Vikings – Page 190 – David Shama's Minnesota Sports Headliners

Vikings to Go Offense on First Round?

Posted on April 27, 2015April 28, 2015 by David Shama

The NFL Draft starts Thursday and this could be a historical week for the Vikings franchise. The opinion here is the Vikings will trade disgruntled Adrian Peterson before the clock strikes midnight on Thursday. Here is a list of other Sports Headliners items about the three-day draft during which the Vikings have one selection in each of the first five rounds, none in the sixth and two in the seventh.

With Peterson’s immediate playing future uncertain, the suspicion is the Vikings will select a running back within the first couple rounds of the draft. Even if a Peterson draft week trade doesn’t materialize, the Vikings have to be concerned about the superstar’s age (30) and disposition toward playing for them. A promising running back from this year’s draft makes sense.

Nobody I know about is predicting the Vikings will use the 11th pick in the first round for a running back but general manager Rick Spielman has a history of being trade-active the first night of the draft. If a deal resulted in the Vikings not drafting until late in the first round, a running back like Georgia’s Todd Gurley or Wisconsin’s Melvin Gordon III could be tempting. Yes, in the pass-happy NFL the role of the running back has been diminished but Vikings coach Mike Zimmer still wants a quality guy to pound the football.

As written here awhile ago, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Vikings choose Louisville wide receiver DeVante Parker at No. 11. That move might help fulfill a big play receiver need and would reunite Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater with a former college teammate.

Ex-Viking Bob Lurtsema, who remains close to the team, is “100 percent certain” Spielman will choose an offensive player in the first round. His thought is the Vikings have improved their defense dramatically under now second-year coach Mike Zimmer, and the need in the first round of the draft is for better players to complement the inexperienced Bridgewater.

The Vikings are trying to build an offense that can compete in today’s high scoring NFL. Lurtsema thinks the Vikings’ approach early in the draft is this: “We’re playing Arena Football. What’s going to make us the best?”

Will Brinson from Cbssports.com has the Vikings choosing Parker at No. 11, although most prominent mock drafts predict the selection will be Michigan State cornerback Trae Waynes. Waynes ran a 4.31 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine this winter and he has plenty of endorsements as the top cornerback in the draft. The Vikings have many draft needs including linebacker and left guard, but it might be hard to pass on Waynes who could give the team another quality young corner along with Xavier Rhodes.

While our five-state area has minimal reputation for producing high school running backs that become pros, this year’s NFL Draft prospects include four guys drawing attention: Wisconsin’s Gordon from Kenosha, Wisconsin; North Dakota State’s John Crockett from Minneapolis; Northern Iowa’s David Johnson, from Clinton, Iowa; and South Dakota State’s Zach Zenner from Eagan, Minnesota.

Gordon is forecast as a late first or early second round choice. Johnson has been compared with the Bears’ Matt Forte and could be selected in the second round, according to his profile on Nfldraft.com. That same source has projected Crockett and Zenner will either be taken in the last few rounds or signed as free agents.

Sports Illustrated’s April 20 NFL Draft issue ranks former Gopher David Cobb the seventh best running back available. The magazine said 2015 is a deep year for quality running backs, and praises Cobb’s durability and how he breaks tackles.

S.I. projects former Gopher Maxx Williams will be the first tight end taken in the draft, with the Broncos choosing him at No. 28 in the first round. “For $38 million less than Julius Thomas, Denver lands a TE with similar skills,” the magazine wrote.

Worth Noting

Vikings general manager Rick Spielman meets with the media tomorrow afternoon at Winter Park to preview the draft.

Spielman will speak at the May 14 CORES luncheon at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Bloomington, 1114 American Blvd. CORES is an acronym for coaches, officials, reporters, educators and sports fans. Reservations for the program (deadline May 11) can be made by contacting Jim Dotseth, dotsethj@comcast.net.

