Golden Gophers look to surprise the Big Ten

When you’re in a conference that boasts powerhouse programs like Ohio State and Michigan State, a 6-7 season is just not going to cut it. However, back in May, first year Head Coach Tracy Claeys said that last season was just a hiccup in the road to prominence. 
“I believe this is our best football team since we’ve been here,” he said. 
Prior to his promotion to Head Coach in November, Claeys was a part of two consecutive eight-win seasons in 2013 and 2014 as defensive coordinator.  Now, the coach faces the challenge of returning the Golden Gophers to football glory in the Big Ten. 
With the Iowa Hawkeyes appearing to be the toughest opponent on the schedule this season, the Golden Gophers have a chance to return to being one of the more competitive teams in the conference. 
Being just two weeks out until the Gophers open the 2016 season with the Oregon State Beavers at home, I thought it would be a good idea to give fans a quick preview of what you should expect from the team this year. 
Return of “RB U” 
The Gophers have been known for producing quality college running backs that eventually get the opportunity to play in the NFL. However, the last time the Gophers had a two-headed rushing attack was back in 2003 and 2004, when Marion Barber III and Laurence Maroney each rushed for 1,000 yards. 
Last season the Gophers were led by true freshman Shannon Brooks and redshirt freshmen Rodney Smith. Brooks rushed for 709 yards on 199 carries, scoring seven touchdowns to include a 75-yard burner. Smith on the other hand, saw more touches (157) but only managed to gain 670 yards and score two touchdowns. 
When asked about his running back situation during the spring, Claeys made a statement that should resonate with opposing defenses. 
“It’s hard for anyone to argue at tailback that we’re pretty good. 
This season, expect more of the two-headed attack this season, as both players are threats as receivers out of the backfield. 
Leidner’s team
Redshirt senior Mitch Leidner will have a revamped arsenal to work with this season. A player that has received a lot of notoriety as a highly-regarded quarterback to national media members involving the NFL draft will have to grow as a decision maker. 
Last season, the quarterback from Lakeville South had a completion percentage of 59.9 while sporting a touchdown to interception ratio of 14 to 11. With the loss of KJ Maye to the NFL, senior wide out Drew Wolitarsky will be Leidner’s top returning target. 
Defense wins rings
For the Gophers defensive line, they will be spear-headed in the middle with Owatonna native Andrew Shelter at defensive tackle. The 6 foot 4, 290 pound redshirt junior saw action in all 13 games last year making seven starts. He finished the season with 26 tackles and a tackle for loss. 
On the edges, the Gophers are fairly experienced having starter Hendrick Ekpe and nickel rusher Gaelin Elmore returning to bring pressure to opposing quarterbacks. 
At linebacker, Cody Poock returns to help generate more hype around a conference that may boast the best linebackers in all of college football. The upcoming junior started eight games as a sophomore next to former Gopher and current Atlanta Falcon De’Vondre Campbell. 
Poock recorded 99 tackles, five tackles for loss and a forced fumble. With Jack Lynn returning the man one of the outside linebacker positions, the Gophers could have the most experienced linebackers in the West Division. 
The secondary will see a pair of 2015 returning from season ending injuries. Redshirt seniors Ace Rodgers and Demarius Travis will be returning to man the two safety positions for the Gophers. Travis was granted a medical hardship from the NCAA after sustaining a season-ending injury in 2015. The leader of the secondary, Travis has seen action in 40 games. 
When Travis went out, Adenkule Ayinde was thrusted into the starting role for 11 games and played admirably. The redshirt junior had 43 total stops and was awarded the Gary Tinsley award, which is presented to the student-athlete who best personifies the late Tinsley’s underdog spirit. 
At corner, Jalen Myrick proved to be one of the conference best lockdown corners. The speedster from Georgia has seen action in 34 career games and started seven in 2015. 
Mind the hype
Two players that Gophers fans need to keep their eyes out for in 2016:
Antoine Winfield Jr.- The son of former Minnesota Vikings cornerback Antoine Winfield has had rave reviews during fall camp as his father’s old position. 
Carter Coughlin- the Eden Prairie product was the Gophers most anticipated signee of the 2016 recruiting class. The four star linebacker is in the midst of a linebacker battle with Jonathan Celestin to be the starter. 
The Gophers open up at home against the Beavers of Oregon State on September 1.