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being named the county and area player of the year • also an all-state selection • totaled 109 LOGAN receptions for 1,650 yards and 30 touchdowns for his career • had stellar senior season with 74 receptions for 1,250 yards and 23 touchdowns • intercepted two passes his senior season and eight during his career • also played basketball and baseball • was the team MVP in bas- PAYNE ketball • Honor Roll student all four years of high school. Wide Receiver PERSONAL: Housing studies major • son of Toliver and Jeanette Payne • born January 21, 1985. Sr./Sr. • 6-2 • 205 PAYNE’S CAREER STATISTICS Lutz, Fla. u RECEIVING Land O’ Lakes High School 84 Year ...... G/GS . . . .Rec...... Yds. . . . .Avg. . . . .TD . . . .Long 2003 ...... 9/0 . . . . .1 . . . . .11 . . .11.0 . . . .0 . . . .11 Had a breakout season last year and will be one of Minnesota’s go-to receivers in 2006 • pos- 2004 . . . . .12/0 . . . . .0 ...... 0 . . .0.0 . . . .0 . . . . .0 GOPHERS session receiver who makes the big play and always fights for the extra yard • has the athletic 2005 . . . . .12/9 . . . .37 . . . .529 . .14.3 . . . .2 . . . .53 COACHES ability to rise above opposing defenses and make the spectacular catch as well • possesses Total . . . . .33/9 . . . .38 . . . .540 . .14.2 . . . .2 . . . .53 REVIEW good speed which has also made him an asset as a punt returner • should further increase his HISTORY production as the Gophers look to pass the ball more this year. u PUNT RETURNS MEDIA Year ...... G . . . .Ret. . . . .Yds. . . .Avg. . . .TD . . .Long CAREER NOTES: Has started nine of 33 career games. 2003 ...... 9 . . . . .2 . . . . .11 . . .5.5 . . . .0 . . . . .9 2005 • JUNIOR SEASON: 2004 ...... 12 . . . . .1 . . . . .32 . .32.0 . . . .0 . . . .32 Appeared in all 12 games with nine starts • tied with Ernie Wheelwright for 2005 ...... 12 . . . . .11 . . . .106 . . .9.6 . . . .0 . . . .21 most receptions on the team with 37 • second on the team in receiving yards at 529 • caught at Total ...... 33 . . . .14 . . . .149 . .10.6 . . . .0 . . . .32 least two passes in 10 of 12 games • had two receiving touchdowns, including an eight-yard touchdown on fourth down against Purdue that helped send the game into a second overtime PAYNE’S GAME OFFENSIVE BESTS Game-by-Game: and an eventual 42-35 win • returned 11 punts for 106 yards and a 9.6 average • Receptions ...... 11 . . .at Iowa...... 11-19-2005 had three catches for 66 yards at Tulsa (9/1) • recorded team-high three catches for 51 yards Receiving Yards ...... 158 . . .at Iowa ...... 11-19-2005 against Colorado State (9/10) • registered a career-high with four catches for 78 yards against Receiving Touchdowns ...... 1 . . .twice, last at Iowa ...... 11-19-2005 Florida Atlantic (9/17) • caught three balls for 30 yards and a touchdown against Purdue (9/24) Long Reception ...... 53 . . .at Iowa ...... 11-19-2005 • touchdown was the first of his career • caught two balls for 10 yards against Penn State (10/1) Punt Returns ...... 4 . . .vs. Wisconsin ...... 10-15-2005 • caught two passes for nine yards against Michigan (10/8) • caught two passes for 24 yards and Long Punt Return ...... 32 . . .vs. Toledo ...... 9-4-2004 returned four punts for 39 yards against Wisconsin (10/15) • tied a career-high with four catch- es against Ohio State (10/29) and had a then career-best 82 receiving yards • 42-yard recep- PAYNE’S GAME-BY-GAME STATISTICS tion in the second quarter against the Buckeyes was also a career-long • had two punt returns GAME-BY-GAME 2005 RECEVING PUNT RETURNS for 26 yards • caught two balls for 16 yards and returned three punts for 28 yards against Indiana u u u Rec Yds Avg. TD Long Ret. Yds Avg. TD Long (11/5) • set career-highs with 11 receptions for 158 yards and a touchdown at Iowa (11/19) • set a new career high with a 53-yard reception • 11 catches was the most by a Gopher since Luke at Tulsa 3 66 22.0 0 33 0 0 0.0 0 0 Leverson had 12 at Ohio State in 1998 • returned two punts for 13 yards against Virginia in the Colorado State 3 51 17.0 0 20 0 0 0.0 0 0 Music City Bowl (12/30) • Academic All-Big Ten selection • scholar-athlete award winner • par- Florida Atlantic 4 78 19.5 0 31 0 0 0.0 0 0 ticipated in 686 plays • earned second letter. Purdue 3 30 10.0 1 13 0 0 0.0 0 0 at Penn State 2 10 5.0 0 5 0 0 0.0 0 0 2004 • SOPHOMORE SEASON: Switched jersey number from No. 33 to No. 84 • played in all 12 games at Michigan 2 9 4.5 0 9 0 0 0.0 0 0 • had one punt return for 32 yards in season opener vs. Toledo (9/4) • Academic All-Big Ten Wisconsin 2 24 12.0 0 19 4 39 9.8 0 21 selection • participated in 88 plays • earned first letter. Ohio State 4 82 20.5 0 42 2 26 13.0 0 16 at Indiana 2 16 8.0 0 15 3 28 9.3 0 13 2003 • FRESHMAN SEASON: Appeared in nine games at wide receiver and on special teams • caught Michigan State 1 5 5.0 0 5 0 0 0.0 0 0 first career pass for 11 yards in the season opener vs. Tulsa (8/30) • returned two punts for a at Iowa 11 158 14.4 1 53 0 0 0.0 0 0 total of 11 yards against Louisiana-Lafayette (9/20) • scholar-athlete award winner • participat- Virginia (Music City) 0 0 0.0 0 0 2 13 6.5 0 8 ed in 61 plays. Total 37 529 14.3 2 53 11 106 9.6 0 21

HIGH SCHOOL: A 2003 graduate of Land O’ Lakes High School (Fla.) • high school coach was John Benedetto • was all-county his junior and senior seasons and all-area his senior year along with

Logan PAYNE

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PINNIX’S CAREER STATISTICS AMIR u RUSHING u RECEIVING Year ...... G/GS . . . .Att. . . . .Yds. . . .Avg. . . .TD . . .Long . . . . .Rec. . . .Yds. . . .Avg. . . .TD . .Long 2004 . . . . .12/0 . . . .26 . . . .137 . . .5.3 . . . .2 . . . .21 ...... 0 . . . . .0 . . .0.0 . . . .0 . . . .0 PINNIX 2005 . . . . .10/0 . . . .78 . . . .467 . . .6.0 . . . .1 . . . .45 ...... 0 . . . . .0 . . .0.0 . . . .0 . . . .0 Running Back Total . . . . .22/0 . . .104 . . . .604 . . .5.8 . . . .3 . . . .45 ...... 0 . . . . .0 . . .0.0 . . . .0 . . . .0 Sr./Jr. • 6-0 • 205 PINNIX’S GAME OFFENSIVE BESTS Rushes ...... 32 . . .vs. Michigan State ...... 11-12-2005 Newark, N.J. Rushing Yards ...... 206 . . .vs. Michigan State ...... 11-12-2005 Malcolm X Shabazz High School 29 Rushing TDs ...... 1 . . .three times, last Michigan State . . . .11-12-2005 Long Rush ...... 45 . . .at Indiana ...... 11-5-2005 Moves into the starting running back position after being a reliable backup over the last two sea- PINNIX’S GAME-BY-GAME STATISTICS sons • proved he is capable of being effective against the best in the Big Ten by making the most GOPHERS GAME-BY-GAME 2005 of his carries last season • speedy, shifty runner who has added size to be able to take the pun- u COACHES ishment that goes along with being the feature back • has embraced the challenge of continu- Rush Yds TD Long Rec Yds TD Long REVIEW ing Minnesota’s stretch of great running backs. at Tulsa 11 46 0 8 0 0 0 0 HISTORY Colorado State 14 65 0 15 0 0 0 0 MEDIA CAREER NOTES: Has appeared in 22 games, rushing 104 times for a total of 604 yards. Florida Atlantic 15 83 0 16 0 0 0 0 Purdue did not play (injured) 2005 • SOPHOMORE SEASON: Appeared in 10 games, finishing with 78 carries for 467 yards and one at Penn State 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 touchdown • earned Big Ten Player of the week honors following his performance against at Michigan 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Michigan State (11/12) • joined teammates Laurence Maroney and Gary Russell as Big Ten Wisconsin 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Player of the Week recipients, making Minnesota the first school in Big Ten history to have three Ohio State 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 different running backs earn the award in the same season • Game-by-Game: rushed 11 times for at Indiana 2 48 0 45 0 0 0 0 46 yards at Tulsa (9/1) • carried 14 times for 65 yards against Colorado State (9/10) • ran for 83 Michigan State 32 206 1 30 0 0 0 0 yards on 15 carries vs. Florida Atlantic (9/17) • carried the ball twice for 48 yards vs. Indiana at Iowa 4 19 0 9 0 0 0 0 (11/5) • 45-yard rush against the Hoosiers was a career-long • had a career-day against Virginia (Music City) did not play Michigan State (11/12), rushing 32 times for 206 yards and one touchdown, his first of the sea- Total 78 467 1 45 0 0 0 0 son, against the Spartans • was named the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week for his per- formance against Michigan State • had four carries for 19 yards against Iowa (11/19) • partici- pated in 133 plays • earned second letter.

2004 • FRESHMAN SEASON: Played in all 12 games • tallied 137 yards on 26 carries with two touch- downs with a long rush of 21 yards • also had three kick returns for 49 yards • Game-by-Game: had career highs in carries and yards against Toledo (9/4) when he rushed for 88 yards on 17 attempts and scored his first career touchdown on a three-yard run • also had two kick returns for 33 yards with a career long of 17 against the Rockets • totaled 21 yards on two carries at Colorado State (9/18) • had one carry for one yard against Northwestern (9/25) • had one kick return for 16 yards at Michigan State (10/16) • had six attempts for 27 yards with a one-yard touchdown run vs. Illinois (10/23) • participated in 178 plays • earned first letter.

2003: Redshirted • scholar-athlete award winner.

HIGH SCHOOL: A 2003 graduate of Malcolm X Shabazz High School (N.J.) • high school coach was David McCombs • ranked the 20th-best fullback by ESPN’s Tom Lemming • three-time all-city, all-conference and all-area performer • named all-county twice and all-state once • rushed for 3,500 yards and 39 touchdowns in his career • tallied 1,200 yards with 15 touchdowns in 11 games his senior season • gained 1,100 yards and scored 12 touchdowns during his junior sea- son • accumulated 75 of his 160 career tackles in 2002 playing free safety • had 12 tackles-for- loss and four sacks his senior season • forced two fumbles, recovered two and intercepted three passes in 2002 • earned 11 letters between football, basketball and track • Honor Roll student and member of the National Honor Society.

PERSONAL: Inter-college program major • son of Deborah Mims • born November 30, 1985 • attended the same high school as former Gopher defensive end Greg White.