Bob Lurtsema attended a reunion of former Giants players in Atlanta last week. Fran Tarkenton, who like Lurtsema played for both the Giants and Vikings, attended and so too did Greg Larson, the center on the Gophers 1960 national championship team.

The Wild’s success story continues on after winning Game Six yesterday against the Blues and advancing to the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs where Minnesota will play the Blackhawks. The Wild entered Sunday’s game with a 3-2 series lead and the 4-1 victory was the work of some timely goals, tight defense and extraordinary play again by goalie Devan Dubnyk who made 30 saves.

Left wing Zach Parise had two goals, while right wings Justin Fontaine (winning goal) and Nino Niederreiter (empty netter) had one each. Parise, who got the Wild off to an important 1-0 first period lead, is now tied for the franchise record in all-time playoff scoring with 22 points. Parise’s totals are eight goals and 14 assists, while former Wild star Marian Gaborik scored 12 goals with 10 assists. Fontaine’s goal was his first of the series and matched the one goal the Blues scored in the second period.

The Wild hasn’t lost consecutive games in regulation since January 11 and 13 (before acquiring Dubnyk from the Coyotes on January 14). Including a shootout loss, the Wild has only lost consecutive games once since the NHL All-Star Game on January 25. In a 36-game span to finish the season, the Wild lost only two games by more than one goal.

Although live horse racing doesn’t begin at Canterbury Park until May 15, the largest wagering day of the year is expected at the Shakopee track this Saturday for the Kentucky Derby.

From the just teasing department: If the Gophers play their way into next year’s national championship football game on January 11 it looks like University of Minnesota president Eric Kaler will miss out. Kaler and his wife are leading a University of Minnesota Alumni Association trip to Vietnam January 2-13.

Except for last weekend’s series against the Mariners, the Twins have faced only AL Central Division teams during the first month of the season. Although the Twins have a losing record (8-10), the club has played 12 of its first 18 games on the road, and won two of three games against the Mariners in Seattle. The Twins start a three-game home stand against the Tigers tonight, a team that swept a 3-0 series in Detroit to begin the season.

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Ex-Coach Expects AP to Remain a Viking

Posted on April 17, 2015April 17, 2015 by David Shama

Former Vikings running backs coach Dean Dalton would be shocked if Adrian Peterson refuses to play for the Vikings this season. He is also convinced the future Hall of Famer won’t cause problems for coach Mike Zimmer after the Vikings begin practices.

Dalton was a Vikings assistant from 1999-2005. Peterson didn’t become a Viking until 2007 but Dalton knows him from being around the team. Although Peterson’s agent has made statements about whether his client’s future should be with the Vikings, Dalton questions whether that’s how Peterson feels.

Dalton told Sports Headliners Ben Dogra’s stance could be based on trying to leverage a better contract here or elsewhere. Yesterday the NFL reinstated Peterson from his suspension involving mistreatment of his son last year. The fact Peterson is now officially eligible to play in 2015 prompted the question of whether the controversial superstar will intentionally cause trouble with Zimmer and the team as a means for escaping Minnesota.

“I would say absolutely not,” Dalton said. “I think he would be 180 degrees from that. Having known the young man since he was drafted, (I know) his heart is in the right place.

“He’s more than served his punishment for disciplining his son. I would suggest that the good people of Minnesota will welcome Adrian back and Peterson will welcome that.”

Dalton said Peterson won’t give Zimmer and teammates “anything less than 100 percent.” During an eight-year career Peterson has scored 86 touchdowns and in six seasons rushed for more than 1,000 yards. Although Peterson turned 30 in March, Dalton expects Peterson to be refreshed and determined after playing in only one game last year because of the suspension.

Despite Dogra’s comment about playing in Minnesota not being in his client’s best interest, Dalton believes the most likely of scenarios would have Peterson with the Vikings next season. “I definitely don’t think they will release him,” Dalton said about speculation the Vikings might want to rid themselves of Peterson’s team-high expensive contract and his seemingly disgruntled agent.

