesota hockey icon Lou Nanne is spending a lot of time at his lake place near Balsam Lake, Wisconsin and not playing much golf. He just had a pickle ball court installed in his barn.

Jonathan Mekonnen, the Eastview class of 2024 basketball wing, verbally committed to Colorado State last week where the program is led by native Minnesotan Niko Medved.

The 2023-2024 season will be the first for a 35-second shot clock in Minnesota boys and girls high school basketball games.

Billy Robertson, the former WCHA and USHL commissioner, discussed his over four-decades career in sports on the latest episode of “Behind the Game.” He talked about his many memorable experiences including characters he has known over the years. You can see the show at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SfPHTGHLF_Y&t=4s

The fifth annual Taste Fore The Tour presented by Tradition Capital Bank at Interlachen Country Club last week was a sold-out fundraiser for Volunteers Enlisted to Assist People (VEAP), the Twin Cities’ largest food pantry. VEAP provides food, social services, and financial assistance to people in south Hennepin County. While dollars are still being counted from the event, donations are expected to allow VEAP to offer 800,000 new meals. To date, Taste Fore The Tour reports donating the equivalent of 3.2 million meals for local people.

Special hosts for the event July 24 included Michele Tafoya, Matt Birk and Ben Leber. Celebrities also included Rachel Banham, Bobby Bell, Matt Boldy, Devan Dubnyk, P.J. Fleck, Justin Gaard, Andre Hollins, Kent Hrbek, Ben Johnson, Glen Mason, Randall McDaniel, Zach Parise, Mark Parrish, John Randle, Laura Schara, Ron Schara, Drew Stafford, Scott Studwell, Darrell Thompson, Carrie Tollefson, and Jason Zucker.

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