Amir PINNIX

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REESE’S GAME DEFENSIVE BESTS MARIO Tackles ...... 9 . . .at Indiana ...... 11-5-2005 Tackles For Loss ...... 2 . . .vs. Wisconsin ...... 10-15-2005 Sacks ...... 2 . . .vs. Wisconsin ...... 10-15-2005 REESE Pass Breakups ...... 1 . . .six times, last vs. Virginia (Music City) 12-30-2005 Linebacker Forced Fumbles ...... 2 . . .vs. Wisconsin ...... 10-15-2005 Sr.-5/Sr. • 6-3 • 230 REESE’S GAME-BY-GAME STATISTICS u GAME-BY-GAME 2005 Mableton, Ga. Solo Asst Total TFL INT PBU FR FF SACK Pebblebrook High School 48 at Tulsa 5 0 5 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 Colorado State 0 0 0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 Secured a full-time position in the starting lineup during the second half of last season • tremen- Florida Atlantic 0 0 0 0-0 0 1 0 0 0-0 GOPHERS dous athlete who has gotten more and more comfortable with his position each year • possess- Purdue 1 1 2 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 COACHES es the size, strength and speed to cover a lot of ground and cause the opposition to shy away at Penn State 0 0 0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 REVIEW from his territory • good tackler who only needs one opportunity to bring down the ball carrier • at Michigan 4 1 5 1-3 0 0 0 0 0-0 HISTORY looks to be one of the most productive players on the Gopher defense as a full-time starter. Wisconsin 5 1 6 1.5-9 0 0 0 2 2-9 MEDIA Ohio State 4 1 5 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 CAREER NOTES: Has started in 13 of 34 career games played, tallying 90 tackles (63 solo) with 7.5 at Indiana 6 3 9 0-0 0 1 0 0 0-0 tackles-for-loss, six pass breakups and four quarterback sacks. Michigan State 4 3 7 1-2 0 1 0 0 0-0 at Iowa 0 1 1 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 2005 • JUNIOR SEASON: Appeared in 12 games with six starts • recorded 48 tackles (35 solo), 3.5 Virginia (Music City) 6 2 8 0-0 0 1 0 0 0-0 Game-by- tackles-for-loss, two quarterback sacks, four pass breakups and two forced fumbles • Total 35 13 48 3.5-14 0 4 0 2 2-0 Game: registered five solo tackles in season opener at Tulsa (9/1) • had two tackles (one solo) against Purdue (9/24) • made first start of season at Michigan (10/8) and recorded five tackles and a tackle-for-loss against the Wolverines • registered six tackles (five solo) with two sacks against Wisconsin (10/15) • also forced the first two fumbles of his career against the Badgers • tallied five tackles (four solo) against Ohio State (10/29) • tallied a career-high nine tackles (six solo) vs. Indiana (11/5) • also recorded his second pass breakup of the season against the Mario REESE Hoosiers • had seven tackles (four solo), one tackle-for-loss and a pass breakup against Michigan State (11/12) • assisted on one tackle at Iowa (11/19) • participated in 559 plays • earned third letter.

2004 • SOPHOMORE SEASON: Appeared in 12 games with six starts at defensive end • started four of the final five games of the regular season • had 26 tackles, including 17 solo tackles • also had 3.5 tackles-for-loss and two sacks • had one pass breakup • Game-by-Game: had four solo tackles, including his first career sack for 10 yards, at Colorado State (9/18) • collected two solo tackles vs. Penn State (10/2) • had one sack for two yards at Michigan (10/9) • earned two tack- les at Michigan State (10/16) • had four solo tackles at Indiana (10/30) • had a career-high seven tackles and 1.5 tackles-for-loss at Wisconsin (11/6) • collected two tackles and a pass breakup in regular season finale vs. Iowa (11/13) • participated in 483 plays • earned second letter.

2003 • FRESHMAN SEASON: Appeared in 10 games, starting one • totaled 16 tackles with 11 solos and an assist on a tackle-for-loss • Game-by-Game: had two solo tackles in season opener vs. Tulsa (8/30) • had a pass breakup vs. Louisiana-Lafayette (9/20) • made first career start at Northwestern (10/4) in place of Kyle McKenzie • recorded three tackles and an assist on a tack- le-for-loss at Northwestern • had a career-high five tackles at Illinois (10/25) • registered solo tackles vs. Indiana (11/1), Wisconsin (11/8), at Iowa (11/15) and against Oregon (12/31) • par- ticipated in 183 plays • earned his first letter.

2002: Redshirted.

HIGH SCHOOL: A 2002 graduate of Pebblebrook High School (Ga.) • high school coach was Chuck Stines • three-year letterwinner at defensive end • totaled 172 career tackles, 31 tackles-for- loss and 17 sacks • also forced 11 fumbles, recovered 10 and broke up eight pass attempts • racked up 58 solo tackles his senior year, including 22 TFLs and 12 sacks, en route to first team all-state and first team all-county accolades • also earned three letters as a standout high jumper on the track and field team • won the 4A Region high jump his junior year • finished sixth in the state that same season.

PERSONAL: Business and marketing education major • brother, Rico, was a defensive end at Western Carolina from 2002-05 • cousin, Orantes Grant, was a linebacker in the NFL, most notably for the Dallas Cowboys • recipient of the Delores Hill Endowment Fund • son of Dexter and Elizabeth Reese • born April 14, 1984. REESE’S CAREER STATISTICS u DEFENSIVE Year ...... G/GS . . . . .Solo . . . . .Asst . . . . .Total...... TFL...... INT . . .PBU . . . .FR . . . .FF . . .SACKS 2003 ...... 10/1 . . . . .11 ...... 5 ...... 16 . . . .0.5-0 . . . . .0 . . . .1 . . . .0 . . . .0 . . . .0-0 2004 ...... 12/6 . . . . .17 ...... 9 ...... 26 . . .3.5-13 . . . . .0 . . . .1 . . . .0 . . . .0 . . .2-12 2005 ...... 12/6 . . . . .35 . . . . .13 ...... 48 . . .3.5-14 . . . . .0 . . . .4 . . . .0 . . . .2 . . . .2-9 Totals . . . .34/13 . . . . .63 . . . . .27 ...... 90 . . .7.5-27 . . . . .0 . . . .6 . . . .0 . . . .2 . . .4-21

76 U NIVERSITY OF M INNESOT A F OOTBALL 2006 G OPHER P ROFILES

TROY KYLE REILLY SCHWEBKE Tight End Long Snapper So./Fr. • 6-6 • 250 Jr./So. • 6-0 • 190

Plover, Wis. Oshkosh, Wis. Stevens Point Area High School 86 Oshkosh West High School 59

Will compete for playing time at tight end • has good size and used his first year to bulk up and Will serve as a backup long snapper. get acclimated to the college game • has all the physical tools to excel as both a blocking and GOPHERS pass-catching tight end. 2005 • FRESHMAN SEASON: Joined the team during the spring practice season • did not play • COACHES scholar-athlete award winner. REVIEW 2005: Redshirted. HISTORY 2004: Did not compete. MEDIA HIGH SCHOOL: A 2005 graduate of Stevens Point Area High School (Wis.) • high school coach is HIGH SCHOOL: Pete McAdams • ranked as the 39th-best tight end in the nation by Scout.com • Selected as a A 2004 graduate of Oshkosh West High School (Wis.) • high school coach was PrepStar All-Midwest Region performer • ranked as the best tight end in Wisconsin by Rivals • Ken Levine • was an all-conference and all-area performer his junior and senior season • was was named first-team all-state by the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association • was an All- also an all-conference performer in baseball, where he earned three letters • member of the Wisconsin Valley choice in 2003 and ’04 and earned all-city and all-area honors his senior year • National Honor Society • academic letterwinner. caught 47 passes for 774 yards including seven touchdowns during his career • had 26 recep- PERSONAL: tions for 451 yards his senior season • Honor Roll student. Undecided on major • son of Kapp and Lori Schwebke • born February 11, 1986.

PERSONAL: Undecided on major • son of Todd and Laurie Reilly • born June 8, 1987.

RYAN RUCKDASHEL Offensive Guard So./Fr. • 6-5 • 275

Apple Valley, Minn. Eastview High School 74

Will compete for the starting right guard spot with Otis Hudson and Nedward Tavale • intelligent player who has the desire to learn and get better • has added size and improved his footwork • impressed the coaching staff with his progression during the spring season • a part of the Gophers’ revamped offensive line in 2006.

2005: Redshirted • scholar-athlete award winner.

HIGH SCHOOL: A 2005 graduate of Eastview High School (Minn.) • high school coach was Kelly Sherwin • selected to the SuperPrep Midwest Team, ranked as the 18th-best offensive lineman • selected as a PrepStar All-Midwest Region performer • ranked as the 89th-best offensive line- man in the country by Scout.com • named to the KARE-11 and Star Tribune All-Metro teams in 2004 • was a two-time all-conference performer and was also named first team all-state by the Associated Press and second-team all-state by the Pioneer Press his senior season • graded out at over 95% his senior year and averaged seven pancake blocks per game • two-year starter at tackle, helping his team average 5.9 yards per rush in 2004 • served as team captain his senior year • Honor Roll student and MSHSL ExCEL Award winner.

PERSONAL: Undecided on major • son of Rick and Candy Ruckdashel • born December 5, 1986.

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at Wisconsin (11/6) • recorded two tackles against Alabama in the Music City Bowl (12/31) • MIKE had a forced fumble against Illinois and Iowa • participated in 184 plays • earned first letter. SHERELS 2003: Redshirted • walk-on. HIGH SCHOOL: A 2003 graduate of John Marshall High School • high school coach was Jack Linebacker Drews • was a two-time all-conference performer (2001 & 2002) • was a second-team all- Sr./Jr. • 6-0 • 240 state selection in 2002 • totaled 732 yards rushing with 14 touchdowns in 11 games his sen- ior season • accumulated 132 tackles with two sacks, three interceptions and one fumble Rochester, Minn. recovery in 2002 • led his team to records of 11-3 and 9-2 his junior and season seasons • John Marshall High School 58 was a letterwinner in three other sports, including baseball, lacrosse and track.

One of the Gophers’ most productive defensive performers last season despite missing three PERSONAL: Business and marketing education major • son of Linda Lager • born October 29, GOPHERS games due to injury • a student of the game who can anticipate a play and tends to find himself 1984 • lists most memorable sports thrill as posting a shutout against Rochester Mayo to win COACHES around the ball • punishing linebacker who can shed blockers and deliver the big hit • will share the section championship. REVIEW his knowledge and experience as one of the leaders of a young Gopher defense • has an unri- HISTORY valed passion for the game and the position he plays. SHERELS’ CAREER STATISTICS MEDIA Year ...... G/GS . . . . .Solo . . . . .Asst . . . . .Total...... TFL...... INT . . .PBU . . . .FR . . . .FF . . .SACKS CAREER NOTES: Has appeared in 20 games with seven starts and recorded 60 tackles (36 solo), 2004 ...... 11/0 ...... 6 ...... 4 ...... 10 ...... 0-0 . . . . .0 . . . .0 . . . .0 . . . .2 . . . .0-0 including seven tackles-for-loss, two fumble recoveries, two forced fumbles, an interception, a 2005 ...... 9/7 . . . . .30 . . . . .20 ...... 50 . . .6.5-12 . . . . .1 . . . .1 . . . .2 . . . .0 . . . .1-7 pass breakup and a sack. Total ...... 20/7 . . . . .36 . . . . .24 ...... 60 . . .6.5-12 . . . . .1 . . . .1 . . . .2 . . . .2 . . . .1-7