A trade is a possibility, Dalton acknowledges, but he said transactions involving teams and a star player like Peterson can be challenging. Still, Vikings general manager Rick Spielman has a history of pulling off surprising trades including sending troublesome receiver-runner Percy Harvin to the Seahawks in 2013 for three draft choices.

Dalton laughed recalling an early experience with Peterson. During Peterson’s rookie training camp team owner Zygi Wilf approached Dalton. Wilf asked Dalton if he wished the Vikings could have drafted Peterson when he was still coaching. “I would still be your running backs coach,” Dalton answered.

Worth Noting

When the Wild defeated the Blues last night in their opening game of the Stanley Cup playoffs it was only the second loss in April for St. Louis. The Blues had also won five of the last six games at Scottrade Center against the Wild, outscoring Minnesota 22-10. But the Wild, who last year struggled to win on the road in the playoffs, were impressive last night with a 4-2 victory.

For the first time in program history, the Gophers last night had two players selected in the WNBA Draft. Center Amanda Zahui B. was the No. 2 pick overall by Tulsa and forward Shae Kelley was the No. 35 choice by the Lynx.

Cameron Botticelli, a senior leader as a defensive tackle on last season’s Gophers football team, is unlikely to be chosen in the NFL Draft. “I am predicted as an undrafted free agent which is fine by me,” he told Sports Headliners. “If you look back in high school and coming here as a walk-on, I’ve never had the red carpet rolled out for me—which is totally fine, but I have had an opportunity and I feel that’s all I need to show that I belong.”

Botticelli didn’t draw interest from major college football programs while he played at Marquette University High School in Milwaukee. He surprised observers by becoming a starter and contributor on the Gophers’ defense. Now he’s hoping to succeed in the NFL and is using Minneapolis-based Blake Baratz (Institute for Athletes) as his agent. Botticelli has been training with other Gophers having NFL ambitions, David Cobb, Cedric Thompson and Damien Wilson.

“Just working out every single day,” Botticelli said. “Trying to get better and give myself the best shot, wherever I get an opportunity this May.”

If not the NFL? “You know what? As far as a plan ‘B,’ it’s been well documented and I‘ve not been shy shy about it, I am just as passionate about a career in law as a career in football. So if things weren’t to work out that’s where I would be headed.”

Botticelli earned a 3.6 GPA while majoring in political science and earning a degree. He has a serious interest in politics but first would want to establish himself in the private sector. Media members, impressed with his intelligence and articulation, refer to him as “the Senator.”

“Kyle Gergely, the equipment guy, calls me the Governor,” Botticelli said. “I didn’t know how I feel about it but, yeah absolutely, that’s something (politics) I feel very passionately about and I want to pursue.”

Gophers fans were disappointed redshirt freshman quarterback Jacques Perra wasn’t available for last Saturday’s spring game because of a thumb injury. That injury isn’t expected to be an ongoing problem but it came after having a sore arm. “He has had arm problems all spring so he hasn’t been able to throw the ball with zip,” Gophers coach Jerry Kill told Sports Headliners.

Perra, a walk-on last fall from Roseville High school, could push redshirt sophomore Chris Streveler for the No. 2 quarterback spot. Perra might have more passing potential than any quarterback on the roster.

Former Gophers center Elliott Eliason is working with Teddy Archer, the local agent who also represents Austin Hollins and Maverick Ahanmisi. Eliason is hoping to secure a contract in the near future from a European team. Hollins played this past season in France while Ahanmisi was in the Philippines. Both were teammates of Eliason but one year ahead of him at Minnesota.

Eliason started 35 games for the Gophers as a junior in 2013-2014 but played fewer minutes last season than he did as a sophomore. His playing time dropped to minimal minutes in the last several games and he told Sports Headliners there was a “lack of communication” between him and coach Richard Pitino. In retrospect both he and the coach could have done more to understand each other, Eliason said.

