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Minnesota has selected four co-captains for the 2010 season and made a little history in the process.

Quarterback Adam Weber, the Golden Gophers' all-time passing leader, has been named the first three-time, co-captain in team history. Weber will serve in 2010 alongside fullback Jon Hoese, safety Kim Royston and defensive tackle Brandon Kirksey.

The team voted on captains Sunday night.

“The four young men our team selected to serve as captains are outstanding choices,” Minnesota head coach Tim Brewster said in a statement. “Adam, Kim, Jon and Brandon truly personify what it means to be a captain through leadership both on and off the field.”

Weber was an obvious choice after reclaiming his starting job following spring practice. Although he has endured some ups and downs on the field, his attitude and work ethic make him a natural leader.

After Weber, there weren't many slam-dunk candidates as Minnesota lost a lot on both offense and defense from the 2009 team. Hoese is a solid role player and Kirksey has appeared in 22 games as a reserve behind Garrett Brown and Eric Small.

Royston, a Wisconsin transfer who earned a starting spot last season, suffered a broken leg this spring but could be a major factor on defense if he can recover for the season.

Here's what you need to know about Thursday's matchup between Minnesota (6-6) and Iowa State (6-6) in the Insight Bowl:

WHO TO WATCH: Adam Weber. The Minnesota junior quarterback has taken a step back in his third year as the starter, but as he showed on Halloween night against Michigan State, he still can light it up. Weber also can struggle mightily, as he showed in shutout losses to Iowa and Penn State and a near shutout at Ohio State. Golden Gophers head coach Tim Brewster will open up the quarterback competition in spring practice, but Weber can help his cause with a strong showing against a vulnerable Iowa State defense that ranks 95th nationally against the pass (245 ypg). Minnesota is still searching for someone to replace Eric Decker's production, but Weber has some decent options in tight end Nick Tow-Arnett and wide receiver Troy Stoudermire. If Weber struggles, don't be surprised if Minnesota goes to MarQueis Gray.

WHAT TO WATCH: Minnesota's linebackers against Iowa State's rushing attack. Seniors Lee Campbell, Nate Triplett and Simoni Lawrence have carried the Gophers' defense this fall, combining for 284 tackles. Iowa State isn't much of a passing team and wants to get Alexander Robinson going. Robinson, ranked 29th nationally in rushing average, is a Minneaoplis native who nearly considered transferring to Minnesota after Gene Chizik bolted from Ames. If Minnesota can plug the middle with defensive tackles Garrett Brown and Eric Small, the linebackers should be in position to slow down Robinson and mobile quarterback Austen Arnaud.

WHY TO WATCH: Brewster is safe and will receive a contract extension in the near future, but this remains a pivotal game for the Minnesota program. A victory assures Minnesota of a winning season and could bring some life back to a fan base that seems unhappy with the current direction. The Gophers haven't won a bowl game since 2004 and lost the Insight Bowl in 2006 and 2008. A loss will brand the 2009 season as a disappointment and increase the pressure on Brewster and his assistants this offseason. It's also a nice regional game between two upper Midwest teams that haven't played since 1997.

PREDICTION: Neither of these teams is very good, and both offenses are inconsistent at best. Expect a low-scoring affair, and the team that makes the fewest number of major mistakes wins. Iowa State will have more fans in Tempe and could be more motivated than Minnesota, which has gone to the Insight Bowl in three of the past four years. The Gophers offense has been too inconsistent for my liking, and Iowa State finds a way to win, 17-14.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

As announced by the league office on Sunday night.

OFFENSE -- Minnesota QB Adam Weber

Weber became the first Minnesota quarterback to surpass 400 passing yards in more than a decade, throwing for a career-best 416 yards and matching a career high with five touchdown passes in a victory over Michigan State. Despite playing without injured All-Big Ten wideout Eric Decker, Weber completed 19 of 31 passes (61.3 percent) to make him the Gophers’ first 400-yard passer since Cory Sauter compiled 404 yards against the Spartans in 1995. Weber’s five scoring strikes equaled his career best set in a double-overtime game at Northwestern in 2007.

