Brewster said he couldn’t be more “buoyed” by his recruiting class that includes several junior college players. He also validated speculation that his defense will include several newcomers as starters for the coming season. Names he mentioned included defensive tackle Jewhan Edwards, linebackers Simoni Lawrence and Rex Sharpe, and defensive backs Tramaine Brock and Traye Simmons. “These guys are going to be impact players,” Brewster said.
Brewster knows there will be no major improvement in the Gophers now or in the future without better defense. It’s his priority. “We have no chance to win a title without defense,” he said.
Defensive planning was to have included four-star recruit Sam Maresh of Champlin Park High School. However, Maresh’s football future is uncertain now that he will have heart surgery. Brewster said he asks Minnesotans for their prayers regarding Maresh and a healthy life, whether that includes football or not. He said Maresh could have gone to school “anywhere in America” and his choosing Minnesota meant a lot to Brewster. “I couldn’t love Sam Maresh more if he was my own son,” Brewster said.
The Gophers’ offense often played at a high level last season, averaging 26.2 points and 407.5 yards per game. Two of the most productive players, sophomore quarterback Adam Weber, and wide receiver Eric Decker, will be candidates for post-season honors and could be even better in 2008. Among other offensive players mentioned by Brewster, redshirt freshman lineman Ryan Wynn of Maple Grove High School was described as one of the “most talented offensive linemen” he’s been around.
Last season was Brewster’s first as a head coach and he was asked what he might single out as a valuable lesson learned. He answered that he “can’t be a reactionary” person. With all that’s going on, with the varied demands of his job, he needs to consistently “take a deep breath” and be ready to thoughtfully respond on a daily basis.
Responses are easier, Brewster knows, when the Gophers are winning.