2005 • SOPHOMORE SEASON: Appeared in nine games, making seven starts • missed the Michigan, SHERELS’ GAME DEFENSIVE BESTS Wisconsin and Michigan State games with an injury • ranked seventh on the team in tackles Tackles ...... 11 . . .at Tulsa ...... 9-1-2005 with 50 (30 solo), third in tackles-for-loss with 6.5 and first with two fumble recoveries • Game-by- Tackles For Loss ...... 2 . . .vs. Ohio State ...... 10-29-2005 Game: registered a team-high 11 tackles at Tulsa (9/1) • recorded his first career sack in the sea- Sacks ...... 1 . . .at Tulsa ...... 9-1-2005 son opener • had five tackles, two fumble recoveries and an interception vs. Colorado State Pass Breakups ...... 1 . . .vs. Purdue ...... 9-24-2005 (9/10) • recorded seven tackles (five solo) with one tackle-for-loss against Florida Atlantic (9/17) Forced Fumbles ...... 1 . . .two times, last vs. Iowa ...... 11-13-2004 • registered four tackles with one tackle-for-loss and his first career pass breakup against Fumble Recoveries ...... 2 . . .vs. Colorado State ...... 9-10-2005 Purdue (9/24) • recorded seven tackles (six solo) against Penn State (10/1) • tallied seven tack- les (four solo) and had a career-best two tackles-for-loss against Ohio State (10/29) • recorded SHERELS’ GAME-BY-GAME STATISTICS four tackles (two solo) against Indiana (11/5) • registered four tackles (three solo), including one u GAME-BY-GAME 2005 tackle-for-loss at Iowa (11/19) • registered a solo tackle against Virginia in the Music City Bowl Solo Asst Total TFL INT PBU FR FF SACK (12/30) • participated in 440 plays • earned second letter. at Tulsa 5 6 11 1-7 0 0 0 0 1-7 Colorado State 4 1 5 1-1 1 0 2 0 0-0 2004 • FRESHMAN SEASON: Played in 11 games, missing only the Penn State game (10/2) • tallied Florida Atlantic 5 2 7 0.5-1 0 0 0 0 0-0 10 tackles, including six solo stops • tied for second on the team in forced fumbles with two • Purdue 0 4 4 1-0 0 1 0 0 0-0 Game-by-Game: had one tackle against Illinois State (9/11), at Colorado State (9/18), vs. at Penn State 6 1 7 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 Northwestern (9/18), vs. Illinois (10/23) and vs. Iowa (11/13) • had a career-high three tackles at Michigan did not play (injured) Wisconsin did not play (injured) Ohio State 4 3 7 2-2 0 0 0 0 0-0 at Indiana 2 2 4 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 Michigan State did not play (injured) Mike SHERELS at Iowa 3 1 4 1-1 0 0 0 0 0-0 Virginia (Music City) 1 0 1 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 Total 30 20 50 6.5-12 1 1 2 0 1-7

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2003: Redshirted • awarded the Defensive Demo Award for outstanding performance on the JOHN defensive demonstration team • scholar-athlete award winner.

HIGH SCHOOL: A 2003 graduate of Eastview High School • high school coach was Kelly SHEVLIN Sherwin • six-time letterwinner and two-way player • All-Lake Conference selection his jun- Linebacker ior and senior seasons • earned all-state honors as a senior, totaling 157 tackles in 2002, including 101 solos • all-metro selection • had 14 tackles-for-loss, six sacks, six forced fum- Sr./Jr. • 6-1 • 225 bles, one fumble recovery, two pass breakups and one interception • ran for 1,640 yards on 238 carries and 15 touchdowns • added seven receptions for 55 yards • had seven kickoff Eagan, Minn. returns for 169 yards • averaged 36.5 yards on 17 punts with a long of 64 yards • three-time Eastview High School 46 all-conference selection and two-time all-state performer in track • 4x100 state champion as a sophomore and 100 and 200-meter champion as a junior • four-year Honor Roll student • The Gophers’ top returning defensive performer • passionate player who is willing to do what- academic all-state selection. ever is necessary to get the job done • leads by example by giving everything he has every GOPHERS time out • possesses an unmatched intensity and tenacity • transfers what he learns in prac- PERSONAL: Communication studies major • son of John and Sheila Shevlin • born September COACHES tice and film sessions during the week and executes on Saturdays • instinctive player who 18, 1984. REVIEW thrives on contact and plays with a seek and destroy mentality • is willing to sacrifice his body HISTORY for the team and is tough enough to play through pain. SHEVLIN’S CAREER STATISTICS MEDIA Year ...... G/GS . . . . .Solo . . . . .Asst . . . . .Total...... TFL...... INT . . .PBU . . . .FR . . . .FF . . .SACKS CAREER NOTES: Has appeared in 22 games (13 starts) and recorded 88 tackles (69 solo) includ- 2004 ...... 10/1 . . . . .12 ...... 2 ...... 14 ...... 0-0 . . . . .0 . . . .0 . . . .0 . . . .0 . . . .0-0 ing nine tackles-for-loss, one quarterback sack, three forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, two 2005 . . . . .12/12 . . . . .57 . . . . .17 ...... 74 . . . . .9-29 . . . . .1 . . . .2 . . . .1 . . . .3 . . . .1-4 pass breakups and one interception return for a touchdown during his career. Total . . . . .22/13 . . . . .69 . . . . .19 ...... 88 . . . . .9-29 . . . . .1 . . . .2 . . . .1 . . . .3 . . . .1-4

2005 • SOPHOMORE SEASON: Started all 12 games, registering 74 tackles (57 solo), nine tackles- SHEVLIN’S GAME DEFENSIVE BESTS for-loss, one quarterback sack and an interception for a touchdown • ranked second on the Tackles ...... 10 . . .three times, last vs. Virginia (Music City)12-30-2005 team in total tackles and tied for first with Steve Davis for most tackles-for-loss • three forced Tackles For Loss ...... 2 . . .twice, last vs. Virginia (Music City) . .12-30-2005 Game-by-Game: fumbles tied for the most in the Big Ten Conference with six other players • reg- Pass Breakups ...... 1 . . .two times, last at Michigan ...... 10-8-2005 istered seven tackles and two forced fumbles at Tulsa (9/1) • recorded four tackles including a Interceptions ...... 1 . . .at Iowa ...... 11-19-2005 tackle-for-loss and forced a fumble vs. Colorado State (9/10) • notched six tackles (four solo) Forced Fumbles ...... 2 . . .at Tulsa ...... 9-1-2005 and one pass breakup against Purdue (9/24) • was second on the team with 10 tackles (six Sacks ...... 1 . . .vs. Virginia (Music City) ...... 12-30-2005 solo) and had one tackle-for-loss of three yards against Penn State (10/1) • registered four Fumble Recoveries ...... 1 . . .vs. Virginia (Music City) ...... 12-30-2005 tackles and one pass breakup against Michigan (10/8) • recorded three tackles (one solo) with one tackle-for-loss against Wisconsin (10/15) • led the team with eight tackles (six solo) against SHEVLIN’S GAME-BY-GAME STATISTICS Ohio State (10/29) • made seven solo stops and registered two tackles-for-loss against Indiana u GAME-BY-GAME 2005 (11/5) • matched a career-high with 10 tackles (nine solo), including one tackle-for-loss against Solo Asst Total TFL INT PBU FR FF SACK Michigan State (11/12) • recorded his first career interception and returned it 60 yards for a at Tulsa 5 2 7 0-0 0 0 0 2 0-0 touchdown at Iowa (11/19) • also made four solo tackles, including one tackle-for-loss against Colorado State 3 1 4 1-1 0 0 0 1 0-0 the Hawkeyes • registered 10 tackles, two tackles-for-loss, a quarterback sack and fumble Florida Atlantic 0 1 1 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 recovery against Virginia in the Music City Bowl (12/30) • Academic All-Big Ten selection • Purdue 4 2 6 0-0 0 1 0 0 0-0 scholar-athlete award winner • participated in 788 plays • earned second letter. at Penn State 6 4 10 1-3 0 0 0 0 0-0 at Michigan 4 0 4 0-0 0 1 0 0 0-0 2004 • FRESHMAN SEASON: Earned the team’s Bobby Bell Award, which is given to the outstand- Wisconsin 1 2 3 1-4 0 0 0 0 0-0 ing special teams player • played in 10 games, making one start in the Music City Bowl against Ohio State 6 2 8 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 Game-by-Game Alabama (12/31) • tallied 14 tackles, including 12 solos • : had one tackle at at Indiana 7 0 7 2-5 0 0 0 0 0-0 Michigan (10/9), at Indiana (10/30) and at Wisconsin (11/6) • registered two tackles at Michigan Michigan State 9 1 10 1-7 0 0 0 0 0-0 State (10/16) and vs. Illinois (10/23) • had a team and career-high seven tackles in Music City at Iowa 4 0 4 1-1 1 0 0 0 0-0 Bowl victory over Alabama • Academic All-Big Ten selection • scholar-athlete award winner • Virginia (Music City) 8 2 10 2-8 0 0 1 0 1-4 participated in 173 plays • earned first letter. Total 57 17 74 9-29 1 2 1 3 1-4

John SHEVLIN

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STEVE JACK SHIDELL SIMMONS Offensive Tackle Tight End Sr./Jr. • 6-5 • 290 Jr./So. • 6-4 • 240

Coon Rapids, Minn. Libertyville, Ill. Coon Rapids High School 64 Carmel High School 80

Returning starter at left tackle who will be one of the leaders of the Gophers’ revamped offen- Enters the 2006 season as the backup tight end behind Matt Spaeth • ready to take on an GOPHERS sive line • talented and athletic player who has proven he can contain the outside • one of the increased role this year after spending his first two seasons getting acclimated to the college COACHES most durable players on Minnesota’s offensive line • intelligent player who knows the scheme game • will see significant playing time this year as the team often uses a two-tight end set • REVIEW and can get out in front to create space for the running backs. has good size and fits the mold that the team is looking for in its tight ends. HISTORY MEDIA 2005 • SOPHOMORE SEASON: Appeared in all 12 games, starting the last 11 • moved into the start- 2005 • FRESHMAN SEASON: Saw action in five games including a season-high eight snaps against ing lineup following an injury to Joe Ainslie • joined Mike Nicholson, Tony Brinkhaus and Matt Florida Atlantic (9/17) • also played against Tulsa, Colorado State, Purdue and Wisconsin • Spaeth as the only Gophers to participate in at least 1,000 plays • helped lead the Gophers participated in 17 plays during the season. to an average of 494.8 yards of total offense per game in 2005, which ranked seventh in the nation, was the highest average in school histor, and ranked third all-time in Big Ten history 2004: Redshirted. for average yards per game in a season • part of the Gophers’ rushing offense which ranked third in the country and first in the Big Ten, averaging 273.1 yards per game, the second-high- HIGH SCHOOL: A 2004 graduate of Carmel High School (Ill.) • high school coach was Andy Bitto est average in school history and the seventh-highest average in Big Ten history • unequalled • ranked among the top 25 tight ends in the country and the No. 1 tight end in Illinois by Rivals in protecting the quarterback as the Gophers allowed three sacks, the fewest allowed in the • selected for the SuperPrep Midwest Team, ranked as the 93rd-best player • a PrepStar All- Big Ten in 2005 • helped Minnesota average 6.4 yards per play, the second-highest average Midwest Region selection • two-time all-state, all-area and all-conference selection • three- in school history, and 5.4 yards per rush, the school’s second-best average per rush all time time all-county choice • had 108 receptions for 1,900 yards with 15 touchdowns during his • part of an offense that has accumulated 300 yards of total offense in a school-record 31 career • caught 35 passes for 677 yards with six scores his senior season after posting 43 straight games and 38 of the past 39 games • key component in an offense that scored 56 receptions for 700 yards with seven TDs in 2002 • Honor Roll student. touchdowns and 35.8 points per game, the second-most in school history for both categories • helped the Gophers become the only school in the nation to both run and pass for at least PERSONAL: Business and marketing education major • son of Terry and Cindy Simmons • father, 2,000 yards the past seven seasons • helped the Gophers become the first team in NCAA his- Terry, played and lettered with the Gopher football team from 1977-79 • born February 21, tory to have two players each rush for 1,000 yards in three consecutive seasons • contributed 1986. to the Gophers setting a Big Ten record of three consecutive seasons with at least 3,000 yards rushing (2003-05) • proved that the offensive line could open holes for any Gopher tailback as JUDD Minnesota became the first school in Big Ten history to have three different running backs earn Big Ten Player of the Week honors in the same season (Laurence Maroney, Gary Russell and Amir Pinnix) • Academic All-Big Ten selection • scholar-athlete award winner • participat- SMITH ed in 1,013 plays • earned first letter. Running Back 2004 • FRESHMAN SEASON: Appeared in three games, tallying a career-high 21 plays in the sea- So./Fr. • 6-0 • 200 son opener against Toledo (9/4) • also played against Northwestern (9/25) and Illinois (10/23) • participated in 35 plays. Rothschild, Wis. D.C. Everest High School 35 2003: Redshirted • scholar-athlete award winner. Will provide depth at running back • made significant strides during his first season and had a HIGH SCHOOL: A 2003 graduate of Coon Rapids High School (Minn.) • high school coach was solid performance in the spring game • tough runner who is not afraid to lower his shoulder Clayton Copple • all-conference and all-state selection his senior season • named all-metro and initiate contact. by the Star Tribune and KARE-11 • four-year letterwinner in track • three-year academic award winner • National Honor Society member. 2005: Redshirted • walk-on.

