Preps – Page 23 – David Shama's Minnesota Sports Headliners

Don’t Bet on Cook’s Future with Vikes

Posted on February 3, 2023February 3, 2023 by David Shama

Dalvin Cook has rushed for over 1,000 yards each of the last four seasons, but the 27-year-old may have played his last game for the Vikings as the club figures out how to manage the payroll. For 2023 the franchise is currently projected to be more than $24 million over the salary cap as allowed by the NFL.

A league insider told Sports Headliners he would move on from the player and what he said was an $11.8 million salary cap hit in 2022, and save $8 million in 2023. Cook is one of the more expensive running backs in the NFL and the source calls him a “luxury” that the team can no longer afford.

Cook, who has often been sidelined with injuries, has played a lot of football during his six-year pro career. He may no longer be the resource he once was. Last season he played in four more games than the year prior, but he had only 15 more carries and 14 more total rushing yards. His yards per carry of 4.4 was the lowest of his career.

Dalvin Cook photo courtesy of Minnesota Vikings

The importance of running backs for the more successful NFL teams isn’t what it used to be. Some clubs aren’t paying high salaries to running backs including the 2023 Super Bowl Chiefs who start a seventh-round rookie. The Vikings could replace Cook with a running back by committee approach led by veteran Alexander Mattison who is three years younger.

Vikings’ all-world receiver Justin Jefferson, now approaching his fourth season, has emerged as the bell cow on offense, replacing Cook. “He’s not the guy anymore on offense,” said the source. “It’s Jefferson, and they gotta extend Jefferson. Get a new deal for him.”

The source, who prominently worked in NFL front offices in the past and remains knowledgeable about the league, isn’t optimistic the Vikings could generate trade interest in Cook. “If you could get a third (round pick) or something for Dalvin, that would be great but I don’t think they’re going to get it, and I think they’ll end up releasing him.”

The authority, speaking in an interview this morning on condition of anonymity, sees the Vikings also moving on from veteran linebacker Jordan Hicks as they figure out the salary cap that will be set at almost $225 million per team for 2023. They could also be intent on downsizing deals with wide receiver Adam Thielen and safety Harrison Smith.

Jefferson is likely to become the NFL’s best paid wide receiver, with his cap hit perhaps reduced by receiving a large signing bonus. The Vikings are also likely to extend quarterback Kirk Cousins who in 2023 will be in the last year of his deal expected to carry a salary cap hit of about $36 million.

If Cousins isn’t offered a one-year extension, it won’t send a positive message to the 34-year-old or the team. Last season he led the offense to eight comeback victories in Minnesota’s 13-win season.

The source quoted above doesn’t buy into fan interest for sending Cousins to the 49ers for either of two inexperienced quarterbacks (Trey Lance or Brock Purdy), plus perhaps a draft choice. “I think it would weaken the Vikings because I don’t think those guys at this stage of their careers are nearly as good as Kirk,” he said.

It’s believed that by extending Cousins, the Vikings could save about $15 million with the salary cap for 2023. That’s significant for a franchise looking for creative ways to stay within the cap.

The source expects either Ejiro Evero from the Broncos or Brian Flores from the Steelers to be the new defensive coordinator. He thinks head coach Kevin O’Connell wants to continue the 3-4 defensive scheme used by fired coordinator Ed Donatell but will be anticipating more blitzing and pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Schemes, of course, can be an asset but there is also consensus the Vikings need to upgrade their defensive personnel.

That includes a new deal to keep defensive lineman Dalvin Tomlinson and figuring out linebacker Za’Darius Smith. Smith was an elite sacks and tackles for loss performer for the first part of the season, but a knee issue changed his productivity.

Worth Noting

Gophers All-American center John Michael Schmitz plays in the 74^th Senior Bowl Saturday and will draw evaluation from NFL teams including the Vikings. Garrett Bradbury, the Vikings’ center who missed several games last year with back problems, is a 2023 unrestricted free agent. The NFL Network will televise the Senior Bowl from Mobile, Alabama, with game time at 1:30 p.m. central.

Evan Hull, the former Maple Grove all-state running back, will also play in the Senior Bowl after choosing to leave Northwestern. As a redshirt junior last fall he rushed for 913 yards on a 1-11 Northwestern team.