Eliason will graduate from the University of Minnesota with a marketing degree this spring. Eventually he hopes to play in the NBA. During his junior season he finished third among Big Ten players in blocked shots and his 6.6 rebounds per game was sixth best in the league.

Jessica Plant—announced this week this week as one of two winners of the 2015 Wayne Duke Postgraduate Award—is the first female winner from the Gophers to ever be honored with the prestigious Big Ten scholarship. The award began in 2008 and is an annual scholarship recognizing one male and one female Big Ten senior student-athlete pursuing a postgraduate degree for achievements in academics, athletics, extracurricular activities and leadership.

Plant, a swimmer at Minnesota, is a Rhodes Scholarship finalist, two-time Academic All-American and a three-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree. She enters her final undergraduate academic semester with a 4.0 GPA as she progresses toward her art history and classical civilizations degrees.

Minnesota State, Mankato athletic director Kevin Buisman announced three candidates have been selected as finalists in the search for a new women’s hockey head coach. The three are Bemidji State women’s hockey assistant Amber Fryklund, former St. John’s men’s head coach John Harrington and UMD assistant coach Laura Schuler.

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50% of Coach Kill’s Time Spent Recruiting

Posted on April 16, 2015April 16, 2015 by David Shama

Gophers football notes.

The Gophers coaches finished spring practice last Saturday and won’t be engaged in formal practices on the field with players until August, but this is a busy time with various tasks including recruiting. The NCAA allows college football assistants to be on the road recruiting now and head coaches like the Gophers Jerry Kill can recruit via telephone during this period of the spring.

Kill told Sports Headliners recruiting is a 365 days activity, and he and his staff spend 50 percent of their collective time each year in that process including evaluation and contact with potential Gophers. He said the football office receives approximately 5,500 e-mails annually regarding recommended prospects.

From all their research the staff has to figure out who they want as players and who will accept Gophers scholarships. Multiple players each year also agree to walk-on without a scholarship. Kill has eventually rewarded some walk-ons with scholarships.

The Gophers have several verbal commitments for the class of 2016 but much more work remains before high school players can sign National Letters of Intent next winter. “Right now in recruiting, it’s a critical time,” Kill said.

Kill’s staff will be visiting areas of the country where high school players have spring practices. That aids the evaluation process but spring practices don’t go on in Minnesota so Kill’s summer camps are vital to the evaluation process, and possible scholarship offers.

The Gophers coaches evaluated existing personnel on their roster yesterday morning. Sometimes after several weeks of spring practices players are moved to different positions, but not now. “We’re not moving anybody,” Kill said.

Kill’s health has gained attention during his time at Minnesota but the news is all good now. “I have been seizure free for 18 months,” he said.

The coach praises epilepsy special Dr. Brien Smith from Grand Rapids, Michigan for helping him. In addition to medication, Kill tries to walk every day and is diligent about eating at regular intervals.

Kill’s youngest daughter, Tasha, 24, will be married in Marion, Illinois on May 23 to Jason Hines.

The Gophers aren’t boasting but a visitor at spring practices developed the impression players and coaches might be thinking Minnesota will have one of the Big Ten’s best defenses next season. “I think there’s a very good chance,” Hank Ekpe told Sports Headliners. “We’ve been working hard all spring. We’ve been committed to what coach Kill is saying and what coach Tracy Claeys has been telling us. I think we’ll have a very good defense.”

Ekpe, a junior defensive end next season, was a force in the spring game last Saturday. His older brother Scott Ekpe, a senior in the fall, could replace the graduating Cameron Botticelli at starting defensive tackle. The Ekpes were starters together at Lewisville High School in Lewisville, Texas and could be regulars next fall, too.

Rodrick Williams, who will be a senior next season and likely the Gophers No. 1 running back going into August practices, is determined to maintain his weight at about 227 pounds after dropping 20 pounds since last season. He wants to avoid many carbohydrates. “…Like Little Debbie Snack Cakes,” Williams said, offering an example. “Too much bread, stuff like that.”