PERSONAL: Sociology major • son of Mike and Mary Shidell • born January 17, 1985. HIGH SCHOOL: A 2005 graduate of D.C. Everest High School (Wis.) • high school coach was Wayne Steffenhagen • all-state, all-area and All-Wisconsin Valley Conference his senior year Steve SHIDELL • helped lead the Evergreens to the Division I state championship in 2003 • also lettered three times in track and field and was a state finalist in the triple jump his senior year.

PERSONAL: Biology major • son of Judd and Mary Smith • born April 12, 1987 • lists skiing as one of his hobbies. TIM SOLIDAY Free Safety So./Fr. • 6-0 • 190

Apple Valley, Minn. Apple Valley High School 19

Will provide depth at the free safety position.

2005: Redshirted • walk-on.

HIGH SCHOOL: A 2005 graduate of Apple Valley High School • high school coach was Mike Fritze • earned all-conference recognition twice • also earned four letters in basketball and two in baseball and was named all-conference in both sports.

PERSONAL: Undecided on major • son of Chuck and Sally Soliday • born September 30, 1986. 80 U NIVERSITY OF M INNESOT A F OOTBALL 2006 G OPHER P ROFILES

SPAETH’S CAREER STATISTICS MATT Year ...... G/GS . . . .Rec. . . . .Yds...... Avg...... TD . . . . .LONG 2003 ...... 13/10 . . . . .12 . . . .98 . . . .8.2 . . . . .0 . . . . .12 2004 ...... 12/12 . . . . .24 . . .298 . . .12.4 . . . . .4 . . . . .47 SPAETH 2005 ...... 12/12 . . . . .26 . . .333 . . .12.8 . . . . .4 . . . . .36 Tight End Total ...... 37/34 . . . . .62 . . .729 . . .11.8 . . . . .8 . . . . .47 Sr.-5/Sr. • 6-7 • 265 SPAETH’S GAME OFFENSIVE BESTS Receptions ...... 6 . . .two times, last at Indiana ...... 10-30-2004 St. Michael, Minn. Receiving Yards ...... 95 . . .at Indiana ...... 10-30-2004 St. Michael-Albertville High School 89 Receiving Touchdowns ...... 2 . . .two times, last at Indiana ...... 10-30-2004 Long Reception ...... 47 . . .at Indiana ...... 10-30-2004 Named to the Lombardi Award watch list for the nation’s best lineman • preseason First Team All-

American by Athlon • has established himself as one of the best in the nation at his position • a SPAETH’S GAME-BY-GAME STATISTICS GOPHERS key part of the Gophers’ success in both the running and passing game • outstanding all-around u GAME-BY-GAME 2005 COACHES tight end who excels as both a blocker and a receiver • physical player who can contain the best Rec Yds Avg. TD Long REVIEW defensive ends in the conference and athletic enough to release and get open down the field • at Tulsa 0 0 0.0 0 0 HISTORY MEDIA durable performer who has shown he can play through pain • mild-mannered off the field but Colorado State 0 0 0.0 0 0 ultra-competitive once the pads are on • cool and collected player who approaches every play Florida Atlantic 1 9 9.0 0 9 with the same business-like demeanor. Purdue 4 68 17.0 1 36 CAREER NOTES: at Penn State 3 21 7.0 0 8 Has 729 yards on 62 receptions with eight touchdowns in his career • has started at Michigan 1 8 8.0 0 8 34 of 37 games • needs 483 yards receiving to surpass Ben Utecht as the school’s all-time lead- Wisconsin 1 5 5.0 1 5t ing receiver as a tight end. Ohio State 3 58 19.3 0 35 2004 • JUNIOR SEASON: at Indiana 4 66 16.5 1 30 Started all 12 games • First Team All-Big Ten selection by the coaches and Michigan State 3 24 8.0 1 9 the media • finished the season with 26 catches for 333 yards and four touchdowns • joined Mike at Iowa 4 49 12.3 0 18 Nicholson, Tony Brinkhaus and Steve Shidell as the only Gophers to participate in at least 1,000 Virginia (Music City) 2 25 12.5 0 13 plays • helped lead the Gophers to an average of 494.8 yards of total offense per game in 2005, Total 26 333 12.8 4 36 which ranked seventh in the nation, was the highest average in school history and ranked third all-time in Big Ten history for average yards per game in a season • part of the Gophers’ rushing u GAME-BY-GAME 2004 offense which ranked third in the country and first in the Big Ten, averaging 273.1 yards per Rec Yds Avg. TD Long game, which is the second-highest average in school history and the seventh-highest average in Game-by-Game: Toledo 0 0 0.0 0 0 Big Ten history • recorded his first catch of the season against Florida Atlantic (9/17) Illinois State 0 0 0.0 0 0 • had four catches for 68 yards and a touchdown vs. Purdue (9/24) • touchdown catch was his at Colorado State 6 71 11.8 2 19 first of the season • also had a season-long 36-yard reception against the Boilermakers • regis- Northwestern 5 72 14.4 0 27 tered three catches for 21 yards against Penn State (10/1) • caught one pass for eight yards Penn State 0 0 0.0 0 0 against Michigan (10/8) • caught one pass for five yards and a touchdown vs. Wisconsin (10/15) at Michigan 0 0 0.0 0 0 • caught three balls for 58 yards against Ohio State (10/29) • had a team-high four catches for at Michigan State 1 8 8.0 0 8 66 yards and a touchdown against Indiana (11/5) • had three catches for 24 yards against Illinois 1 6 6.0 0 6 Michigan State (11/12) • caught four balls for 49 yards against Iowa (11/19), his fourth straight at Indiana 6 95 15.8 2 47 game with at least three catches • had two catches for 25 yards against Virginia in the Music City at Wisconsin 2 28 14.0 0 15 Bowl (12/30) • earned the Neil Fredenburg Award for courage and love for the game • Academic Iowa 3 18 6.0 0 10 All-Big Ten selection • scholar-athlete award winner • participated in a team-high 1,025 plays • Preseason: Alabama 0 0 0.0 0 0 earned third letter. Received All-America recognition by Street & Smith’s. Total 24 298 12.4 4 47

2004 • SOPHOMORE SEASON: Honorable mention All-Big Ten selection by the coaches and the media • ranked third on the team in receptions (24) and fourth in receiving yards (298) • was second in Game-by-Game: receiving touchdowns with four • started all 12 games • established a career-high Matt SPAETH with six catches for 71 yards and two touchdowns at Colorado State (9/18) • followed that per- formance with five receptions for 72 yards vs. Northwestern (9/25) • had one catch for eight yards at Michigan State (10/16) • tied his personal best with six catches for 95 yards and two touch- downs at Indiana (10/30) • caught two passes for 28 yards at Wisconsin (11/6) • had three recep- tions for 18 yards against Iowa (11/13) • Academic All-Big Ten selection • scholar-athlete award winner • participated in 943 plays • earned second letter.

2003 • FRESHMAN SEASON: Named to The Sporting News Big Ten All-Freshman Team • Rivals.com Freshman All-American selection • appeared in all 13 games • made 10 starts, including the final five games • had 12 receptions for 98 yards • caught a career-high three passes for 31 yards against Troy State (9/6) • also had one catch for four yards against Louisiana-Lafayette (9/20) • had one catch for seven yards vs. Michigan (10/10) • had two receptions for 19 yards vs. Michigan State (10/18) • recorded one catch for six yards at Illinois (10/25) • hauled in one pass for 10 yards vs. Wisconsin (11/8) • tied career-high with three catches for 21 yards at Iowa (11/15) • Academic All-Big Ten selection • scholar-athlete award winner • participated in 908 plays • earned first letter.

2002: Redshirted.

HIGH SCHOOL: A 2002 graduate of St. Michael-Albertville High School (Minn.) • high school coach was Earl Bauman • the defensive MVP of the 1999 3A state championship game • was also the defensive MVP of his conference • first team all-metro by the coaches, Minneapolis Star Tribune and KARE 11-TV • two-time all-county and all-conference selection • made 22 receptions for 294 yards and three touchdowns his senior year • made 203 tackles, eight interceptions and forced five fumbles his senior year • also earned three letters as a center on the basketball team • aver- aged 30 points and 13 rebounds per game • named all-conference three times for his play on the hardwood.

PERSONAL: Marketing major • son of Ken and Terri Spaeth • father, Ken, played football at Nebraska and was a draft choice of the NFL’s Buffalo Bills • born November 24, 1983.

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DESI MATT STEIB STOMMES Cornerback Defensive Tackle Sr./Jr. • 6-0 • 185 So./Fr. • 6-7 • 270

Vacherie, La. Richmond, Minn. St. James High School 11 Eden Valley-Watkins High School 96

Has impressed the coaches with his progression since his first year • one of the fastest play- Small-town kid with big-time potential • blue-collar player who has a willingness to learn and GOPHERS ers on the team who has bulked up and become more physical with opposing receivers • has get better • has added 25 pounds of muscle to his frame and will compete for playing time as COACHES gained confidence each time he has seen the field and will see increased playing time this he continues to develop and gains experience • moved inside from his defensive end position REVIEW season. during spring practice to better utilize his size and strength • will compete for playing time HISTORY behind Todd Meisel. MEDIA 2005 • SOPHOMORE SEASON: Played in 10 of 12 games, missing just the Michigan and Iowa con- tests • participated in a season-high 23 plays in the season opener at Tulsa (9/1) • made one 2005: Redshirted • scholar-athlete award winner. solo tackle vs. the Golden Hurricane • had one solo tackle against Colorado State (9/10) • had two tackles (one solo) against Michigan State (11/12) • made two solo stops against Virginia HIGH SCHOOL: A 2006 graduate of Eden Valley-Watkings High School (Minn.) • high school coach in the Music City Bowl (12/30). was Ray Tri • named a first team Associated Press All-State selection on the defensive line • was also a first-team all-conference selection and the Defensive Lineman of the Year in the 2004 • FRESHMAN SEASON: Did not play. Central Minnesota Conference • named to the St. Cloud Times All-Area Team • recorded 128 tackles with 26 tackles-for-loss, 24 sacks and two fumble recoveries • accounted for 73 tack- 2003: Redshirted. les and 16 sacks his senior year and caught 14 passes for 221 yards at tight end • named to the 2004 Academic All-State Team and the KARE-11 Academic All-Star Team. HIGH SCHOOL: A graduate of St. James High School (La.) • high school coach was Rick Gaille • all-city, all-conference, all-county and all-area his junior and senior seasons • all-state in 2002 PERSONAL: Undecided on major • son of Reuben and Janice Stommes • born October 17, 1986. • selected to The Advocate Super Dozen honorable mention list • two-way player at receiver and defensive back • had 62 tackles, including 44 solos in 10 games in 2002 • had four tack- les-for-loss, three sacks, four forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries his senior year • TYSON intercepted eight passes and broke up nine others • scored four defensive touchdowns, with two coming off interceptions and two off fumble recoveries • totaled 61 receptions for 1,117 yards and 16 touchdowns in his career • had 47 receptions for 892 yards and 13 touchdowns SWAGGERT in 2002 • added eight carries for 71 yards and two scores • returned 19 punts for 354 yards and two touchdowns • added 16 kickoff returns for 517 yards and two scores • lettered three Offensive Guard/Center times in basketball and once in baseball and track. Sr.-5/Sr. • 6-4 • 290

