Blake Hoffarber is on the regional cover of Athlon Sports along with players from Iowa and Iowa State. The caption: “Mr. Big Shot.” Athlon also said the 6-11 Sampson “isn’t far from becoming a monster defensively.” Lindy’sgave Hoffarber an “Honor Roll” mention as the conference’s top shooter. The magazine also rated the Gophers’ incoming group of players as the No. 23 recruiting class in the country.
Vikings’ place-kicker Ryan Longwell will return to his Orlando home and spend time with his family for a few days during the team’s bye week. Longwell will also play golf. His children, five and seven, are spending part of the fall attending school in Florida and also up here where they receive tutoring.
Vikings wide receiver Robert Ferguson will use his break time to travel home to Houston to assess hurricane damage to his home.
Defensive end Ray Edwards said last week he has no regrets about stating before the season that he wanted to break the NFL single season sack record of Michael Strahan (22.5). Edwards has 0.5 sacks in six games but his statement is all about goal setting. “I want to be known as one of the great defensive ends ever to play this game,” he said. “That’s why I set high goals.”
Edwards, who is in his third season with the Vikings, was married on September 23 to girl friend Djakarta whom he met three years ago in Arizona.
Although some may believe differently, the Vikings have no interest in making the new TCF Bank Stadium a permanent new home.
Timberwolves’ personality-plus bench warmer Mark Madsen had a lot of experience being around people growing up as one of 10 children.
The Wolves’ Rashad McCants, a North Carolina alum, has a sister, Rashanda, playing on the Tar Heels women’s team.
Gopher sophomore goalie Alex Kangas was a major contributor as Minnesota won its opening games against St. Cloud State Friday and Saturday nights, 3-2 and 2-1. Kangas is still looking for his first shutout but allowed one goal for the 10th time in his career on Saturday. He had 27 saves.