The 5-foot-11 Williams, who backed up David Cobb last year, said he’s faster than when he broke off late season touchdown runs against Nebraska and Missouri. “I still got my power. Little quicker, and I can move a little better, and I don’t get tired as quickly.”

The Big Ten Network announced this week there will be six Saturday night primetime football games including Minnesota at Iowa on November 14.

Worth Noting

Congratulations on another “great catch” by former Gophers and Vikings tight end Doug Kingsriter who is engaged to Kim Deason. Both are living in the Dallas area.

The Minnesota Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame hosts its 8th Annual Minnesota Football Honors event May 3 at the Hilton Minneapolis. The event is open to the public and sponsored by the Vikings. The NFL club will announce its team awards for MVP, Rookie of the Year, Man of the Year, and Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year.

The following individuals will be presented awards by the Minnesota chapter: Tom Obarski, Concordia-St. Paul, Bob Stein Scholar-Athlete; David Cobb, Gophers, Bobby Bell College Impact Player of the Year; David and Janis Larson, Bud Grant Distinguished Minnesotan; retired coach Dick Hanson, Burnsville High School, John Gagliardi Legacy; Mike Max, WCCO radio & TV, Sid Hartman Media; Josh Benson, Hinckley-Finlayson, Courage; Garrett Gardner, St. Paul Central High School, Stacy Robinson Leadership; Nicole Dailey, University of Minnesota, Cheerleader.

Scholar-athlete award winners will be Trey Anderson, White Bear Lake Area High School; Tom Auger, St. Cloud Cathedral High School; Ben Ellefson, Hawley High School; Gunnar Grimsrud, Rochester Mayo High School; Ismael Kamara, Harding High School; Taylor Ottersetter, Mayer Lutheran High School; Ben Shoults, Maple Grove High School; John Solberg, Cambridge-Isanti High School; Mitchell Stangel, Crosby-Ironton High School.

The event includes a social hour starting at 5 p.m. followed by dinner and the awards program. More at Minnesotafootballhonors.com.

The St. Thomas football team will take a 13-day trip to Italy this summer with stops in several cities including Rome and Naples. An NCAA foreign travel policy allows the trip and coach Glenn Caruso’s Tommies will have a special cultural experience and also play a game against Giaguaire Torino.

The Big Ten placed two teams in this year’s Final Four and the conference could be impressive next season too. Sports Illustrated writer Seth Davis issued his “Way-Too-Early College Basketball Top 25” April 8 and included six Big Ten teams: Maryland, No. 5; Michigan State, No. 8; Indiana, No. 9; Michigan, No. 16, Wisconsin, No. 17; Purdue, No. 19. Virginia was No. 1, and Iowa State, coached by former Timberwolves guard Fred Hoiberg, ranked No. 6.

Tonight’s opening Stanley Cup playoffs game for the Wild and Blues is historic. The two franchises have never played against each other in the playoffs, although the North Stars and St. Louis competed in nine series. The last of those series was in 1991 when coach Bob Gainey’s Stars defeated the Blues in Game Six behind two goals from Bobby Smith.

Women’s basketball coach Marlene Stollings today announced the signing of 6-foot-1 forward Kynadi Johnson and 6-foot-3 center Karley Barnes to National Letters of Intent to play for the Gophers beginning next season. Johnson is a transfer from Butler Community College in Kansas and Barnes is a transfer from Tallahassee Community College in Florida.

The Minnesota State High School League kicks off a 100-year celebration Friday and Saturday at the State Speech Tournament at Lakeville North High School. The Minnesota State High School Athletic Association, the forerunner of the MSHL, began in April of 1916. Today the MSHL annually serves over 400 high schools, and more than 200,000 participants in 42 activities. The 100-year celebration will extend into 2016.

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