PERSONAL: Business and marketing education major • son of Sonya Lumar • born October 4, Buffalo, Minn. 1984. Buffalo High School 56

STEIB’S CAREER STATISTICS Moves into the starting spot at left guard after spending the last few seasons backing up All- Year ...... G/GS . . . . .Solo . . . . .Asst . . . . .Total...... TFL...... INT . . .PBU . . . .FR . . . .FF . . .SACKS American center Greg Eslinger • has good size and strength and is very capable of holding his 2005 ...... 10/0 ...... 5 ...... 1 ...... 6 ...... 0-0 . . . . .0 . . . .0 . . . .0 . . . .0 . . . .0-0 own against the best in the Big Ten • intelligent player who is very coachable and has a good Total ...... 10/0 ...... 5 ...... 1 ...... 6 ...... 0-0 . . . . .0 . . . .0 . . . .0 . . . .0 . . . .0-0 grasp on the zone-blocking scheme • has a great attitude and will help keep it light in the hud- dle • part of the Gophers’ revamped offensive line in 2006. STEIB’S GAME DEFENSIVE BESTS Tackles ...... 2 . . .twice, last vs. Virginia ...... 12-30-2005 2005 • JUNIOR SEASON: Appeared in all 12 games • helped lead the Gophers to an average of 494.8 yards of total offense per game in 2005, which ranked seventh in the nation, was the highest average in school history and ranked third all-time in Big Ten history for average yards per game in a season • part of the Gophers’ rushing offense which ranked third in the country and first in the Big Ten, averaging 273.1 yards per game, the second-highest average in school history and the seventh-highest average in Big Ten history • unequalled in protecting the quarterback as the Gophers allowed three sacks, the fewest allowed in the Big Ten in 2005 • helped Minnesota average 6.4 yards per play, the second-highest average in school history, and 5.4 yards per rush, the school’s second-best average per rush all time • part of an offense that has accumulated 300 yards of total offense in a school-record 31 straight games and 38 of the past 39 games • key component in an offense that scored 56 touchdowns and 35.8 Desi STEIB points per game, the second-most in school history for both categories • helped the Gophers become the only school in the nation to both run and pass for at least 2,000 yards the past seven seasons • helped the Gophers become the first team in NCAA history to have two play- ers each rush for 1,000 yards in three consecutive seasons • contributed to the Gophers set- ting a Big Ten record of three consecutive seasons with at least 3,000 yards rushing (2003- 05) • proved that the offensive line could open holes for any Gopher tailback as Minnesota became the first school in Big Ten history to have three different running backs earn Big Ten Player of the Week honors in the same season (Laurence Maroney, Gary Russell and Amir Pinnix) • Academic All-Big Ten selection • scholar-athlete award winner • participated in 212 plays • earned second letter.

2004 • SOPHOMORE SEASON: Appeared in 11 of 12 games, missing only the game against Illinois State (9/11) • Academic All-Big Ten selection • scholar-athlete award winner • participated in 88 plays • earned first letter.

2003 • FRESHMAN SEASON: Saw action in six games, including the first four non-conference games and two Big Ten games - at Illinois (10/25) and vs. Indiana (11/1) • made the switch from defen- sive end to center prior to the season • scholar-athlete award winner • participated in 63 plays.

2002: Redshirted.

82 U NIVERSITY OF M INNESOT A F OOTBALL 2006 G OPHER P ROFILES

NHEMIE HIGH SCHOOL: A 2002 graduate of Buffalo High School (Minn.) • high school coach was Gerard Rohl • MVP on the defensive line in the North Suburban Conference • powerful defensive end who recorded 60 tackles, including 14 for loss his senior season • also forced four fumbles • THEODORE a team captain in 2001, was also used in the backfield in short-yardage situations, scoring four touchdowns in his career • three-time all-conference selection • first team all-metro award Defensive Tackle winner • academic all-conference his senior year • straight-A student and National Honor Jr./So. • 6-3 • 290 Society member • three-year starter and captain of the basketball team • 2001 all-conference honorable mention in hoops • four-year winner of the Weightlifter of the Year Award • a sec- Irvington, N.J. tion finalist in the shot put on the track and field team. Irvington High School 93

PERSONAL: Inter-college program major • son of Chris and Julie Swaggert • born November 2, Will provide depth for for the Gophers on the defensive line • has good size and can be a 1983 • recipient of the Sheldon Douglas Fund • cousin, Roger Hagberg, was a letterwinning space-filler on the interior. GOPHERS fullback for the Golden Gophers from 1958-60 and went on to play for the Winnipeg Blue COACHES Bombers and the Oakland Raiders. Tyson SWAGGERT 2005: Did not play. REVIEW HISTORY 2004: Redshirted. MEDIA

HIGH SCHOOL: A 2004 graduate of Irvington High School (N.J.) • high school coach was Darnell Grant • selected as a PrepStar All-American • ranked among the top 50 defensive tackles in the nation by Rivals • three-time all-conference, all-area and all-city selection and an all-coun- ty performer in 2003 • tallied 250 tackles, including 160 solos, with 30 sacks, 41 tackles-for- loss and 16 forced fumbles in his career • had a standout senior season with included 70 tack- les, eight sacks and 18 TFLs • three-time letterwinner and all-conference performer in track and two-year letterwinner in basketball.

PERSONAL: Undecided on major • son of Alphonse and Eramse Theodore • born October 8, 1986.

NEDWARD JAY TAVALE HOMAS Offensive Guard T So./Fr. • 6-2 • 305 Running Back So./Fr. • 6-0 • 195 St. Paul, Minn. Cretin-Derham Hall High School 66 Oakdale, Minn. Tartan High School 25 Will compete for the starting right guard position with Ryan Ruckdashel and Otis Hudson • tal- ented player with good size who looks to be one of the Gophers’ offensive linemen of the Superb athlete who could be the Gophers’ running back of the future • missed the spring sea- future. son due to injury but is ready to become a factor in Minnesota’s offensive plans • is light on his feet and can hit the corner in a hurry. 2005: Redshirted. 2005: Redshirted. HIGH SCHOOL: A 2005 graduate of Cretin-Derham Hall High School ( Minn.) • high school coach was Rich Kallock • ranked as the 38th-best offensive guard in the nation by Rivals • selected HIGH SCHOOL: A 2005 graduate of Tartan High School (Minn.) • high school coach was Tim to the SuperPrep Midwest Team, ranked as the 20th-best offensive lineman • selected as a Hickey • tabbed as the 18th-best all-purpose back in the country by Rivals • selected as a PrepStar All-Midwest Region performer • was honorable mention all-state in 2003 and was a PrepStar All-Midwest Region performer • named the 2004 Pioneer Press Football Player of the second-team all-state selection by the Associated Press in 2004 • was all-metro his senior Year and a first-team all-state choice by the Associated Press • named to the KARE-11 and season, making 84 pancake blocks on the offensive line and registering 62 tackles on the Star Tribune All-Metro teams his senior season • three-time all-conference and all-state selec- defensive line. tion • led the metro area in rushing in 2004 with a school record 1,549 yards on 154 attempts • also set school records for career rushing yards (3,083), career rushing touchdowns (27), PERSONAL: Plans to major in psychology • son of Mase and Utu Tavale • born February 6, 1987. career kickoff returns for touchdowns (6), and rushing touchdowns in a season (14) and a game (6) • also lettered in basketball and track • finished third in the 100-meter (10.77) and 200-meter dash (21.49) at the state meet.

PERSONAL: Undecided on major • son of Jim Thomas and Delene and Rory Sanders • born June 29, 1987.

83 U NIVERSITY OF M INNESOTA F OOTBALL 2006 G OPHER P R OFILES

SETH NICK THOMPSON TOW-ARNETT Free Safety Defensive End Sr./Jr. • 5-11 • 190 So./Fr. • 6-4 • 250

Hudson, Wis. Redwood Falls, Minn. Cretin-Derham Hall High School 35 Redwood Valley High School 74

Solid walk-on with a great work ethic who gives his heart and soul to the program • possess- Will provide depth on the Gophers’ defensive line • older brother of defensive tackle Jeff Tow- GOPHERS es the team-first attitude the coaching staff tries to instill in its players • has good strength for Arnett. COACHES his size and gets the most out of his talents • moved from cornerback to free safety during 2005: REVIEW spring practice. Redshirted • walk-on. HISTORY MEDIA 2005 • SOPHOMORE SEASON: Saw action in nine games, missing only the Purdue, Michigan and HIGH SCHOOL: A 2003 graduate of Redwood Valley High School (Minn.) • high school coach was Indiana contests • made efficient use of his time against Colorado State (9/10), contributing Matt Lundeen • also competed in basketball and baseball. one solo tackle and one assist in just two snaps • participated in 24 plays. PERSONAL: Majoring in psychology • son of Duane Tow and Bette Jo Arnett • born September 2004 • FRESHMAN SEASON: Did not play • earned the Defensive Demo Award for outstanding per- 7, 1984. formance on the defensive demonstration team.

2003: Redshirted • scholar-athlete award winner.

HIGH SCHOOL: A 2003 graduate of Cretin-Derham Hall High School (Minn.) • high school coach NATHAN was Rich Kallock • three-year letterwinner at safety and receiver • totaled 115 tackles in 12 games with 11 tackles-for-loss, two interceptions, four pass breakups and three forced fumbles • received honorable-mention all-state acclaim and all-metro recognition his senior year and TRIPLETT was a two-time all-conference performer in 2001 and 2002 • also participated in baseball and hockey. Linebacker So./Fr. • 6-3 • 240 PERSONAL: Business and marketing education major • son of Ronn and JoAnn Thompson • born Feb. 12, 1985. Maple Plain, Minn. Delano High School 32 THOMPSON’S CAREER STATISTICS Year ...... G/GS . . . . .Solo . . . . .Asst . . . . .Total...... TFL...... INT . . .PBU . . . .FR . . . .FF . . .SACKS Will provide depth to the Gophers’ linebacking corps • has good size and will increase his con- 2005 ...... 9/0 ...... 1 ...... 1 ...... 2 ...... 0-0 . . . . .0 . . . .0 . . . .0 . . . .0 . . . .0-0 tribution with exerience • switched his jersey number from No. 51 to No. 32 Total ...... 9/0 ...... 1 ...... 1 ...... 2 ...... 0-0 . . . . .0 . . . .0 . . . .0 . . . .0 . . . .0-0 2005: Redshirted • walk-on. EFF J HIGH SCHOOL: A 2005 graduate of Delano High School (Minn.) • high school coach was Merrill Pavlovich • selected to the SuperPrep Midwest Team, ranked as the 13th-best defensive line- man • named to the PrepStar All-Midwest Region Team • ranked as the 86th-best overall line- TOW-ARNETT backer by Scout.com • named to the KARE-11 and Star Tribune All-Metro teams in 2004 • was Defensive Tackle a second-team all-state choice by the Associated Press • two-time all-conference selection • totaled 127 tackles with 22 tackles-for-loss, four sacks and four interceptions in 2004 • Honor So./Fr. • 6-2 • 275 Roll student. Redwood Falls, Minn. PERSONAL: Plans to major in civil engineering • son of Keith and Sara Triplett • born March 15, Redwood Valley High School 77 1987.