CO-DEFENSE -- Wisconsin LB Chris Borland and Minnesota DT Garrett Brown

Borland recovered two fumbles and forced another while adding four tackles and one tackle for loss to help Wisconsin record a shutout against Purdue. The freshman linebacker spearheaded a Badgers defense that held an opponent scoreless for the first time since 2006 and the first time in Big Ten play since 1999.

Brown set career highs with seven defensive stops and three tackles for loss, while also forcing and recovering a fumble to help Minnesota knock off Michigan State. The senior defensive tackle pushed the Spartans’ offense back 6 yards with his three tackles for loss, and six of his seven defensive stops were solo tackles. Brown led a Gophers defense that held MSU to 124 rushing yards, 84 of which came on a reverse in the second half.

SPECIAL TEAMS -- Michigan State WR Keshawn Martin

Martin compiled a career-best 284 all-purpose yards, including four kickoff returns for 176 yards and a 93-yard touchdown to open the second half at Minnesota. The sophomore wideout averaged 44 yards per kickoff return, highlighted by his 93-yard score to pull the visitors within 21-17 to open the third quarter. His 93-yard score marked the first kickoff return touchdown for the Spartans since 2005.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

OFFENSE -- Minnesota QB Adam Weber

After struggling for most of the season, Weber had a huge performance on Halloween night. He passed for a career high 416 yards and matched his career best with five touchdown passes in Minnesota's victory against Michigan State. Despite playing his first game this season without star wideout Eric Decker, Weber spread the ball to six different receivers, five of whom had a reception of more than 30 yards.

CO-DEFENSE -- Iowa S Tyler Sash and Minnesota DT Garrett Brown


Sash showed why he's the Big Ten's top playmaker on defense against Indiana. After a Ben Chappell pass pinballed around the line of scrimmage, Sash grabbed the ball and raced 86 yards to the end zone to cut Iowa's deficit to 21-14. The 10- to 14-point swing changed momentum for Iowa. Sash finished with seven tackles in the game.

You don't often see a defensive tackle lead the team in tackles, but Brown did for Minnesota with seven stops, including three for loss. He also had a forced fumble and a fumble recovery against Michigan State.

SPECIAL TEAMS -- Michigan State WR Keshawn Martin

Martin returned the opening kickoff of the second half 93 yards to the end zone to cut Minnesota's lead to 21-17. It marked the Spartans' first kickoff return for a touchdown since Demond Williams in 2005. Martin finished with 176 kickoff return yards and added an 84-yard touchdown run. His 284 all-purpose yards marked the sixth-highest total in Michigan State history.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Michigan State players who line up across from Eric Small on Saturday night might think the Minnesota defensive tackle is taking the Halloween thing a little too far.

	Josh Holmberg /Icon SMI
	Eric Small said he doesn't need an excuse to wear fake fangs.

Small has made a special mouthpiece for himself, complete with fangs, which he wears during games.

"I’ve tried showing it [to opponents], but I don’t know how many guys have seen it yet," he said.

Small will wear the fangs against the Spartans, which fits perfectly with the Halloween theme at TCF Bank Stadium.

Then again, he'll wear fangs on Sunday, too. And Monday. And Tuesday. And Wednesday. And so on.

In fact, Small has been wearing fangs pretty much every day for the last two and a half years. He wears them to classes, to social activities, anywhere he goes.

"It’s just kind of my style, my attitude, something I wanted to do, and I’m finally doing it," he said. "I like wearing fangs. It’s who I am. I have them in pretty much everywhere I go, so when they’re not in, I just don’t feel right."

Figuring out Small's inspiration for the fangs isn't easy.

He's not really into werewolves or vampires. He isn't trying to copy a celebrity. He's a big heavy metal music fan -- Rob Zombie, Mudvayne and the Swedish group Sonic Syndicate are among his favorites -- but he doesn't see too many people wearing fangs at concerts.