In the Rivals national listing of the top 150 prep basketball prospects for the class of 2023, Gopher signee Cameron Christie from Rolling Hills, Illinois is ranked No. 140, while another shooting guard, Taison Chatman from Totino-Grace, is at No. 40. Chatman is a verbal commit to Ohio State.

The Gophers’ other 2023 signee, Dennis Evans, the 7-foot-1 center from Riverside, California, is ranked No. 11 and only one prep center is rated higher.

Minneapolis native Chet Holmgren, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, was featured recently in a New York Times story. He is missing his rookie season while rehabbing from offseason foot injury. Author David Gardner reported Thunder coach Mark Daigneault gave Holmgren a book from a Holocaust survivor to help him cope.

Michael Fulmer, who the Twins acquired last season from the Tigers, remains an unsigned free agent after posting a 3.39 ERA with the two teams in 2022. The right-handed reliever could fill a need for the 2023 Twins but be aware left-handed hitters hit .337 against him last season while he held right-handed batters to a .188 average, per stats from Baseballreference.com.

Former Minnesota slugger Miguel Sano, released by the Twins last year, seems like a potential fit in Japanese baseball but is still hoping to catch the interest of an MLB team.

Cory Provus, Twins radio play-by-play voice who stays busy in the baseball offseason working football and basketball games for the Big Ten Network, is the latest guest on the Behind the Game public access TV program with co-hosts Patrick Klinger and Bill Robertson. The Chicago native, who has been with the Twins since 2012, is a graduate of the renowned S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0C10RLkOnMQ

Jack Larson, the longtime GM at Xcel Energy Center, is no longer in that role, with Jim Ibister the interim replacement.

I am speaking to the CORES lunch group Thursday, March 9 at the Bloomington Event Center. Organizer Jim Dotseth will be sending out a meeting notification to past CORES attendees later in the month. Reservations can be made by emailing dotsethj@comcast.net. CORES is an acronym for coaches, officials, reporters, educators and sports fans.

Randy Shaver, the KARE-11 news anchor and former sportscaster with the station, has been tireless in efforts to encourage funding for cancer research including through high school football games (Tackle Cancer). His annual Rush to the Cure event will be June 4 and 5. https://randyshavercancerfund.org/events/rush-creek-golf-classic-gala/

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Wolves Owner: KAT Return Not Imminent

Posted on February 1, 2023 by David Shama

All-NBA Karl-Anthony Towns hasn’t played in a game for the Timberwolves since November 28 because of a severe right calf strain. The Timberwolves have 29 regular season games remaining and are intensely competing for favorable playoff positioning and home court advantage.

Initially there was thought that the Wolves’ forward-center, who was averaging 20.8 points and 8.2 rebounds in 21 games, could return in January. Team owner Glen Taylor talked with Towns Monday and the 27-year-old veteran implied it will be another couple of weeks before he is ready to play.

Towns was named All-NBA Third team after last season when he averaged 24.6 points and 9.8 rebounds. “It can’t be soon enough for me,” Taylor told Sports Headliners about a KAT return.

Jordan McLaughlin, a key reserve at point guard, hasn’t played in a regular season game since December 9 because of a left calf injury. Taylor spoke to McLaughlin on Monday and the 26-year-old hopes to be back “within a week.”

McLaughlin’s return apparently will be prior to KAT’s. “That’s what my understanding would be,” Taylor said.

The Wolves expect a sellout crowd tonight at Target Center to watch their game against the Warriors. Taylor said both attendance and TV viewership are on the upswing in the New Year as the Wolves play better basketball.

The Wolves, 27-26, are eighth in the Western Conference ultra-competitive positioning for the playoffs that can change nightly. The Warriors, 26-24, are fifth in the standings.

Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez are expected to take over the majority share of ownership in the Wolves and WNBA Lynx in less than 12 months. The two men are on an installment plan to purchase the teams from Taylor.

Although Lore and Rodriguez exercised in writing their option for a second payment in December, Taylor said payment won’t be made until March 28. “They requested that they could delay (from a December 31 payment date)…and I had written them back and said I’ll accept their new date.”

Does Taylor expect the ownership sale for $1.5 billion to eventually take place? “Yes, I do,” he answered.

Remembering Ken Lien of Minnesota Mr. Basketball

The Minnesota basketball community lost a pioneer last week when Ken Lien, 72, passed away from blood cancer after being in hospice since November. The longtime Bloomington resident loved basketball and for 40 years owned and chaired the Minnesota Mr. Basketball program, among the oldest such programs in the country annually recognizing the best prep player in the state.

