Gopher Football Spring Practice #3

Shells and thud
Posted on April 1st, 2008 - 7:09 PM
By Chip Scoggins The Gophers practiced in helmet and shoulder pads (shells) on Tuesday in what coach Tim Brewster calls "thud" tempo - hitting but no tackling.

Here are some notes and Brewster's thoughts from practice No. 3:

- The defense forced a few sacks against an offensive line that is relatively young and inexperienced. Brewster said there is good competition at center between Jeff Tow-Arnett, Ryan Wynn and Trey Davis. "All those three guys have a great opportunity to win that job," Brewster said. "It will be interesting to see how that plays out."

- Brewster said he likes what he sees from Otis Hudson at right guard. He said Hudson told him that he feels more confident now than at any point in his career.

- Brewster said the offense might line up Adam Weber and David Pittman in the backfield together and then motion one out and throw it to him. "There is no limit to the things that we can do," Brewster said.

- Brewster said he likes what he sees from Steve Davis so far this spring. He admitted the transition to linebacker was hard for Davis last season but he felt Davis looked more comfortable in the final few games.

- Brewster said the defensive line will have some good depth once everyone arrives in the fall. He said right now the staff is counting on juco transfers Tim McGee and Cedric McKinley and freshman Jewhan Edwards playing right away.

- Brewster is particularly impressed with McKinley. "Big Ced comes in June. He is a physical specimen. He plays with a motor. He's a little bit rough around the edges, but he's going to be a really good player."

- Another day, more high praise for safety Tramaine Brock. Brewster: "He's a vicious player on the field. I love his temperament. He absolutely plays the game the way I see the game being played, with tremendous toughness and passion. He is an absolute joy to coach."

- Eden Prairie coach Mike Grant and son Ryan attended practice.

- Brewster said juco transfer Simoni Lawrence can play linebacker or safety. With so many teams running the spread, Brewster said the SAM linebacker walks out on slot receiver. "The SAM linebacker is basically a strong safety," Brewster said. "He's not a box player. He's a space player."

- I ran into former safety Brandon Owens at the facility. Owens, whose career was cut short by a devastating shoulder injury, said he would like to get into coaching. Brewster said he would help Owens pursue that career but he said Owens needs to commit himself to getting his degree.