And the strangest part? Small seems like a pretty normal guy.

“It sounds weird, but I don’t do it for anyone else," said the 6-2, 306-pound senior. "I don’t put them in, like, 'Who can I show these to?' I just wear them and I go about my daily business just because I like the feeling of having them in. It's become so natural for me now."

He might not be looking for attention, but he still gets plenty of it, even from classmates.

"I’ll be talking to them and their eyes immediately go to my mouth and their face is just like, ‘Whoa, who is this guy? What is he doing?’" Small said. "It’s not like I’ve said anything wrong. It’s just that they see this and they’re so shocked. Some people that don’t know me, they get scared, with the fangs and the long hair.

"A lot of people think it’s cool, some people think it’s scary, but it’s just what I do."

The fangs haven't really caught on in the Gophers locker room. Fellow defensive tackle Garrett Brown owned a pair for a while but no longer wears them, much to Small's disappointment.

Still, Small probably won't be the only one a little long in the tooth on Halloween night.

"My mom was joking around about maybe wearing a pair for the game," he said, "so we’ll see if she ends up doing that."

Now that would be awesome.

Not surprisingly, Small is a big Halloween fan, but his get-ups aren't as wild as you'd think. He has gone as Joe Dirt and Hulk Hogan in the past and is thinking about being wrestler Triple H this year.

"My costumes really don’t go too far into the scary," he said. "I enjoy the haunted houses and all that stuff, but the fangs, I don’t incorporate those."

Small, who has recorded three sacks and a forced fumble this year, hopes to continue playing football at the next level. If not, he might pursue a career in exercise science, possibly becoming a strength coach.

Would he wear the fangs to a job interview?

"Depends on the job, I guess," he said. "If I was applying to be a bouncer or a security guard for a metal band, then yeah, I’d wear 'em. But if I’m going to be working a 9-to-5, I don’t think so."

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

The final seven Big Ten teams open preseason camp, including defending co-champs Penn State and Ohio State.

Here are three questions for the remaining seven squads during the next four weeks. If you missed Part I, check it out.

MICHIGAN

Camp opens: Monday

1. Will true freshman Tate Forcier create some early separation in the quarterback competition?

Forcier enters camp as the frontrunner after a solid spring, and he could further cement himself as the Wolverines' top quarterback in the coming weeks. He'll face some real competition now as junior Nick Sheridan returns from a broken leg and athletic freshman Denard Robinson joins the mix.

2. Who will step up alongside Brandon Graham on the defensive line?

Michigan brings back a potential All-American in Graham, who has 18.5 sacks the past two seasons. He'll need help up front, though, and the Wolverines need strong camps from Mike Martin, Ryan Van Bergen and William Campbell.

3. How many true freshmen see the field this fall?

The Wolverines will be much more experienced at several positions, but head coach Rich Rodriguez brought in a strong recruiting class, and several freshmen should contribute immediately. Along with Forcier, Robinson and Campbell, running back Vincent Smith impressed this spring and hopes are high for safety Vladimir Emilien. Defensive end Craig Roh also could be one to watch.

MICHIGAN STATE

Camp opens: Monday

1. Will we see any separation at quarterback before Sept. 5?

Head coach Mark Dantonio isn't planning on it and fully intends to play both Kirk Cousins and Keith Nichol during non-league play. The two signal-callers paced one another throughout spring ball, but there's a chance one man might be ready to take the job.

2. Can true freshmen Edwin Baker and Larry Caper emerge as the top running backs?

None of Michigan State's older players really took charge in the spring, though Caulton Ray's emergence is intriguing. Many expect Michigan State's heralded recruits to emerge as potential starters by the end of training camp.

3. How will the secondary look by the end of camp?

Dantonio has a very good problem in the secondary -- loads of experience. Eight returning players have starting experience, and that doesn't include safety Trenton Robinson, the story of the spring on defense. The competition in the back four should be fun to watch.