”Outside of his love for his family, he loved going to a basketball game in any gym in the state and knowing probably half the people in the gym,” his son Jon wrote via email. “He truly had a love and passion for giving players opportunities through coaching, summer programs, and with Mr. Basketball.”

Ken was a fan of this column and a friend for many years. Two weeks ago, I texted this: “Ken, thinking about you and grateful for our friendship. We enjoyed a lot of conversations, storytelling, and exchange of information. The Sid (Hartman) stories were favorites. Those darn Gophers just can’t revive the glory days. Thank you for helping me with my column, my friend!”

Ken would have turned 73 on February 17, a birthday date he shared with wife Mary Kay. He also liked to remind others that the February 17 birthday club included basketball legend Michael Jordan and former Vikings coach Denny Green.

Heartfelt condolences to Mary Kay, sons Eric and Jon, and other family members. A memorial event will be held Monday at the Washburn-McReavy Bloomington Chapel with visitation at 10 a.m., services at 11 a.m. and lunch afterward.

Worth Noting

Wishing the best for Mike Wilkinson, who is battling pneumonia. He is the author of the coach Murray Warmath biography, The Autumn Warrior.

The No. 1 ranked Gopher men’s hockey team has played in front of five consecutive home sellout crowds. Minnesota is second in the nation in attendance, averaging 8,980 per game and is behind only North Dakota’s 11,325.

Among Division I programs, the Gophers were third nationally in home attendance last season averaging 7,913, while trailing North Dakota and Wisconsin.

Two groups that support local sports, the Twin Cities Dunkers and the Capital Club, ironically both have programs next Wednesday. At Interlachen Country Club Dunkers members will hear from University of St. Thomas sports leaders, including athletic director Phil Esten and multiple coaches as the Tommies progress in their second school year of Division I sports.

The Capital Club, meeting at Mendakota Country Club, will hear from five local women sports executives sharing their insights and success stories: Wendy Williams Blackshaw, Minnesota Sports and Events CEO & president; Meka Morris, Minnesota Twins executive vice president and chief revenue officer; Lara Juras, Minnesota Vikings executive vice president and chief people & culture officer; Carin Anderson, Minnesota Wild senior vice president; and Andrea Yoch, president and co-founder of Minnesota Aurora FC.

Happy 54^th birthday today to former Gopher basketball player Walter Bond.

The University of Minnesota announced today that as part of her world tour, Beyoncé will perform July 20 at Huntington Bank Stadium.

Deacon’s Lodge near Brainerd is the choice for Minnesota’s top public golf course on the Men’s Journal list of the best in each of the 50 states. Best Golf Courses in America: The Top Courses in Every State (mensjournal.com)

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Big Names Chasing U 4-Star RB Commit

Posted on December 20, 2022December 20, 2022 by David Shama

In less than 24 hours the frenzy of National Signing Day for football players will be happening. The Golden Gophers have 20 verbal commitments from high school football players (per 247Sports) and they can’t be sure all will “row the boat” until signing their National Letters of Intent.

Among players worth fretting about today is four-star running back Darius Taylor from Walled Lake, Michigan. He committed verbally to Minnesota last spring but he’s receiving last minute pressure to flip his commitment.

Ryan Burns, the recruiting authority aligned with GopherIllustrated and 247Sports, told Sports Headliners this is a “whirlwind” time for Taylor who could be the successor to Minnesota All-American tailback Mo Ibrahim next fall. Gophers’ running backs coach Kenni Burns was instrumental in recruiting Taylor but he has departed for the head coaching job at Kent State. Michigan, Wisconsin and Iowa have been pushing for Taylor to decommit. In the last week Notre Dame has been in pursuit, too.

Burns said Gophers coaches, including P.J. Fleck, saw Taylor several days ago and indications are Taylor will keep his commitment. But big brands are chasing Taylor who is known for his power and balance (like Ibrahim). “So, if Minnesota is able to hold on to Darius Taylor over Notre Dame, Wisconsin, Iowa and Michigan that it’d be a heck of a get for Minnesota,” Burns said.

The 247Sports national composite team rankings today have Minnesota at No. 39. The Gophers’ recruiting classes typically have a final ranking in the high 30s or in the 40s. That’s not flashy but is characteristic of developmental programs that usually have only a couple of four-star recruits at best and usually no five-stars.