Walk-on who has made significant strides in only a year with the program and will compete for playing time this year as a backup at left end • has good size and strength and has shown signs of being a solid role player in the future.

2005: Redshirted • walk-on • scholar-athlete award winner.

HIGH SCHOOL: A 2005 graduate of Redwood Valley High School (Minn.) • high school coach was Matt Lundeen • also competed in basketball, hockey, baseball, track and field and golf.

PERSONAL: Undecided on major • son of Duane Tow and Bette Jo Arnett • born November 19, 1986.

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JUSTIN VALENTINE’S GAME-BY-GAME STATISTICS u GAME-BY-GAME 2005 Rush Yds TD Long Rec Yds TD Long VALENTINE at Tulsa 2 8 0 5 0 0 0 0 Colorado State 7 33 0 8 1 3 1 3 Fullback Florida Atlantic did not play (injured) Sr./Jr. • 6-1 • 230 Purdue 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 at Penn State 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Columbus, Ohio at Michigan 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Eastmoor Academy 18 Wisconsin 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Ohio State 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 at Indiana 1 1 1 1t 0 0 0 0 Consistent performer whose contributions often go overlooked • possesses a team-first attitude Michigan State 8 24 0 6 0 0 0 0 GOPHERS and does not seek the spotlight • has been a vital part in the Gophers’ potent rushing attack the at Iowa 5 18 1 5 2 17 0 12 COACHES last two seasons as both a blocking back and a runner • versatile fullback who brings a differ- Virginia (Music City) 0 0 0 0 1 7 1 7 REVIEW ent dimension to the Minnesota offense • a major asset in goal-line situations as both a lead HISTORY Total 23 84 2 8 4 27 2 12 blocker and the player who will get the tough yard in crunch time • will see more carries this MEDIA year in an equal-opportunity offense and can also catch the ball out of the backfield. u GAME-BY-GAME 2004 Rush Yds TD Long Rec Yds TD Long CAREER NOTES: Has played in 27 games with four starts • has rushed 42 times for 141 yards and scored six touchdowns during his career • has three receiving touchdowns. Toledo 3 7 2 3 0 0 0 0 Illinois State 2 6 0 4 1 34 0 34 2005 • SOPHOMORE SEASON: Appeared in all 12 games, drawing four starts • rushed 23 times for at Colorado State 2 6 0 3 0 0 0 0 84 yards and two touchdowns • had four catches for 27 yards and two touchdowns • Game-by- Northwestern 2 5 2 4 1 3 1 3 Game: carried two times for eight yards at Tulsa (9/1) • registered career-highs in rushing Penn State 3 11 0 8 0 0 0 0 attempts (7) and rushing yards (33) vs. Colorado State (9/10) • also caught a three-yard touch- at Michigan 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 down pass in the home opener • registered two tackles (one solo) on special teams against at Michigan St. 1 3 0 3 0 0 0 0 Wisconsin (10/15) • scored his first touchdown of the season with a one-yard plunge against Illinois 1 3 0 3 0 0 0 0 Indiana (11/5) • had a career-high eight carries against Michigan State (11/12), totaling 24 yards at Indiana 2 5 0 3 0 0 0 0 • rushed five times for 18 yards and scored his second touchdown of the year at Iowa (11/19) • at Wisconsin 0 0 0 0 1 20 0 20 also caught a career-high two passes for 17 yards against the Hawkeyes • had one catch for Iowa 0 0 0 0 1 7 0 7 seven yards and a touchdown against Virginia in the Music City Bowl (12/30) • scored first vs. Alabama (Music City) 2 10 0 7 0 0 0 0 touchdown of the game • participated in 341 plays • earned second letter. Total 19 57 4 8 4 64 1 34

2004 • FRESHMAN SEASON: Played in all 12 games • ranked third on the team with four rushing touchdowns • gained 57 yards on 19 carries • also had four catches for 64 yards with a touch- down • had four tackles on special teams • Game-by-Game: had two rushing touchdowns in his career debut against Toledo (9/4) • had a catch for a career-high 34 yards against Illinois State (9/11) • had two short touchdown runs in win vs. Northwestern (9/25) • also caught a three-yard touchdown pass vs. the Wildcats • had at least one carry in the first nine games of the season • didn’t have a carry against Wisconsin (11/6), but caught a 20-yard pass • caught one pass for seven yards in the regular-season finale vs. Iowa (11/13) • ran for 10 yards on two carries against Alabama in Music City Bowl (12/31) • participated in 310 plays • earned first letter.

2003: Redshirted.

HIGH SCHOOL: A 2003 graduate of Eastmoor Academy (Ohio) • high school coach was Ronnie Brown • ranked the 11th-best fullback by ESPN’s Tom Lemming • all-city and all-district in 2000, 2001 and 2002 • all-state selection his junior and senior season • named to CBS Sportsline Prep Star All-America Team • team captain and MVP in 2001 and 2002 • two-way standout who lettered all four years • rushed for 3,306 yards on 440 attempts and 30 touchdowns in his career • had 24 career receptions for 347 yards and two scores • surpassed 1,000 yards rushing his senior year with 1,241 yards on 191 carries • scored 14 touchdowns and averaged 6.5 yards Justin VALENTINE per carry • caught eight passes for 127 yards in 2002 • tallied 379 tackles, including 278 solos, with 48 tackles-for-loss, 18 sacks, 13 pass breakups, eight forced fumbles, six fumble recover- ies and five interceptions in 40 career games • finished his senior season with 167 tackles and 26 tackles-for-loss and 12 sacks • had four forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and two interceptions • gained 1,200 yards rushing his junior season with 10 touchdowns • tallied 950 yards his sophomore season • lettered three times in track and once in basketball • all-city selection in track • Honor Roll student • member of “Who’s Who Among High School Student Council Members.”

PERSONAL: Communication studies major • son of Neni Valentine • born July 5, 1985. VALENTINE’S CAREER STATISTICS u RUSHING u RECEIVING Year ...... G/GS . . . . .Att...... Yds. . . . .Avg. . . . .TD . . . .Long ...... Rec. . . . .Yds. . . . .Avg. . . . .TD . . .Long 2004 . . . . .12/0 . . . .19 . . . . .57 . . .3.0 . . . .4 . . . . .8 ...... 4 . . . .64 . .16.0 . . . .1 . . .34 2005 . . . . .11/4 . . . .23 . . . . .84 . . .3.7 . . . .2 . . . . .8 ...... 4 . . . .27 . . .6.8 . . . .2 . . .12 Total . . . . .23/4 . . . .42 . . . .141 . . .3.4 . . . .6 . . . . .8 ...... 8 . . . .91 . .11.4 . . . .3 . . .34 VALENTINE’S GAME OFFENSIVE BESTS Rushes ...... 8 . . .vs. Michigan State ...... 11-12-2005 Rushing Yards ...... 33 . . .vs. Colorado State ...... 9-10-2005 Rushing TDs ...... 1 . . .three times, last vs. Virginia (Music City) . .12-30-2004 Long Rush ...... 8 . . .two times, last vs. Colorado State . . .9-10-2005 Receptions ...... 2 . . .at Iowa ...... 11-19-2005 Receiving Touchdowns ...... 1 . . .three times, last vs. Virginia (Music City) .12-30-2005 Long Reception ...... 34 . . .vs. Illinois State ...... 9-11-2004

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WILLIE VANDESTEEG’S GAME DEFENSIVE BESTS Tackles ...... 7 . . .at Penn State ...... 10-1-2005 Tackles For Loss ...... 1 . . .three times, last vs. Ohio State . . . . .10-29-2005 VANDESTEEG Pass Breakups ...... 1 . . .twice, last at Iowa ...... 11-19-2005 Defensive End VANDESTEEG'S GAME-BY-GAME STATISTICS Jr./So. • 6-4 • 255 u GAME-BY-GAME 2005 Solo Asst Total TFL INT PBU FR FF SACK Silver Lake, Minn. at Tulsa 2 1 3 1-2 0 0 0 0 0-0 Glencoe-Silver Lake High School 91 Colorado State 0 0 0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 Florida Atlantic 3 1 4 1-4 0 0 0 0 0-0 Moves into the starting slot at right end this year • an up-and-coming player who was very Purdue 0 0 0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 GOPHERS effective in a backup role last season • has progressed quickly in each year with the program at Penn State 3 4 7 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 COACHES and looks to establish himself as a dominant force in the Big Ten • athletic defensive end who at Michigan did not play REVIEW has great quickness for his size • has good awareness and the ability to anticipate the play • Wisconsin did not play HISTORY fun-loving guy who brings a great attitude to the locker room. Ohio State 1 1 2 1-5 0 0 0 0 0-0 MEDIA at Indiana 1 1 2 0-0 0 1 0 0 0-0 2005 • FRESHMAN SEASON: Appeared in 10 games, drawing one start • recorded 25 tackles (15 Michigan State 0 1 1 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 solo) and three tackles-for-loss • added two pass breakups and a blocked field goal attempt • at Iowa 3 1 4 0-0 0 1 0 0 0-0 Game-by-Game: registered three tackles including a tackle-for-loss at Tulsa (9/1) • posted four Virginia (Music City) 2 0 2 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 tackles (two solo) with one tackle-for-loss vs. Florida Atlantic (9/17) • set a career-best with Total 15 10 25 3-11 0 2 0 0 0-0 seven tackles (three solo) against Penn State (10/1) • recorded two tackles (one solo) and a tackle-for-loss against Ohio State (10/29) • recorded first pass breakup of his career against Indiana (11/5) and also had two tackles (one solo) • blocked a field goal attempt in the first quarter against Michigan State (11/12) • made his first career start against Iowa (11/19) • recorded four tackles (three solo) and had one pass breakup against the Hawkeyes • pro- duced two solo tackles against Virginia in the Music City Bowl (12/30) • participated in 313 plays • earned first letter.

2004: Redshirted.

HIGH SCHOOL: A 2004 graduate of Glencoe-Silver Lake High School (Minn.) • high school coach was Dave Dose • an all-state performer and two-time all-conference selection • an all-area choice by the Associated Press • named all-metro by KARE-11 and KSTP • registered 75 tack- les with 20 sacks and five forced fumbles his senior season • named team’s Defensive Lineman of the Year his senior season.