(Read full post)

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

CHICAGO -- Minnesota defensive tackle Garrett Brown isn't the type to back away from change. 

He grew up playing hockey and lacrosse, spending 10 years on the ice and eight on the lax field. When Brown started high school in Fairfield, Conn., he seemed intent on pursuing one of those sports in college.   

	Jamie Sabau/Getty Images
	Garrett Brown is playing for his fourth defensive coordinator in as many seasons.

"That definitely changed quickly once I found out what a cheeseburger and weights were," Brown said. 

Brown went through a major growth spurt between his freshman and sophomore years, sprouting four inches and adding 50 pounds. He entered high school as a 230-pound freshman but checked in around 280 as a sophomore.

"I became a D-lineman really quickly," he said. 

Brown didn't start playing football until his sophomore year but took little time to adjust. He immediately earned a starting job on the varsity squad and played both ways as a left tackle and a defensive tackle.  

Though he didn't put down his hockey skates and continued to compete as a center and a defenseman, his focus gradually shifted more toward the gridiron.

"I've always been a contact sport kind of guy," Brown said. "This is as contact as you get, unless it's rugby. So I immediately was drawn to the game. Football's definitely my sport now."

Brown's keen ability to acclimate has been tested at Minnesota, where last fall he turned in a strong season with 34 tackles, seven stops for loss, three sacks, three pass breakups, a forced fumble and three fumble recoveries. The 6-foot-2, 310-pound senior will be playing for his fourth defensive coordinator in as many years as Big Ten veteran Kevin Cosgrove takes over in Minneapolis this season.

The Gophers' defense made strides last year under Ted Roof, improving 39 spots in the national rankings after setting team records for futility in 2007. But Roof left for Auburn in January and head coach Tim Brewster brought in Cosgrove, who had success at Wisconsin in the late 1990s. 

The front four loses rush end Willie VanDeSteeg but returns an experienced tackles tandem in Brown and Eric Small. 

"Coach Cosgrove has put a system in that is very, very simplified and lets us play fast," Brown said. "I'm used to that transition of, 'OK, now I have to learn a new system.' I think I learned the system in a week and a half."

There's no doubt Brown is a quick study, a trait that will come in handy as he goes through another transition after his playing days. He wants to become a sports agent and plans to enroll in law school when he's through on the field. 

"I pick up most things pretty quickly," he said. "That's just the way I am." 

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

They're baaaaack. Many of you who checked out colleague Heather Dinich's ACC position rankings asked when I'd be doing the same for the Big Ten. Well, Big Ten media days are done and we have a bit of a break before the first preseason practice begins Aug. 6 at Illinois. This seems like the perfect time to rank the positions heading into the season.

Defensive line is up first. There's only one elite group on paper, but no truly bad units, either. Really not much difference between Nos. 4-11.  

1. Ohio State -- The group has drawn comparisons to the 2002 line that helped Ohio State win a national title. Ohio State looks loaded at defensive end with Cameron Heyward, Thaddeus Gibson and Lawrence Wilson, a one-time starter who comes off of two major leg injuries. Gibson should have a big year after coming on strong late last fall. The tackles have been a bit iffy in recent years, but Doug Worthington boasts a ton of experience and should shore up the middle with Todd Denlinger, Dexter Larimore and Garrett Goebel.

2. Penn State -- Larry Johnson's body of work is simply too powerful to overlook, even though Penn State loses a lot from a group that led the Big Ten and ranked eighth nationally against the run (93.2 ypg). Jared Odrick is the Big Ten's most dominant interior defensive lineman, and he'll lead a group of promising young players. Hopes are extremely high for sophomore end Jack Crawford, and juniors Kevion Latham and Eric Latimore hold down the other end spot. Depth is a bit of a question, but Penn State should get a boost from a healthy Jerome Hayes. 

