David Shama's Minnesota Sports Headliners

Gophers Hit Their Numbers in Bowl Win

Posted on December 30, 2022December 30, 2022 by David Shama

The Gophers, finishing their year with a 9-4 record, hit the right numbers yesterday in a 28-20 win over Syracuse in the Pinstripe Bowl in New York. Here are figures worth remembering, and praise for a Gopher never to be forgotten:

Minnesota won its sixth consecutive bowl game dating back to 2015. That’s not only a school record but sets an all-time Big Ten Conference mark, eclipsing a record the Gophers had shared with Wisconsin (2014-2018) at five consecutive bowl wins.

The Gophers have won nine games or more in each of the last three full seasons (not counting the pandemic season of 2020). The last time Minnesota accomplished that was in the early 1900s.

All-American tailback Mo Ibrahim set school records yesterday for most rushing yards in a season and career. He did so by gaining 71 yards in the first half, then sat out the second while resting an ankle that has troubled him this year. Ibrahim also set a new single season record for the Gophers with 20 touchdowns, getting Minnesota’s first score yesterday with a four-yard power (what else) run.

Running backs coach Kenni Burns, interviewed on the KFAN Radio pregame show yesterday, said working with Ibrahim was “probably the biggest joy” of his life. Burns recalled that over six years Ibrahim had to develop confidence and his skills, but the coach could see the potential and told the Baltimore native he had a chance to be the greatest runner ever at Minnesota. “I am determined to be,” Ibrahim answered, according to Burns.

Ibrahim, 24, will take on the challenge of making an NFL roster next year. He also has interest in a coaching career. Minnesota head coach P.J. Fleck, who has never seen a better runner from the line of scrimmage to 12 yards out, said he “looks forward” to hiring the former three-star recruit who through ability and grit willed himself to a great career, while earning the love of his coaches and teammates.

After the game Minnesota QB Tanner Morgan made a request to athletic director Mark Coyle and school president Joan Gabel. “I think his number (24) should be retired tomorrow.”

With an awful playing field at Yankee Stadium, it may well have been best Ibrahim didn’t play in the second half. Chunks of loose grass were prevalent on the hard field, famous as home to the 27 times World Series champion Yankees. Players on both sides were losing their footing through much of the game and field conditions worsened in the second half.

Syracuse, 7-6 after its bowl loss, had the better of the game statistics but not the final score because the Gophers made two big plays in the second half. Leading 14-10 in the third quarter true freshman safety Coleman Bryson, playing for the injured Tyler Nubin, intercepted a Syracuse pass and ran 70 yards for a touchdown. Bryson was named MVP of the Pinstripe Bowl.

Later in the third, Syracuse kicked off after the Orange had booted a 38-yard field goal to make the score 21-13. Minnesota return man Quentin Redding caught the ball, faked a pitch to Le’Meke Brockington and then ran 72 yards to the Syracuse 25. Soon after Gopher wide receiver Daniel Jackson caught his second touchdown pass of the day from Morgan, another sixth-year player and a leader who goes out as the winningest QB in school history.

The Orange had 477 yards in total offense, Minnesota 215. Syracuse passed for 330 yards, while the Gophers had 138. The Orange, who out first-downed Minnesota 27-13, rushed for 65 yards more than Minnesota. The Gophers, though, got the numbers they wanted including a win by eight points.

BTW in Minnesota’s last 24 away games Fleck’s teams are 18-6 (.750), including the four bowl wins. That is the best 24-game stretch away from home in program history (began with a 37-15 win at Wisconsin on November 24, 2018). Since then, the only Big Ten team with more wins or a higher win percentage away from home is Ohio State at 21-3 (.875).

Praise for New Twins Executive Chair

The Twins have a new leader in Joe Pohlad, who has succeeded his uncle, Jim Pohlad, as executive chair. For many years Joe, 40, has worked in various business positions for the Twins.

“…I think he’s a great fan of the organization and what it means to the Upper Midwest,” a source who is familiar with the Twins told Sports Headliners while speaking anonymously.

Joe is officing at Target Field, while Jim works nearby in a downtown building. Derek Falvey, the organization’s chief baseball officer, said his access to Jim was there when needed, “But now Joe, just being in the building, gives us a little more efficiency.”

The anonymous source sees Joe as a cooperative voice in the front office. It’s expected Joe will allow the baseball leaders to do their jobs, without being meddlesome. ”…I think he is very level-headed,” the source said. “Nobody I ever dealt with (among) the Pohlads…none of them were volatile. They were always very even keeled, very levelheaded guys, and Joe is the same way. Cut from the same cloth.”

Falvey said Jim and Joe were among the first people he met when the Twins were courting him to become the team’s baseball leader in 2016. That initial friendship with both men continues to this day.

The Pohlad family, including Jim’s brothers Bob and Bill, have made a strong impression on Falvey. He has learned they care a lot about the legacy of the Twins in the Upper Midwest, and the vitality of downtown Minneapolis. They have invested considerable resources in both without seeking recognition.

“They just want to be a part of the community,” Falvey said. “They’re so humble.”

Comments Welcome

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.

Comments Welcome

Twins Boss Talks Shortstops & More

Posted on December 18, 2022December 18, 2022 by David Shama

The Twins have a TBD situation at shortstop after free agent Carlos Correa said no to a future in Minnesota and accepted a reported 13-year, $350 million deal with the Giants. In an interview with Sports Headliners after the Correa bid fell through, Derek Falvey talked what’s next at the position and a lot more including his view about the team’s outlook for 2023.

