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Lynn G. -> RE: Gopher Football (12/6/2010 8:01:51 PM)

Hate to say it, but when I first saw him walk up to the podium I could hear Forrest Gump's voice drolly saying "I'm not a handsome man."

[:-]



TJSweens -> RE: Gopher Football (12/6/2010 8:29:51 PM)

It's like I said; hiring a short bald guy with a mustache and glasses didn't work out in the long run for the Vikings.



Lynn G. -> RE: Gopher Football (12/6/2010 8:52:16 PM)

Hopefully it works every other time. So the Gophers picked one up at the right time. [:D]



Mr. Ed -> RE: Gopher Football (12/7/2010 12:09:26 PM)

Phil Miller


Rebecca Kill was surprised by all the doubters, by the number of fans loudly criticizing her husband's coaching ability and unfairly complaining that this chubby nebbish from a lower-level program is a lousy hire who guarantees several more seasons of bad football.
Yep, those Northern Illinoisans were sure skeptical about Jerry Kill at first. But now they're sorry to see him go.
Kill took his first roundhouse swing at Minnesota's legion of scoffers on Monday, and the new Gophers football coach seemed to connect with his mixture of twangy Midwestern charm -- "Jiminy Christmas, I get to be a part of this?" he gushed -- and blunt honesty.


"This isn't the first time I haven't been the first choice," the 49-year-old coach said with a smile. "... I wasn't my wife's first choice, either."
Good line, though Rebecca Kill probably wasn't rejected by a half-dozen or more suitors before signing up Jerry, the way Minnesota was in this hiring process. But athletic director Joel Maturi, who traveled the country for seven weeks before contacting Kill -- they never discussed the job face-to-face until Saturday, Maturi insisted -- said the crucial fact was the outcome, not the process.


And he was as enthusiastic as his new coach in endorsing the bottom line.
"I haven't found anybody who hasn't raved about his ability to coach. That's what's comforting to me," Maturi said. "Jerry Kill is a winner. He's a teacher and a leader. I'll be honest, he wasn't at the top of our list when we started, but I'm just delighted today. We ended up with a great coach."
One who makes a good first impression, too. Maturi might not have landed the brand-name coach he was aiming for, but he somehow managed to win the news conference with a humble Kansan who actually blushed as he bragged about his wife, then pledged to devote himself to winning, with help from the Gophers community.


Maturi agreed, and took the blame for the doubts about Kill -- borne, he said, of his own promise to find a football version of Tubby Smith.
"I wish I had those words back," Maturi admitted. "That was somebody saying more than he should, because I knew from Day 1, there was not a successful BCS coach that would coach at Minnesota. [The backlash about Kill] is an honest reaction, and I created it. ... But once Gopher fans get to know this man, I think everyone will be happy with the choice."





Lynn G. -> RE: Gopher Football (12/7/2010 12:56:47 PM)

It sounds like Kill won over a lot of people at that news conference. His self-deprecating humor, his intensity about coaching, his philosophies about football ...

Hopefully this will be one of those times that people look back later and say they can't believe they were skeptical about him. We're due for a real winner.



SoMnFan -> RE: Gopher Football (12/7/2010 1:21:13 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Lynn G.

It sounds like Kill won over a lot of people at that news conference. His self-deprecating humor, his intensity about coaching, his philosophies about football ...

Hopefully this will be one of those times that people look back later and say they can't believe they were skeptical about him. We're due for a real winner.


Yep, I'd be ecstatic to eat crow on this one.
Lets finally get one right, please.



Jim Frenette -> RE: Gopher Football (12/7/2010 3:16:37 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Lynn G.

It sounds like Kill won over a lot of people at that news conference. His self-deprecating humor, his intensity about coaching, his philosophies about football ...

Hopefully this will be one of those times that people look back later and say they can't believe they were skeptical about him. We're due for a real winner.


So did Brewster win over a lot of people



Mr. Ed -> RE: Gopher Football (12/7/2010 3:26:46 PM)

Indiana gets the Okie OCoordinator, who gets a 7 year deal.



Jim Frenette -> RE: Gopher Football (12/8/2010 10:33:07 AM)

Kill met with a number of HS coaches and they gave him a good review. He knew a few already since he did some recruiting here for NIU. A lot of those that have already committed will be coming in to meet him this and next weekend.

Now I have a question. Since they already have committed, can the school pay for their travel?



Karl H -> RE: Gopher Football (12/9/2010 8:49:35 PM)

With coach Kill very busy these days, I'll offer up my suggestions/tips/scouting report for next years Gopher squad.  Just need to follow a few things....

- Redshirt all of the incoming freshmen.  If not all, at least the best ones.  The 2011 season is almost like a free year for the coach, so don't "waste" a year of their eligibility.
- Make the recommended player position switches listed below.
- Redshirt the recommended players listed below.


And away we go......


QB - MarQueis Gray is a near lock to start in his Junior year.  Just the type coach Kill likes.  Soph Moses Alipate and RFR Tom Parish should compete for #2. JD Pride moves to Safety unless he can challenge the others in spring ball.