PERSONAL: Plans to major in communication studies • son of Cheire Ruzicka • born September 22, 1985. VANDESTEEG’S CAREER STATISTICS Year ...... G/GS . . . . .Solo . . . . .Asst . . . . .Total...... TFL...... INT . . .PBU . . . .FR . . . .FF . . .SACKS 2005 ...... 10/1 . . . . .15 . . . . .10 ...... 25 . . . . .3-11 . . . . .0 . . . .2 . . . .0 . . . .0 . . . .0-0 Totals . . . . .10/1 . . . . .15 . . . . .10 ...... 25 . . . . .3-11 . . . . .0 . . . .2 . . . .0 . . . .0 . . . .0-0

Willie VanDeSTEEG

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Team • third team selection on the Sporting News All-Freshman Team • honorable mention ERNIE All-Big Ten honoree by the media • most productive freshman wideout in the league • explo- sive receiver who led the Gophers in receiving touchdowns with seven • his first three career receptions went for touchdowns • played in all 12 games, drawing 10 starts • shattered the WHEELWRIGHT school’s freshman receiving records for yards and touchdowns • had 30 receptions for 654 Wide Receiver yards with seven touchdowns • his 21.8 yards per reception was tops among Big Ten receivers • ranked eighth in the league with 54.5 receiving yards per game • his seven touch- Sr./Jr. • 6-5 • 215 downs rank sixth in school history • Game-by-Game: broke onto the scene with two touchdown receptions, including a 42-yarder, in season opener vs. Toledo (9/4) • followed that with an Columbus, Ohio 80-yard touchdown reception against Illinois State (9/11) • had three catches for 57 yards in Walnut Ridge High School 1 the win at Colorado State (9/18) • hauled in three passes for 76 yards vs. Penn State (10/2) • had two catches for 73 yards at Michigan (10/9) • collected three passes for 104 yards and One of the Gophers’ go-to receivers who is a big-play threat on every play • complete talent who two touchdowns at Michigan State (10/16) • scored from 58 yards and 35 yards out vs. the has established himself as one of the premier receivers in the Big Ten • has the speed to blow Spartans • had a 21-yard touchdown reception vs. Illinois (10/23) • had three catches for 72 GOPHERS by opposing cornerbacks and the size and leaping ability to rise above them in tight coverage • yards at Indiana (10/30) • collected six receptions for 83 yards and a 10-yard touchdown COACHES tremendous athletic ability makes virtually any ball thrown his way catchable • has put in count- reception at Wisconsin (11/6) • led the Gophers with four receptions for 42 yards against Iowa REVIEW less hours with quarterback Bryan Cupito over the offseason to perfect their timing so they are (11/13) • participated in 652 plays • earned first letter. HISTORY in mid-season form right from the get-go. MEDIA 2003: Did not compete. CAREER NOTES: Has 67 receptions for 1,222 yards • tied for eighth on the school’s career touch- down receptions list with 12 • needs 96 receiving yards to move into school’s career top 10 • HIGH SCHOOL: A 2003 graduate of Walnut Ridge High School (Ohio) • high school coach was currently ranks third in school history for average yards per catch at 18.2 • has started 20 of 24 Gary Carter • was all-city, all-conference, all-area and all-state his junior and senior seasons games played. • caught 24 passes for 875 yards and 13 touchdowns his senior season • defensively, totaled 15 pass breakups, intercepted five passes and forced one fumble • returned seven punts for 2005 • SOPHOMORE SEASON: Appeared in all 12 games, starting 10 • finished as the team’s leading 215 yards and three touchdowns with a long return of 84 yards • also participated in basket- receiver in yards with 568 • tied for the team lead with 37 receptions and touchdown receptions ball and track. with five • Game-by-Game: caught a team-high five passes for 96 yards and a touchdown at Tulsa (9/1) • had two pass receptions for 28 yards vs. Colorado State (9/10) • caught five passes for PERSONAL: Inter-college program major • son of Ernest and Debra Wheelwright III • born July 35 yards against Purdue (9/24) • caught two balls for 62 yards and had his second touchdown 10, 1984. of the year against Penn State (10/1) • caught a team-high three passes for 44 yards and one touchdown against Michigan (10/8) • caught one pass for 32 yards against Wisconsin (10/15) • WHEELWRIGHT’S CAREER STATISTICS caught three balls for 50 yards and had his first career rushing attempt vs. Ohio State (10/29) • Year ...... G/GS . . . .Rec. . . . .Yds...... Avg...... TD . . . . .Long had three catches for 29 yards against Indiana (11/5) • caught two passes for 26 yards and a 2004 ...... 12/10 . . . . .30 . . .654 . . .21.8 . . . . .7 . . . . .80 touchdown vs. Michigan State (11/12) • had 46 receiving yards on four catches against Iowa 2005 ...... 12/10 . . . . .37 . . .568 . . .15.4 . . . . .5 . . . . .48 (11/19) • had seven catches for a career-high 120 yards against Virginia in the Music City Bowl Total ...... 24/20 . . . . .67 . .1,222 . . .18.2 . . . .12 . . . . .80 (12/30) • had a 44-yard touchdown reception against the Cavaliers • participated in 677 plays • earned second letter. WHEELWRIGHT’S GAME OFFENSIVE BESTS Receptions ...... 6 . . .at Wisconsin ...... 10-6-2004 2004 • FRESHMAN SEASON: Second team selection on the 2004 Rivals.com Freshman All-America Receiving Yards ...... 120 . . .vs. Virginia (Music City) ...... 12-30-2005 Receiving Touchdowns ...... 2 . . .two times, last at Michigan State . . .10-16-2004 Long Reception ...... 80 . . .vs. Illinois State ...... 9-11-2004 Long Rush ...... 3 . . .vs. Ohio State ...... 10-29-2005

WHEELWRIGHT’S GAME-BY-GAME STATISTICS u GAME-BY-GAME 2005 Rec Yds Avg. TD Long at Tulsa 5 96 19.2 1 45 Colorado State 2 28 14.0 0 22 Florida Atlantic 0 0 0.0 0 0 Purdue 5 35 7.0 0 9 at Penn State 2 62 31.0 1 48t at Michigan 3 44 14.7 1 20t Wisconsin 1 32 32.0 0 32 Ohio State 3 50 16.7 0 26 at Indiana 3 29 9.7 0 15 Michigan State 2 26 13.0 1 20t at Iowa 4 46 11.5 0 17 Virginia (Music City) 7 120 17.1 1 44t Total 37 568 15.4 5 48t

u GAME-BY-GAME 2004 Rec Yds Avg. TD Long Toledo 2 52 26.0 2 42 Illinois State 1 80 80.0 1 80 Ernie WHEELWRIGHT at Colorado State 3 37 12.3 0 18 Northwestern 2 14 7.0 0 9 Penn State 3 76 25.3 0 33 at Michigan 2 73 36.5 0 39 at Michigan State 3 104 34.7 2 58 Illinois 1 21 21.0 1 21 at Indiana 3 72 24.0 0 40 at Wisconsin 6 83 13.8 128 Iowa 4 42 10.5 0 26 vs. Alabama (Music City) 0 0 0 00 Total 30 654 21.8 780

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DOMINIC ANDY R.J. ALFORD BRINKHAUS BUCKNER Offensive Line Offensive Line Defensive Back Fr./Fr. • 6-3 • 305 Fr./Fr. • 6-3 • 275 Fr./Fr. • 5-11 • 190

Cleveland, Ohio Bloomington, Minn. Keller, Texas Shaker Heights High School 76 Bloomington Jefferson High School 63 Harvest Christian Academy 5 HIGH SCHOOL: A 2006 graduate of Shaker Heights High School HIGH SCHOOL: A 2006 graduate of Jefferson High School • high HIGH SCHOOL: A 2006 graduate of Harvest Christian Academy • high school coach was Dave Sedmak • named the 2005 school coach was Jon Leverenz • selected to the 2005 • high school coach was former Alabama All-American safe- GOPHERS Lake Erie League Lineman of the Year • named to the 2005 Associated Press All-State Team • was a two-time All-Lake ty and Dallas Cowboy George Teague • tallied 44 tackles COACHES Cleveland Plain Dealer first-team All-County Team and was Conference performer and was a 2005 Star Tribune and with seven tackles-for-loss, three sacks, two fumble recover- REVIEW HISTORY a second-team all-state choice his senior season • was a KARE-11 All-Metro selection • three-year letterwinner who ies and a forced fumble in 2005 • registered two intercep- MEDIA first-team all-city, all-area, all-district and all-conference helped lead his team to eight-win seasons in both his junior tions and eight pass breakups his senior season • also let- selection in 2005 • selected to play in the Ohio vs. and senior seasons • was also a three-year letterwinner in tered in basketball and track • A+ Honor Roll student and Pennsylvania Big 33 All-Star Game • served as team captain track. class salutatorian • member of the National Honor Society. his senior season • helped lead his team to the Lake Erie League championship and state playoffs in both his junior PERSONAL: Is undecided on major • son of Richard and Mary PERSONAL: Plans on majoring in chemical engineering • son of and senior seasons • also lettered in track, competing in the Brinkhaus • joins brother, Tony, an honorable mention All-Big Richard and Helen Buckner • born November 5, 1987. shot put and discus. Ten offensive tackle last year, on the Gophers’ roster in 2006 • born August 3, 1988. PERSONAL: Plans to major in sports management • son of Terry Alford and Barbara Herbert • born February 22, 1988.

OMMY T GARRETT D.J. BECKER BROWN BURRIS Linebacker Defensive Line Offensive Line Fr./Fr. • 6-2 • 230 Fr./Fr. • 6-2 • 285 Fr./Fr. • 6-2 • 280 Wayzata, Minn. New Haven, Conn. Wayzata High School 33 Kenton, Ohio Fairfield College Prep School 99 Kenton High School 53 HIGH SCHOOL: A 2006 graduate of Wayzata High School • high HIGH SCHOOL: A 2006 graduate of Fairfield College Prep • high HIGH SCHOOL: school coach was Brad Anderson • named all-state by the A 2006 graduate of Kenton High School • high school coach was Richard Magdon • named to the 2005 New Associated Press and Pioneer Press in 2005 • selected to school coach was Mike Mauk • three-time first-team Haven Register and Hartford Courant All-State Teams • all- the 2005 Sports Illustrated Preseason All-America Team • Associated Press All-Ohio selection and all-district choice • county selection by the Connecticut Post in 2005 • was also named to the Western Buckeye League First Team his junior two-time All-Classic Lake selection and 2005 Star Tribune named all-area and all-conference his junior and senior sea- and KARE-11 All-Metro choice • ranked as the 47th-best and senior seasons • named the 2005 Western Buckeye sons • selected to the 2005 Sports Illustrated Preseason All- inside linebacker in the nation by Rivals • tabbed as the No.1 League and Northwest Ohio District Lineman of the Year • America Team • ranked as the 64th-best defensive tackle in linebacker in the state by Minnesota Preps • helped lead two-time Lima News “Big School All-Star” • named to the the nation by Rivals • totaled 129 tackles with nine sacks, 22 team to a 13-1 record and state championship his senior Ohio High School Football Coaches Association’s tackles-for-loss, three forced fumbles and three fumble season • team captain his senior year • tallied 99 tackles with “Tremendous 26” his senior season • ranked as the 15th- recoveries his senior season • accumulated 315 tackles with 20 tackles-for-loss, five sacks, a pass breakup, a forced fum- best center in the nation by Rivals • selected to play in the 21 sacks and 50 tackles-for-loss for his career • served as ble and a fumble recovery in 2005 • registered 235 tackles Ohio vs. Pennsylvania Big 33 All-Star Game • three-time team captain his senior year • also lettered in hockey and and 29 tackles-for-loss during his career. state champion in powerlifting and three-year letterwinner in lacrosse. track • Honor Roll Student • two-time Western Buckeye League Sportsmanship Award recipient. PERSONAL: Plans to major in business • son of Tony and Mary PERSONAL: Plans to major in sports management • son of Becker • born June 28, 1987. Michael and Sheree Brown • born September 20, 1988. PERSONAL: Plans on majoring in pre-medicine • son of Brent and Sharon Burris • born July 11, 1987.