The offseason started with Correa, Trea Turner, Xander Bogaerts and Dansby Swanson being the most coveted free agent shortstops in MLB. Now all four are gone, with the latest news that Swanson is headed to the Cubs on a reported seven-year, $177 million deal.

The Twins were interested in Swanson who had a proven resume in the field and at bat with the Braves. ”…We’ve maintained contact with his representatives and a number of other free agents, and we have to, and we should,” said Falvey, the Twins’ chief baseball officer. “So, I expect we’ll continue to have those conversations over the next few weeks as well.”

Sports Headliners can confirm the Twins offered Correa $285 million, reportedly for 10 years. Would the Twins use at least a portion of what was targeted for Correa on other talent outside the organization?

“It’s definitely something that we’re open to,” Falvey said. “…I think the baseline here is that the Pohlads (ownership group) have continued to support investment in this team, and if we find the right path and the right avenue to acquire a free agent at those dollars…we have the ability to do so. There are paths, though, where we aren’t spending all of that money. We’re not just going to spend it to spend it. …”

One path, at least for the short-term, is making Kyle Farmer the opening day shortstop. Farmer, 32, was acquired in a November trade as “insurance” for the club. He played in 145 games for the Reds last season, hitting .255 with 78 RBI and he is a versatile player in the field who has even been a catcher.

Falvey describes Farmer as “a really good stabilizing force at the position” while knowing the team has other options including within the organization where the shadow of Royce Lewis looms large. The former No. 1 draft choice got hurt last season while playing center field and is rehabbing from ACL surgery.

Falvey said Lewis’ recovery is going fine and all are hopeful he can be on a baseball field next summer. And at shortstop. “That’s what he views himself to be,” Falvey said. “(However,) he will play anywhere. He’s said that. He said, ‘Listen, you just give me a location on the field, and I’ll play.’

“He’s such a good athlete. He was an outfielder, some in high school. He played second and third base in high school as well. This guy has the type of athleticism that’s going to translate to any position. We need him to play but we do believe that he can play shortstop.”

Regarding Correa’s final decision, Falvey said the Twins made their best offer based on what was comfortable for them. Correa’s deal with the Giants takes him through age 41, a time when his skills might not even allow him to play. “I think for us, it wasn’t something we were in the conversation to do,” Falvey said about the length of contract.

Did Minnesota finish second in the sweepstakes for the team’s 2022 MVP? “That’s a good question,” Falvey said. “I’ll never know. You know, I’m guessing we did but I can’t say I know that for sure. No way to know.”

Going into the offseason the Twins’ highest priorities were shortstop and catcher. Now they have signed catcher Christian Vazquez to a three-year contract worth $30 million. Vazquez, 32, split last season between the Red Sox and Astros, hitting .274 while finishing tied for first in the American League among catchers in throwing out base runners (16). He tied for fourth among big league catchers with 11 defensive runs saved (per FanGraphs).

Falvey, GM Thad Levine, manager Rocco Baldelli and catching coach Hank Conger interviewed Vazquez via zoom before signing him. They were impressed as he talked baseball and what a catcher does including how to work with young pitchers. “We had heard good things, but it’s nothing like actually hearing it from the player himself,” Falvey said. “What he was talking about (included)…how to navigate a game, how to control the running game, how to kind of pace some young pitchers all the way through whether we have a veteran guy or guys that just showed up in the big leagues looking. …I think he’s going to be a huge value-add for us.”

Falvey believes Vazquez will catch about 60 percent of the time, with Ryan Jeffers handling the other 40 percent of the 2023 season. The Twins’ boss said the catchers will work with a pitching staff he is optimistic about, pointing out it’s been some time since the club will begin a season with as many proven starting pitchers as they have in Sonny Gray, Kenta Maeda, Tyler Mahle, Bailey Ober and Joe Ryan.

Falvey likes the bullpen, too, referring to Jhoan Duran “as one of the best relievers in the game.” Jorge Lopez can be a closer, too. Relievers Falvey likes earlier in games include Griffin Jax and Caleb Thielbar. “…I would tell you that from a backend bullpen standpoint, I think we actually have one of the better, better groups that we’ve had in a long time,” Falvey said.

The Twins signed free agent slugging outfielder Joey Gallo after last week’s interview with Falvey. Able to play all three outfield positions, Gallo fits in with a versatile roster the Twins value. Players like AL batting champ Luis Arraez, Nick Gordon and Jose Miranda can play in multiple spots.

The Twins were in first place in the Central Division much of last season until fading in September when injuries did them in. Falvey has respect for division rivals including the Guardians who were champions last season and the White Sox who could be favored in 2023. “But we feel this is a division that we can compete in, no matter what the current construct of our roster looks like. Because of the depth we have, because of the young players we have. Guys are going to need to step up in order to do so but I feel like we’re really in a good place for that.”

Players like center fielder Byron Buxton, first baseman-outfielder Alex Kirilloff and others who were injured last year are recovering in the offseason. The collective health of the team will determine a lot about whether, and how much, the Twins can improve on last season’s 78-84 record.

Falvey said tell him on April 1 what kind of injury run the team will have, and he can make an accurate prediction. “I can probably tell you where we’re gonna land.”

Comments Welcome