RB - Redshirt DeLeon Eskridge.  Senior Duane Bennett is captain material and would see more playing time.  RFR Donnell Kirkwood is good enough to split time here as the co-number 1.  Move Senior Shady Solomon back to running back.  He and the other RFR backs can complete for the #3 spot and provide depth.

WR - Recruit a Junior college wide receiver.  Senior Da'jon McKnight came on strong the 2nd half of the year and is a solid starter.  Oft-injured Senior Brandon Green, Junior Bryant Allen, Soph Victor Keise, and the newly signed JuCo player all compete for playing time.   Perhaps one of the younger guys steps up also.

TE - Seniors Eric Lair and Tiree Eure are again the main players.   Soph Sahr Ngekia and RFR Alex Bisch are largely untested.

OL - Senior Chris Bunders is a lock to start to LG.  Soph Ed Olson should again start at LT.  Senior Ryan Wynn is a likely starter, probably at Center.  Senior Ryan Orton, Soph Brooks Michel, and RFR Jimmy Gjere & Jonathan Ragoo fight for the open two spots.  The other young players are very inexperienced and will need to provide depth.

DE - Recruit a Junior College pass rushing end.  Senior Anthony Jacobs and Soph Kendall Gregory-McGhee can handle the LDE spot.  The new JuCo player, Junior Leston Simpson, returning Junior starter DL Wilhite, Soph Matt Garin, RFR Ben Perry, and former RFR running back LaMonte Edwards all get a shot at the RDE position.

DT - Redshirt Sean Ferguson.  Seniors Jewhan Edwards and Brandon Kirksey are returning starters.  Soph Ra'shede Hageman hopefully remains in school.  Junior former walk-on Austin Hahn, along with RFR Josh Tauaefa & Harold Legania provide depth.  If Hageman leaves, then be sure to keep Soph Eric Jacques on the defensive side.

LB - Senior Gary Tinsley and Soph Brandon Beal can and will play inside.  Juniors Mike Rallis & Keanon Cooper return outside.  Juniors Spencer Reeves and Ryan Grant return with experience as do Sophs Brent Singleton and Aaron Hill.  Several RFR will also fight for playing time.  Also, Matt Garin and LaMonte Edwards could get a look at LB if things don't work out at DE.

CB - Redshirt Brock Vereen.  Senior Troy Stoudemire and Juniors Michael Carter & Kyle Henderson get most of the playing time here. Senior Johnny Johnson is #4.  A couple of RFR may need to step up, or possibility a Junior college player is needed.

S - Soph James Manuel and Senior Christyn Lewis are likely starters.  Soph Kenny Watkins is first off the bench.  Again, a couple of RFR may need to step up, including former QB JD Pride.

Special Teams - Soph Dan Orseske was terrible last year, but he has a big leg and is the best we have.  The good news is he should only improve.  I have no confidence in any of the current kickers.  Need to go either JuCo or recruit a good true freshman (kind of an exception to the redshirt rule).



Lynn G. -> RE: Gopher Football (12/9/2010 9:04:19 PM)

Sounds like a plan Karl. You should apply for a position on Kill's staff. [:D]



panndder -> RE: Gopher Football (12/9/2010 9:30:54 PM)

I was gonna say, I go to the damn school and can only name half the skill position players. [&:]



Karl H -> RE: Gopher Football (12/9/2010 10:12:23 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Lynn G.

Sounds like a plan Karl. You should apply for a position on Kill's staff. [:D]


If he asks, I could be available.  Remember, it's not Jerry Kills football team, it's OUR football team. [8D]



Lynn G. -> RE: Gopher Football (12/10/2010 9:01:27 AM)

That's right - he said that!



TJSweens -> RE: Gopher Football (12/10/2010 9:06:21 AM)

Karl, I have a few dissenting opinions:

"With coach Kill very busy these days, I'll offer up my suggestions/tips/scouting report for next years Gopher squad. Just need to follow a few things....

- Redshirt all of the incoming freshmen. If not all, at least the best ones. The 2011 season is almost like a free year for the coach, so don't "waste" a year of their eligibility. "

I don’t agree with this aspect at all. Kill is in a position to make a statement right out of the gate. He needs to show that he can step in and make a program better from day one. For all of his warts Brewster recruited a higher level of talent. There are 16 returning starters and some very good underachieving talent. There is enough talent there for a good coach to get back a bowl game. If there are any incoming freshmen that can make us better on the field right away they should not be red shirted. The better the record and potential bowl he can achieve in year 1, makes recruiting that much easier. He can walk into any recruit’s living room and say “see, players get better under my coaching. We won with the same talent that only won 3 games the year before. This will also get the alumni and media off his back.

"- Make the recommended player position switches listed below.
- Redshirt the recommended players listed below.


And away we go...... "

"RB - Redshirt DeLeon Eskridge. Senior Duane Bennett is captain material and would see more playing time. RFR Donnell Kirkwood is good enough to split time here as the co-number 1. Move Senior Shady Solomon back to running back. He and the other RFR backs can complete for the #3 spot and provide depth. "

I don’t see any benefit to red shirting Eskridge. LaMont Edwards has the highest ceiling of the bunch and needs to be developed quickley.

