Among the questions for the offense are whether someone can step up and become a true number one receiver. It will be interesting to see how involved the tight ends are in the passing game as well. Brandon Lingen<\/strong><\/a> has shown flashes when healthy, and 6’10” Nate Wozniak<\/strong><\/a> has potential to be a huge target (pun intended).<\/p>\n While only a handful of starters return on the defense, most of the players do have a fair amount of experience. Senior defensive tackle Steven Richardson<\/a> <\/strong>was named to the watch list for the Bronko Nagurski<\/a> award, given to the nation’s best defensive player. (Nagurski, of course, was a standout at Minnesota in the late 1920’s and later for the Chicago Bears). Flanking Richardson on one side will be sophomore Carter Coughlin.<\/strong> Coughlin played sparingly last year, but he was very highly rated coming out of high school. Another DE to watch for is Tai’yon Devers<\/a><\/strong>, who was outstanding in limited action as a freshman last season.<\/p>\n At linebacker, seniors Jonathan Celestin<\/a><\/strong> and Cody Poock<\/a> <\/strong>lead a group of less-experienced underclassman. Junior Blake Cashman<\/strong><\/a>,<\/strong> a former walk-on who more than earned his scholarship last season, is another guy to watch. In the backfield, the Gophers will be replacing cornerback Jalen Myrick<\/strong><\/a>. Junior Antonio Shenault<\/strong> and senior Adekunle Ayinde<\/strong><\/a> have a fair amount of experience despite not having been regular starters in the past. The safety position should be in good hands with Antoine Winfield Jr.<\/a><\/strong> and Duke McGhee<\/strong> returning, although beyond them the position is a bit thin.<\/p>\n Another question for the defense is whether they can be more disciplined this season. A year ago the Gophers led the nation in targeting fouls and ejections. McGhee, in particular, as a senior and a leader, needs to avoid the ejections (I believe he had three last year).<\/p>\n This unit should be in good shape. Punter Ryan Santoso<\/strong> and kicker Emmit Carpenter<\/strong><\/a> played very well last season. The only thing I question is whether Rodney Smith will continue returning kicks. With a new quarterback, the Gophers will lean heavily on the run game, and I’m not sure it’s a good idea to have your top running back risking injury on returns. Time will tell.<\/p>\nDefense<\/h2>\n
Special Teams:<\/h2>\n
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