3. Iowa -- The Hawkeyes are another team dealing with major personnel losses as four-year starting tackles Mitch King and Matt Kroul depart. But what Iowa loses inside, it makes up for on the edges with ends Adrian Clayborn and Christian Ballard. Clayborn recorded eight tackles for loss last year and should contend for All-Big Ten honors. It'll be interesting to see how Karl Klug and Mike Daniels adjust to playing more on the inside.

4. Northwestern -- A lot depends on Corey Wootton's durability after the senior defensive end tore his ACL in December. Wootton is probably the Big Ten's most versatile lineman, applying pressure to quarterbacks and also clogging pass lanes with his 6-foot-7 frame. Sophomore Vince Browne is primed for a big season at the other end spot. Replacing standout tackle John Gill won't be easy, but the Wildcats have veterans in Corbin Bryant, Marshall Thomas and Adam Hahn.

5. Wisconsin -- I'm taking a bit of a chance here, seeing how the Badgers lose three multiyear starters up front. But the line dominated Wisconsin's offseason program and boasts several exciting pieces, including Central Michigan transfer J.J. Watt, who can play either end or tackle. O'Brien Schofield is a solid leader at defensive end, and young linemen Brendan Kelly and Louis Nzegwu should blossom.     

6. Illinois -- The Illini lose their top four sacks leaders from last year, but they should be much better against the run, an area that really hurt the defense in 2008. With Josh Brent back in the fold, Illinois boasts arguably more depth at defensive tackle than any Big Ten team. Corey Liguet showed a lot of potential as a true freshman, and senior Sirod Williams returns from a torn ACL.  There are some questions at end aside from Doug Pilcher.

7. Michigan -- Senior end Brandon Graham should be the Big Ten's most dominant pass-rusher this fall, and if he gets some help from his teammates, he'll be even better. Michigan is very young elsewhere on the line but boasts a good deal of talent. Sophomores Ryan Van Bergen and Mike Martin showed promising signs in the spring, and it'll be interesting to see how much true freshman William Campbell gets on the field. 

8. Michigan State -- This is the only area of Michigan State's defense that doesn't wow me, but senior end Trevor Anderson leads a decent group. Anderson should build off of a nice junior season (8 sacks, 10.5 TFLs), but the Spartans need a second pass-rusher to emerge. Brandon Long and Justin Kershaw will be missed, and it'll be up to Colin Neely, Oren Wilson and others to fill the void. 

9. Minnesota -- The Gophers tied for the league lead in sacks last fall (34) but lose standout end Willie VanDeSteeg, who accounted for 10.5 of those sacks. Minnesota's strength is inside with senior tackles Garrett Brown and Eric Small. If Cedric McKinley or someone else develops into a reliable pass-rusher, Minnesota should finish the year higher on the list.

10. Purdue -- It wouldn't surprise me one bit if Purdue finished the year much higher on the list, but there are quite a few questions entering the fall. The Boilers know what they have in end Ryan Kerrigan and tackle Mike Neal, but the other two spots are mysteries. There are high hopes for Kawann Short and Gerald Gooden, but I need to see more evidence in games before bumping up the Boilers.     

11. Indiana -- We all know the Hoosiers can rush the passer with standout ends Jammie Kirlew and Greg Middleton. But can Indiana stop the run? There are some major question marks at defensive tackle entering preseason camp, and Bill Lynch needs a bona fide run-stopper to emerge. Junior tackle Deonte Mack needs to step up after missing spring ball with a hip injury.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

For the last decade or so, Minnesota has had the luxury of being able to pile up early wins and still reach bowl games despite late-season slides.

Since 1998, the Gophers own a 46-29 record in games played before Oct. 20. Soft nonconference schedules certainly helped, and Minnesota typically started well in Big Ten play.

After Oct. 20, the picture isn't so pretty. Minnesota has gone 23-36 in games played on Oct. 20 or later during the same time span. The trend certainly continued last season, as Minnesota started 7-1 before dropping its final five games.

Given the way the schedule is changing, the Gophers need to put a stop to this pattern right now.