OL - Senior Chris Bunders is a lock to start to LG. Soph Ed Olson should again start at LT. Senior Ryan Wynn is a likely starter, probably at Center. Senior Ryan Orton, Soph Brooks Michel, and RFR Jimmy Gjere & Jonathan Ragoo fight for the open two spots. The other young players are very inexperienced and will need to provide depth.

Olson’s younger brother could be the best OL from day 1 as a freshman. I think he will force his way into the starting lineup. Kill was apparently the first coach to offer Ed Olson a scholarship, so he is familiar with him already.

DE - Recruit a Junior College pass rushing end. Senior Anthony Jacobs and Soph Kendall Gregory-McGhee can handle the LDE spot. The new JuCo player, Junior Leston Simpson, returning Junior starter DL Wilhite, Soph Matt Garin, RFR Ben Perry, and former RFR running back LaMonte Edwards all get a shot at the RDE position.

LaMonte Edwards is a RB. Rashede Hagmen is the guy Kill needs to develop to potential. The kid has all the size, speed, strength and athleticism to be a force of nature. Assuming he is back from whatever got him suspended for the last few games.

"LB - Senior Gary Tinsley and Soph Brandon Beal can and will play inside. Juniors Mike Rallis & Keanon Cooper return outside. Juniors Spencer Reeves and Ryan Grant return with experience as do Sophs Brent Singleton and Aaron Hill. Several RFR will also fight for playing time. Also, Matt Garin and LaMonte Edwards could get a look at LB if things don't work out at DE.

If LaMonte was moved from RB, he needs to be moved back there post haste. He is the best RB recruit Brewster ever had.


""CB - Redshirt Brock Vereen. Senior Troy Stoudemire and Juniors Michael Carter & Kyle Henderson get most of the playing time here. Senior Johnny Johnson is #4. A couple of RFR may need to step up, or possibility a Junior college player is needed."

Again, I am against red shirting anyone who makes us better this year.



SoMnFan -> RE: Gopher Football (12/10/2010 9:16:59 AM)

Good stuff guys.
I lean towards Tims version ... nails it with the "don't redshirt anyone who can help us" line.
There are always some blue-chip freshmen who can make an impact, and if they don't get the promise to play right away somewhere else, we may be able to make that offer.

One question I have is ... how much apologizing will we have to do to Brewster when we realize the guy did bring in a better group of athletes than we have seen in quite awhile?
I know Iowa was down and did not play well, but we matched up very well in that game when you look at it.
I had watched Iowa a couple times and longed for our Gophers to be that tough and physically strong, and we matched that very well.
Just saying, someone stocked the shelves pretty well. The age of the squad is also a positive. So many key guys are returning for at least one more year.
The cupboard is defintiely not bare. It needs some refreshing, but it's not bare.



Jim Frenette -> RE: Gopher Football (12/10/2010 9:54:31 AM)

Tim & Karl good discussion looking for a rebuttal



TJSweens -> RE: Gopher Football (12/10/2010 10:36:47 AM)

One of the most aggrivating things about watching this past season was the realization that a good coach would had a winning season with this team. I don't think any appologies will be coming Brewster's way. Both local papers have acknowleged that the talent level under Brewster has improved. He just couldn't lead them anywhere. Brewster couldn't lead a bloodhound to a T-bone.



Jim Frenette -> RE: Gopher Football (12/10/2010 10:40:36 AM)

Hard to develop players when every year you change the offense and defense and they have to start over. Brewster just had no idea what even he wanted to do



David Levine -> RE: Gopher Football (12/10/2010 2:18:55 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: SoMnFan

One question I have is ... how much apologizing will we have to do to Brewster when we realize the guy did bring in a better group of athletes than we have seen in quite awhile?



None. We've been saying all season that even a mediocre coach could get to a bowl game with the pure talent on this squad.



SoMnFan -> RE: Gopher Football (12/10/2010 2:59:04 PM)

Geez, guys ... no one knew that more than me.
Just saying .... he could do one thing. Its not liek he was a COMPLETE moron. [:D]



Bruce Johnson -> RE: Gopher Football (12/10/2010 8:36:32 PM)

Forgive me if this has already been posted:

Kill is close friends with Gary Patterson, currently the head football coach at Texas Christian University.[13] Both men played football for Dennis Franchione and have each worked with him as assistant coaches. Kill served as the best man in Patterson's wedding.



Jim Frenette -> RE: Gopher Football (12/11/2010 10:01:34 AM)

Kill has hired his OC and DC, guys that have held that job for him for over 10 years. Finally looks like some stability. Now we need to see where it gets us



Bruce Johnson -> RE: Gopher Football (12/11/2010 12:09:44 PM)

Here's hoping that we can become TCU of the North.



Jim Frenette -> RE: Gopher Football (12/11/2010 12:50:46 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Bruce Johnson

Here's hoping that we can become TCU of the North.


Jerry Kill already braving the weather to go out to a Gopher BB game to show he is part of the school



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