In an updated version, NBAdraftnet.com has Williams projected at No. 16 in the first round. https://www.nbadraft.net/2011mock_draft
Former Stanford running back Toby Gerhart said he hadn’t heard the rumor that Cardinal coach Jim Harbaugh might be the next Dallas coach. “I think he’s one of the best young coaches out there,” Gerhart said. “So I think any job that opens up whether it be college (or pro)…I think his name is going to be attached to it. I have no idea what he’s going to do.”
Speculation is if Harbaugh leaves Stanford he will go to the NFL. Gerhart said before the NFL draft he met Harbaugh’s brother John, the Baltimore coach, and the two are “spittin’ images” of one another including knowledge and passion for competition.
Gerhart has 63 yards on 19 carries in limited work for the Vikings. Asked about whether it’s human nature to be anticipating that first long run as a pro, he said: “Yeah, break that first long run, or get in the end zone, one or the other. Yeah, waiting for that moment. Hopefully it’s coming soon.”
Greg Camarillo is in his fifth NFL season but had never returned punts until the Vikings gave him that job several weeks ago. Camarillo told Sports Headliners he was the backup punt returner at Stanford but only caught one punt in a game. He had no experience returning punts in high school or peewees.
Minneapolis native Walt Jocketty is Sporting News Magazine’s baseball Executive of the Year for his work with Cincinnati, winners of the National League Central Division title. The November 8 issue ranks the Twins No. 4 among American League teams and speculates that Matt Capps might be traded this offseason with the likely return next spring of closer Joe Nathan.
Family pride: My wife’s nephew, 36-year-old Eric Gilbertson, finished fourth among runners in the Cactus Rose ultramarathon, completing the 100-mile course in 23 hours, 42 minutes. Held in Bandera, Texas, the race is promoted as: “A nasty rugged trail run. Bonus points for blood, cuts, scrapes & puke.”
Last week’s NABC/Division II preseason coaches poll ranked St. Cloud State No. 8 in the country, Winona State No. 9. Cal Poly Pomona ranked No. 1.
The Wild traded Nick Leddy and Kim Johnsson to Chicago last February as part of a deal that brought Cam Barker here. Leddy was demoted to Rockford of the AHL in mid-October. Johnsson is no longer with Chicago and Barker has three points on three assists for the Wild.