Fleck, hired in January of 2017, has found talent mostly in three-star players. This year’s team has two All-Americans in former three-star recruits Ibrahim and center John Michael Schmitz. Other programs in the Big Ten West, including Iowa, also follow the developing talent model and sometimes with great success.

Burns said recruits who prioritize money won’t be choosing Minnesota. Name, Image and Likeness compensation is being offered at some programs as part of the inducement process. “…Minnesota is a school that will not promise NIL up front,” Burns said. “It’s just not the way they’re going to do it. No. 1, it’s not legal. No. 2 (the) compliance (department) here at the University of Minnesota would never allow that.”

As for the Gophers ranking at No. 39, Burns has an optimistic take. “I think there’s more ceiling in this class than maybe the rankings would dictate,” he said.

To illustrate the point Burns talked about Greg Johnson who 247 ranks a four-star in its evaluation but when factoring in other recruiting outlets gives the Prior Lake lineman a composite three-star ranking. “I think he’s the best offensive line prospect since Joe Alt to come out of this state (two years ago). I mean I think the world of him. …I can see him being a multi-year starter for Minnesota, being an All-Big Ten type of guy that becomes drafted. I am very bullish on him.”

Burns is “bullish” too about safety Garrison Monroe from Shakopee. Seventeen Minnesota verbal commits have higher composite evaluations than Monroe, a three-star athlete with good length and speed. “…He’s someone I just banged the table for at 247Sports, and now at 247 he’s the No. 4 prospect in the state,” Burns said.

When Burns spoke to Sports Headliners Monday morning, Decatur, Georgia wide receiver Kenric Lanier was one of three potential recruits he thought might verbally commit before Signing Day. Later in the day 247 announced Lanier, a three-star who will play in the Army All-American Bowl in January, has flipped his Vanderbilt commitment for Minnesota after visiting the Gophers last weekend.

Burns said two others to watch are Iowa native Asa Newsom and Ohio prep Phillip Daniels. Newsom is a linebacker and Burns said the “Hawkeyes want him tremendously bad.” Daniels decommitted from Pitt awhile ago and is coveted by highly regarded Minnesota offensive line coach Brian Callahan (had five Gophers in the last two seasons who earned Big Ten recognition).

Verbally committing yesterday, too, was three-star wide receiver TJ McWilliams from Indianapolis. He flipped his commitment from Purdue where the Boilers have lost offensive guru head coach Jeff Brohm.

The 2023 Gophers’ recruiting class also includes players from the transfer portal who Burns believes will help fill defensive and receiver needs. “I really like this transfer portal class,” he said.

Committing yesterday was former North Carolina defensive end Chris Collins who could give the pass rush a boost and certainly adds depth. Two other transfer players on defense are Jack Henderson from Southeastern Louisiana and Ryan Selig from Western Michigan. When Michael Dixon transferred from Minnesota after the season, that left a hole at safety that Henderson could fill. Burns said Henderson was the highest graded player for three years in the Southland Conference, per Pro Football Focus. Selig will compete to replace graduating middle linebacker Mariano Sori-Marin.

The Gophers have placed an emphasis on receivers, with commitments from three high school players and two transfers. The most immediate help is likely to come from transfers Corey Crooms and Elijah Spencer. Burns expects Crooms, from Western Michigan, to make an impact as a slot receiver who will be a threat on deep patterns and across the field. Spencer, from Charlotte, was the 2021 Conference USA Freshman of the Year, and his presence on the outside will create a competitive situation for playing time with Gopher returnees.

Burns said the influx of receivers “speaks volumes” about Minnesota’s intention to pass the ball more and with more success than in the past under Fleck. Those incoming receivers in the class of 2023 join Chris Autman-Bell, Dylan Wright, Daniel Jackson and possibly tight end Brevyn Spann-Ford if he decides to play another season at Minnesota. It’s expected Minnesota will still be a run-focused offense next season—led by talented quarterback Nathan Kaliakmanis—but considerably more balanced than in the past.

“There is no more excuse for you not to throw the football if you’re P.J.Fleck,” Burns said. “You have as much talent as you’ve had since that 2019 season (star wide receivers Rashod Bateman and Tyler Johnson).”

Burns believes the Gophers might not be done with adding transfers. Additional players could include a cornerback, and offensive and defensive linemen.

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