The era of cupcake scheduling appears to be over at Minnesota, thanks to head coach Tim Brewster and athletic director Joel Maturi. Minnesota faces California and Air Force this season, USC in 2010 and 2011 and most likely Texas somewhere in the distant future.

"This year's schedule is unbelievably attractive," Maturi said last month at the Big Ten spring meetings. "And then we play Southern Cal. It's been very well received. Now if we go get our butts kicked, I don't know how well it would be received. But I do believe it's what we aspire to be. It helps our recruiting and hopefully, we'll rise to the occasion and play competitive football."

The good news is Minnesota has the type of team that should improve rather than regress during the course of the 2009 season.

There's a ton of talent on offense, particularly at wide receiver and quarterback. The running back position should also be better with the return of Duane Bennett. But there also is a significant scheme change under new coordinator Jedd Fisch. The offensive line will need time to settle in, and that's why Minnesota could have some trouble against Air Force, Cal and Northwestern.

The defense also has a new coordinator in Kevin Cosgrove, its third in as many years. Minnesota boasts playmakers in the secondary (Traye Simmons, Marcus Sherels) and good experience up front (Garrett Brown, Eric Small, Cedric McKinley), but an adjustment period is also expected here.

Minnesota's season will hinge on its ability to adjust -- to schemes, to coaches, to new personnel groups and most importantly, to the ebb and flow of the season. A slow start is possible, and if so, the Gophers must show greater mental toughness than they have in past seasons. Their conference road schedule is brutal -- Penn State, Ohio State, Iowa and Northwestern -- but there are opportunities to do damage at home.

Finishing strong will be paramount for a program that hasn't done so much in recent years. If Minnesota wants to take the next step, it needs to be playing its best football in November.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Minnesota Golden Gophers 2008 overall record: 7-6 2008 conference record: 3-5 Returning starters Offense: 10; Defense: 8; Special teams: 0 Top returners QB Adam Weber, WR Eric Decker, WR Ben Kuznia, DT Garrett Brown, LB Simoni Lawrence, CB Traye Simmons, CB Marcus Sherels, LB Lee Campbell Key losses TE Jack Simmons, DE Willie VanDeSteeg, LB Deon Hightower, P Justin Kucek 2008 statistical leaders (* returners) Rushing: DeLeon Eskridge* (678 yds) Passing: Adam Weber* (2,761 yds) Receiving: Eric Decker* (1,074 yds) Tackles: Lee Campbell* (80) Sacks: Willie VanDeSteeg (10.5) Interceptions: Traye Simmons* (4) 2009 Schedule Sept. 5 at Syracuse Sept. 12 Air Force Sept. 19 California Sept. 26 at Northwestern Oct. 3 Wisconsin Oct. 10 Purdue Oct. 17 at Penn State Oct. 24 at Ohio State Oct. 31 Michigan State Nov. 7 Illinois Nov. 14 South Dakota State Nov. 21 at Iowa Spring answers 1. Gray day -- Heralded recruit MarQueis Gray finally got on the practice field for the Gophers this spring, and he lived up to the hype. Gray won't take the starting quarterback job away from junior Adam Weber, but he'll definitely be a part of the offense this fall. Minnesota likely will have some special packages for Gray, who completed 8 of 10 passes for 141 yards and two touchdowns in the spring game. 2. Defensive depth -- Minnesota loses only three starters from an improved defense, and new coordinator Kevin Cosgrove should have plenty of options this fall. Cedric McKinley appears ready to step into a primary pass-rushing role with Willie VanDeSteeg departing, and the defensive tackle spot will be a strength with co-captains Eric Small and Garrett Brown. Wisconsin transfer Kim Royston should see time at safety after a strong spring. 3. Troy's time -- After showing impressive speed on kickoff returns last fall, sophomore Troy Stoudermire will be asked to do much more for the Gophers in 2009. Stoudermire saw time as a wide receiver this spring and accounted for 274 all-purpose yards and a touchdown in the spring game. Head coach Tim Brewster is looking for playmakers, and Stoudermire fits the description. Fall questions 1. Running back -- The Gophers will emphasize the power run in their new-look offense, but who carries the ball remains to be seen. Projected starter Duane Bennett was held out of contact this spring and both DeLeon Eskridge and Shady Salamon missed time with injuries. Redshirt freshman Kevin Whaley showed some promise in the spring game with 63 rush yards and a touchdown, but the position remains a bit of a mystery. 2. Offensive line -- Not surprisingly, the offensive line endured some growing pains this spring as it adjusted to the new scheme being implemented by line coach Tim Davis and offensive coordinator Jedd Fisch. The Gophers return four starters up front, but several players have been moved around and two new tackles (Matt Stommes and Jeff Wills) likely will start the season. 3. Maresh musings -- Everyone in Minnesota is pulling for freshman linebacker Sam Maresh, who practiced this spring less than nine months after undergoing open-heart surgery. Maresh played a decent amount in the spring game and showed some potential. If he can avoid any further setbacks, he could be in the mix at linebacker this season.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Quarterback Adam Weber and wide receiver Eric Decker are among the six Minnesota captains selected for the 2009 season.

