All-time Gophers career rushing yards leader Darrell Thompson likes Minnesota redshirt freshman running back Donnell Kirkwood “a lot” and told Sports Headliners the 5-10, 215 pound Delray Beach, Florida native is probably the school’s most physical runner since Marion Barber III.
Kirkwood made his 2011 running back debut last week against Miami (Ohio), gaining 55 yards on 13 carries. His bullish running style is a welcome addition to a team that has struggled in short yardage situations, including near the goal line.
Gophers coach Jerry Kill said Kirkwood “ran over a couple of safeties” in the Miami game. “He’s a deliberate runner that doesn’t think about going around people,” Thompson said. “He goes over them.”
Kirkwood played in four games last season but was granted a medical hardship waiver, meaning that starting this season he has four years of remaining eligibility. He carried the ball 27 times for 112 yards last season.
In the Miami game Kirkwood had six more carries than Minnesota’s starting running back Duane Bennett, apparently an indication of the opportunity Kill and offensive coordinator Matt Limegrover want to provide Kirkwood.
Thompson, who provides color commentary on the Gophers radio network, said Kirkwood’s potential is “high” but like any inexperienced back it will take time for him to learn and mature. Still, Thompson is intrigued about how Kirkwood can help the offense, including in those goal line situations with his power running.
“It’s a big deal to have a back you can give the ball to (near the goal line),” Thompson said.