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LEE WILLIE RAYMOND CAMPBELL DYSON HENDERSON Linebacker Defensive Line Defensive End Fr./Fr. • 6-3 • 220 Fr./Fr. • 6-3 • 230 So./Fr. • 6-6 • 255

Naples, Fla. Ballwin, Mo. Oak Creek, Wis. Gulf Coast High School 30 Kirkwood High School 94 Tennessee/Oak Creek High School 52 HIGH SCHOOL: HIGH SCHOOL: A 2006 graduate of Gulf Coast High School • A 2006 graduate of Kirkwood High School • high 2005: Redshirted at Tennessee in 2005 • transferred to high school coach was Frank Tudryn • was a first-team all- school coach was Larry Frost • named all-city, all-county, all- Minnesota prior to the 2006 season. state and all-county performer at linebacker in 2005 • conference, all-area and all-state in 2004 and 2005 • select- GOPHERS COACHES became first player from Gulf Coast HS to be named all-state ed to the 2005 Army Preseason All-America Team • ranked HIGH SCHOOL: A 2005 graduate of Oak Creek High School • REVIEW • selected the region’s Player of the Year his senior season • as the 39th-best overall defensive end in the nation by Scout played in the 2005 U.S. Army All-American Bowl • was an all- HISTORY two-time all-city, all-conference and all-area performer in • named one of the top 20 players in Missouri by Rivals • reg- state selection as a senior • was an all-region, all-conference MEDIA 2004 and 2005 • tallied 151 tackles with 29 tackles-for-loss, istered 328 tackles with 56 tackles-for-loss, 40 sacks, 14 and all-suburban selection as a junior • ranked as the eighth- four sacks, eight forced fumbles, an interception and a fum- pass breakups, 13 forced fumbles and four fumble recover- best strongside defensive end in the nation and the second- ble recovery in 2005 • set school record for tackles in a sea- ies for his career • helped lead his team to back-to-back 10- best overall player in Wisconsin in 2005 by Rivals • finished son • four-year letterwinner in wrestling • went undefeated win seasons in his junior and senior years • also lettered in with 83 tackles and 14 sacks in 2004 and registered 104 and won the state title at 215 pounds his senior year • track. tackles with 19 sacks in 2003 • was a four-year starter with became first state champion in school history • honor roll stu- two seasons spent at offensive tackle and two years at PERSONAL: dent • earned the Winged Foot Award as the top scholar-ath- Is undecided upon major • son of Ken and Maria defensive end. lete in Collier County • Presidential Academic Award winner Dyson • born June 6, 1987. and National Honor Society member. PERSONAL: Undecided on major • son of Lenore Henderson • ERIC born May 20, 1986 PERSONAL: Plans on majoring in business • son of Jack and Mary Campbell • born August 11, 1988. ELLESTAD Kicker DURAN Fr./Fr. • 6-2 • 170 E.J.

Brooklyn Park, Minn. COOLEY Armstrong High School 37 JONES Defensive Back HIGH SCHOOL: A 2006 graduate of Armstrong High School • Running Back Jr./Jr. • 6-0 • 205 high school coach was Derek Fisher • named to Tom Fr./Fr. • 5-9 • 185 Lemming’s Prep Report All-American Team • was an all-state Los Angeles, Calif. and all-metro performer • was a three-time all-area and two- Edwardsville, Ill. Reedley JC/Boise State/Cathedral HS 26 time all-conference selection • converted 18-of-26 field goals Edwardsville High School 34 (69%) during his career with a long field goal of 47 yards • HIGH SCHOOL: A 2006 graduate of Edwardsville High School • 2004-06: Helped Reedley Junior College to an 11-1 record had 57 touchbacks on 123 career kickoffs for a 46% touch- high school coach was Tim Dougherty • selected as the St. and a Central Valley Conference Championship in 2005 back percentage • averaged 62.7 yards per kickoff and 42.9 Louis Post Dispatch 2005 Greater Metro Player of the Year • while being named CVC first-team all-conference • a three- yards per punt in 2005 • had 22 career punts downed inside named the Belleville News Democrat 2005 Player of the Year time conference Player of the Week in 2005 • finished the the 20-yard line, including eight each in 2003 and 2004 • had • also an all-state selection by the Champaign News year with 75 tackles, 13 pass breakups, three forced fum- a career-long punt of 69 yards • team captain his senior sea- Gazette, Chicago Sun Times, Chicago Tribune and Illinois bles, two fumble recoveries and one blocked punt for a son • also lettered in basketball, track and weightlifting • High School Football Coaches Association • first-team all- touchdown • originally signed with Boise State following his selected as a Football Academic Achievement Award winner. high school career at Los Angeles Cathedral High and spent metro selection and first-team All-Southwestern Conference choice his senior season • his 249 rushing attempts for 2,066 two seasons with the Broncos. PERSONAL: Plans on majoring in graphic design • son of Craig yards his senior season were both school records • also and Debbie Ellestad • born September 8, 1987. HIGH SCHOOL: A 2004 graduate of Cathedral High School • a scored 23 rushing touchdowns and had 31 receptions for two-time All-City selection in high school • recorded 65 tack- BEN 477 yards • selected to the 2005 Illinois All-Star Game • also les during his senior year, in addition to four interceptions a four-year letterwinner and all-conference selection in base- and six forced fumbles • also returned two kickoffs and two ball and a three-year letterwinner in basketball • named to punts for touchdowns as he was named his team’s defensive Who’s Who Among America’s Top High School Students • FISCHER also selected to his school’s Leadership Council • named the most valuable player • produced nine interceptions, with four returned for touchdowns as a junior • honor roll student • also Wide Receiver St. Louis Post Dispatch Spotlight Student of the Month. competed in track and basketball. Fr./Fr. • 6-1 • 180 PERSONAL: Plans to major in business • son of Edmund Jones PERSONAL: Plans on majoring in business marketing • son of Wausau, Wis. and Joy Harris • born November 13, 1987. Annette Badger • cousin, Ashley Lelie, is a wide receiver for Wausau East High School 83 the Denver Broncos • born March 20, 1985. HIGH SCHOOL: A 2006 graduate of Wausau East High School • was a two-time all-state and all-area selection and three-time All-Wisconsin Valley Conference performer • ranked as the seventh-best player in Wisconsin by Rivals • totaled 58 receptions for 1,042 yards with eight touchdowns the past two seasons • lettered three times in basketball and twice in baseball • member of the National Honor Society.

PERSONAL: Is undecided upon major • high school coach was Jack Synold • son of Timm and Mary Fischer • born August 4, 1987.

89 U NIVERSITY OF M INNESOTA F OOTBALL 2006 G OPHER P R OFILES

DARON JOSH ADAM LOVE ROBERTSON WEBER Strong Safety Defensive Back Quarterback Fr./Fr. • 6-1 • 185 Sr./Jr. • 5-11 • 175 Fr./Fr. • 6-3 • 210

Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. Harrisburg, Pa. Shoreview, Minn. Wiilliam T. Dwyer High School 21 Lackawanna JC/Central Dauphin East HS 39 Mounds View High School 8 HIGH SCHOOL: A 2006 graduate of Palm Beach Gardens High JUNIOR COLLEGE: Junior college coach was Mark Duda • posted HIGH SCHOOL: A 2006 graduate of Mounds View High School • School • high school coach was Jack Daniels • ranked as the 48 tackles with five interceptions, three pass breakups, two high school coach was Jim Galvin • three-time all-state per- GOPHERS 66th best prospect in the state of Florida by Scout.com • tackles-for-loss and two forced fumbles last season • helped former and all-conference selection • was a 2005 Star COACHES selected honorable mention Palm Beach Post Class 4A-6A lead Lackawanna as the fifth-ranked defense in the nation in Tribune and KARE-11 All-Metro selection • named the con- REVIEW HISTORY Big Schools All-Area team despite missing several games 2005 • had two interception returns for touchdowns in the ference Co-MVP his senior season • was a three-time Team MEDIA with a hand injury • team finished 10-1 and reached second same game in 2005. MVP • ranked as the 14th-best dual-threat quarterback in the round of the Class 4A state playofffs • caught 15 passes for nation by Rivals and the 32nd-best overall quarterback by 184 yards and rushed three times for 76 yards. HIGH SCHOOL: A 2004 graduate of Central Dauphin East High Scout • completed 137 of 250 passes for 1,913 yards and 14 School • high school coach was Gerry Yonchiuk • was an all- touchdowns his senior campaign • closed his career com- PERSONAL: Undecided on a major • son of Susan Roberts • city and all-conference performer his junior and senior sea- pleting 320 passes on 598 attempts for 4,771 yards and 35 born February 28, 1987. sons • totaled over 2,000 yards of total offense and 22 total touchdowns • also rushed for 1,519 yards and 28 touch- touchdowns in his career • honorable mention all-state selec- downs during his career • four-time letterwinner in basketball ROBERT tion at defensive back • finalist for the Big 33 All-Star Game and baseball and also lettered in track • four-year Academic between Ohio and Pennsylvania • also lettered in basketball Award winner. and track • was an all-conference selection in basketball. MCFIELD PERSONAL: Is undecided upon major • son of Bob and Debbie Defensive Line PERSONAL: Plans to major in business management • son of Weber • father, Bob, was a three year football letterman with Fr./Fr. • 6-6 • 235 Christian and Madelyn Robertson • born November 21, 1984. the Gophers (1974-76) • born August 3, 1987.

St. Louis, Mo. Normandy High School 97 TERRENCE MIKE HIGH SCHOOL: A 2006 graduate of Normandy High School • high school coach was Antoine Torrey • named a first team SHERRER all-state and all-conference performer • was also an all-metro WEY selection • ranked as the 23rd-best weakside defensive end Running Back Linebacker in the nation and the seventh-best player in Missouri by Fr./Fr. • 5-11 • 195 Fr./Fr. • 6-3 • 235 Rivals • accumulated 67 tackles with 11 sacks, 10 tackles- for-loss, 18 pass breakups, three forced fumbles and two Cincinnati, Ohio Oak Creek, Wis. fumble recoveries in 2005 • registered 120 tackles with 19 Colerain High School 27 Oak Creek High School 45 sacks his junior and senior seasons • Honor Roll student. HIGH SCHOOL: A 2006 graduate of Colerain High School • high HIGH SCHOOL: A 2006 graduate of Oak Creek High School • PERSONAL: Plans to major in business • attended the same school coach was Kerry Coombs • was an All-Southwest high school coach was Joe Koch • named to the 2005 high school as 2006 NFL first round draft selection Laurence Region and all-conference selection in 2005 • was named Associated Press All-State Team • chosen as the 2005 SEC Maroney • son of Denise McField, a former Olympian who all-city his junior and senior seasons • ranked as the 35th- Player of the Year • was an all-city, all-county, all-area and competed for Jamaica • born October 20, 1987. best running back in the nation and among the Top 25 play- all-conference selection his junior and senior seasons • ers in Ohio by Rivals • totaled 400 carries for 2,813 yards SEAN ranked as the ninth-best player in Wisconsin by Rivals • reg- and 28 touchdowns in his career • also caught 17 passes for istered 260 tackles, 54 tackles-for-loss, 21 sacks, 13 forced 212 yards with a score • set the Colerain single-season fumbles, seven fumble recoveries, 11 pass breakups and school record for average yards per rush in 2004 with an two interceptions during his career • also lettered in track and MCWHIRTER 11.1 yard average • was a four-time letterwinner in track • baseball • two-time Academic Achievement Award recipient. Defensive Line named the Colerain Outstanding Sprinter in 2004 and 2005 and was selected all-state the past two years • was an All- PERSONAL: Fr./Fr. • 6-3 • 245 Plans to major in kinesiology • son of Mike and Academic selection. Tami Wey • born September 30, 1987. Maple Plain, Minn. PERSONAL: Orono High School 95 Plans to major in physical education • son of Terrence and Yolanda Sherrer • born October 2, 1987. HIGH SCHOOL: A 2006 graduate of Orono High School • high school coach was Jeff Weiland • named first-team all-state by the Associated Press and Pioneer Press • three-time all- conference selection and conference MVP in 2005 • named to the Star Tribune and KARE-11 All-Metro Team as a senior • ranked the 44th-best strongside defensive end in the nation by Rivals • named to the Midwest Hot 100 and ranked the eighth-best defensive end in the Midwest by SuperPrep • selected to the PrepStar All-Midwest Region Team, Tom Lemming’s Midwest All-America Team and ranked the 56th- best defensive end by ESPN.com • was a finalist for the Mr. Football Award • totaled 279 tackles with 47 tackles-for-loss and five forced fumbles for his career • team captain his sen- ior season • three-time letterwinner in track • Honor Roll stu- dent • four-time recipient of the Outstanding Academic Achievement Award.

PERSONAL: Is undecided upon major • son of Steve and Pam McWhirter • born September 16, 1987. 90 U NIVERSITY OF M INNESOT A F OOTBALL 2006