Head coach Tim Brewster announced the Golden Gophers captains on his Twitter page.

Weber and Decker will serve as captains for the offense, while the defensive captains are linebackers Lee Campbell and Simoni Lawrence, and tackles Eric Small and Garrett Brown. Weber, who last year became the first sophomore captain in team history, will hold the title again, as will Decker.

No major surprises on the list, though Gophers fans must be glad to see Decker's name. There had been some rumors the star wideout might pursue a pro baseball career, but it appears he will finish his college football career.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

MINNEAPOLIS -- There's a noticeable buzz around Minnesota football right now, with a new on-campus stadium opening this fall and plenty on the agenda for spring practice, which began Tuesday. The Gophers welcome new coordinators on both sides of the ball and a new offensive system, which will look more what fans are used to in the Twin Cities.

	Jeff Gross/Getty Images
	Minnesota coach Tim Brewster is excited about the depth he has coming back this season.

Head coach Tim Brewster saw the team improve its record by six games last fall, but the Gophers ended on a five-game slide, including a 55-0 thrashing at the hands of archrival Iowa. With 10 offensive starters back and several playmakers on the defensive side, Minnesota hopes to take another step forward this fall, but will negotiate what appears to be a much tougher schedule. Here are Brewster's thoughts on the squad as spring ball gets under way.

It seems pretty ambitious what you guys are doing this spring, with the new guys, the scheme tweaks and changes. Is it one of the more ambitious spring practice sessions you've been a part of?

Tim Brewster: I just don't think it's quite as ambitious as you think. We installed quite a bit of the offense before the bowl game. To me, what's exciting about where we're at is we've got some depth, we've got some experienced players, but more importantly, some really talented players coming back. And then when you add to the mix guys like [linebackers] Keanon Cooper, Spencer Reeves and Gary Tinsley, some of these guys particularly on defense, that's really an exciting thing for us.

You said you wouldn't trade [quarterback] Adam [Weber] for anybody in the country. You also think highly of MarQueis Gray. Do you envision MarQueis just sitting and waiting the next two years?

TB: No, no. We're going to incorporate MarQueis into every game. We'll go in with a plan on how we're going to utilize him. I brought [Texas offensive coordinator] Greg Davis up here from Texas, and I talked to Greg about how they incorporated Vince [Young] into the game plan in Vince's redshirt freshman year. He played every game, but what was the real thought process that went into it. We really had some good conversations on how to do that. It's a tough thing because of the flow of the game. You say, 'I want him to play the third series.' Well, something may dictate that the third series, you want to keep Adam in the game. But he'll make a contribution. Heck, MarQueis could play wide receiver. MarQueis could be a running back. There's a lot of different ways to utilize a player of his ability.

Does it help to have that reference point with Vince Young?

