The Vikings’ new left tackle, Charlie Johnson, could be more productive than the dismissed Bryant McKinnie but is that good enough? Johnson might be a candidate to start at right guard if the Vikings find a left tackle they like. Second year right tackle Phil Loadholt doesn’t have quick enough feet to play the vital pass-protecting left tackle spot.
The offensive line seems like a preseason experiment. Reserve guard Chris DeGeare has been getting some work at tackle, and another backup, Jon Cooper, is playing center and guard as the Vikings sort out their options. Starting center John Sullivan, entering his fourth season, is so far no Matt Birk.
Former Breck star and Minneapolis native Dominique Byrd is a tight end with the Seahawks. He had two catches for 52 yards in Seattle’s first preseason game.
Sporting News Magazine features its college football preview in the August 15 issue. The magazine ranks USC, the Gophers season opening opponent, No. 25 in the country behind Big Ten teams Nebraska (No. 9), Wisconsin (No. 10), Michigan State (No. 14), Ohio State (No. 17) and Penn State No. 24.
“Probation-strapped USC” is projected by the magazine to finish third in the Pac-12 South Division behind Utah and Arizona State. The publication predicts the Gophers will be last in the six team Legends Division. None of coach Jerry Kill’s players are included on the magazine’s Big Ten all-conference team.
Former Vikings quarterback Brooks Bollinger is starting his first season as Hill-Murray head football coach.
KARE 11 sportscaster Randy Shaver, a passionate prep football observer, announced his preseason all-metro team this week on the station’s website. Included on the team are three players who, according to Rivals.com, have verbally committed to the Gophers, Edina’s Nick Rallis, Lakeville’s Mitch Leidner and Isaac Hayes from St. Thomas Academy. All 25 players selected are seniors.
Okmagazine.com reports that PETA is giving a “faux fur throw blanket” to Kim Kardashian and former Gophers basketball player Kris Humphries as a wedding gift. The two will marry tomorrow. The animal rights organization is “pals” with Kim’s sister, Khole Kardashian Odom.
Prep basketball authority Ken Lien emailed that Will Dunn from Benilde-St. Margaret’s has verbally committed to Indiana University-Purdue University, Fort Wayne. Will’s father, Brian, is CEO at Best Buy.
The Yankees, who defeated the Twins 8-4 last night at Target Field, have out- homered Minnesota 7-0 in four games this season. New York has won 14 of the last 17 regular season games against the Twins.
The Twins are 9-22 against the American League East this season.