Decker is not the only Gopher receiving notice. Senior end Willie VanDeSteeg was named the Walter Camp Foundation national defensive player of the week for his performance against Illinois last Saturday. He’s also been named co-Big Ten Defensive Player of the week along with defensive end Aaron Maybin of Penn State. VanDeSteeg had five tackles, including one that set up a touchdown, and broke up a pass play that resulted in a key fourth quarter interception. He also had three sacks against Illinois.
VanDeSteeg was bothered by a broken bone in his right wrist last season after being named second team all-Big Ten his sophomore year when he tied for the conference lead in sacks with seven. “He has such a sense of pride in himself and he was so disappointed last season,” Brewster said. He also said VanDeSteeg, 6-4, 256, can play in the NFL and has drawn interest from scouts.
Marcus Sherels, the Gopher cornerback who missed the Illinois game with a right shoulder injury, is expected back for the Purdue game on October 25. The Gophers have a bye on the schedule this week and it’s most welcome with all the “nicks” the team has, Brewster said. Players will be given some time off during the week and coaches will be nationally recruiting this weekend, Brewster said.
The Vikings have tickets available for all five remaining home games, Steve LaCroix reported via e-mail. The Vikings vice president of sales and marketing wrote that some games still have $30 tickets. Tickets can be purchased via www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 651-989-5151. Fans may also visit the tickets section at www.vikings.com for additional information.
Season two of the Tubby Smith era of Gopher basketball begins with “Tubby’s Tipoff” at Williams Arena on Friday. Doors open for the free event beginning at 8:30 p.m. and activities will include a three-point shooting contest, slam dunk competition and scrimmage.
The Twins announced on Monday the installation of a Target Field Webcam located on the roof of the Ford Centre, directly across Fifth Street from the new ballpark opening in 2010. Fans can view construction progress from a new, closer angle looking directly into the field of the ballpark, www.twinsbaseball.com.
Pat Neshek writes on his web site that he continues to make progress in rehabbing his right elbow after pitching in only 15 games last season. He expects to be in Florida until November.
There are eight former Gopher players on NHL season opening rosters including Minnesota’s leading scorer from last year, Blake Wheeler, now a rookie with Boston. Phil Kessel is beginning his third season in Boston. Kyle Okposo, who played in Minnesota’s first 18 games of 2007-08 before departing for the New York Islanders, is back with New York. Alex Goligoski is in his second season with Pittsburgh.
Keith Ballard is with Florida after playing his first three seasons with Phoenix. Thomas Vanek is back with Buffalo for a fourth year following his 2007-08 season when he had 36 goals and 28 assists for 64 points in 82 games. Paul Martin is in his fifth season with New Jersey and Jordan Leopold his third with Colorado. A ninth former Gopher, Erik Johnson, played in 69 games as a rookie with St. Louis last season, but will miss the 2008-09 season with a knee injury.