TB: Very strong similarities between the two. But the biggest challenge is this: We've been really lucky. Adam Weber's taken every snap. At some point, injuries happen. Is MarQueis Gray ready to step in and drive this car and run this offense? That's the biggest challenge that [new offensive coordinator Jedd Fisch] has, making sure MarQueis Gray is ready to be a full-time quarterback. He's the No. 2 quarterback at worst right now, so that's a real challenge.

It seems like line play is going to be a focus on both sides of the ball.

TB: Yes, and I think we're going to be much better up front. It really helped moving [left tackle] Dom Alford inside. Ryan Wynn is a very talented guy who was playing right tackle. He doesn't need to be a right tackle. He'll play at center, possibly at guard. Matt Carufel, also [at guard]. And then you look at the development of [left tackle Matt] Stommes. Stommes' measurables, shoot, the NFL people who have come in here have said, 'Who the heck is that?' It's kind of like the guy's come out of nowhere. And [right tackle Jeff] Wills' development is going to be big. Is he putting himself in a position where he can be a starter?

Some people would look to the secondary and say look what you guys did there last year, but it sounds like you're almost more excited about the D-line and the linebackers.

TB: I really am. The front seven for us has got a chance to be really good. I think we'll be good on the back end, too. We're just a little thin. A kid like [cornerback] Michael Carter coming in, Michael's going to have to play as a freshman. And we've got some other guys. Today it's so hard to find defensive linemen, and particularly the young inside guys, Jewhan Edwards and Brandon Kirksey, they've got a chance to be really good. And then you've got [Eric] Small and [Garrett] Brown. So we've got four inside guys. And then I think we'll be better on the edge. D.L. Wilhite's a kid who redshirted last year and has got really good speed. And with [Cedric] McKinley, [Derek] Onwuachi, we've got some guys there.

The spring gives you a chance to find some playmakers, too, especially with Weber limited and Eric Decker playing baseball.

TB: Eric Decker's going to be ready to play. What I'm concerned about is somebody else being ready. That's how you've got to look at it, a positive thing and not a negative thing.

You mentioned last year's team was significantly improved. Is that the same goal for 2009?

TB: This year, we want to make the same improvement, but it's a tougher step, a much tougher step, particularly with a much tougher schedule.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Today's position superlatives finish with the Minnesota Golden Gophers. Check out the blog next week for the final four teams: Illinois, Northwestern, Ohio State and Purdue.

Minnesota returns nine starters on offense, including the entire line, and could make major strides if the holdovers adjust to a new scheme and style. There are a few more questions on the defensive side, particularly up front. But overall, Minnesota doesn't have many glaring weaknesses heading into spring ball.

Strongest position -- Defensive back

Key returnees: Senior cornerback Traye Simmons, junior safety Kyle Theret, senior cornerback Marcus Sherels, senior safety Tramaine Brock (expected to rejoin team after leaving school due to academic reasons), junior cornerback Ryan Collado

Key losses: None

The skinny: As long as Brock comes back this summer -- head coach Tim Brewster expects him to return -- Minnesota will bring back every member of a playmaking secondary. The four starters combined for 10 interceptions, 48 pass deflections, four forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries last fall. Though the Gophers were exposed late in the season, the defensive backs, particularly Simmons, showed the ability to change games. A talented wide receiving corps led by Eric Decker almost got the nod here, and Minnesota should be decent at linebacker.

Weakest position -- Defensive end

Key returnees: Senior Derrick Onwuachi, senior Cedric McKinley

Key departures: Willie VanDeSteeg (53 tackles, 19 TFLs, 10.5 sacks)

The skinny: VanDeSteeg was Minnesota's pass rush at times last fall, winning a game at Illinois almost single-handedly in the fourth quarter. He'll definitely be missed, and Minnesota needs to identify a standout end to complement two solid tackles in seniors Eric Small and Garrett Brown. Minnesota tied for the league lead in sacks last fall (34), but VanDeSteeg was a major reason why. Other potential weaknesses include running back and offensive line.