2006 ROSTER 2006 NUMERICAL ROSTER ALPHABETICAL ROSTER # NAME POS HT WT LTRS YR/ELIG HOMETOWN (PREVIOUS SCHOOLS) 78 Joe Ainslie OT 1 Ernie Wheelwright WR 6-5 215 2 Sr./Jr. Columbus, Ohio (Walnut Ridge HS) 76 Dominic Alford OL 2 Dominic Jones SS 5-8 190 1 So./So. Columbus, Ohio (Brookhaven HS) 98 Neel Allen DT 3 Bryan Cupito QB 6-3 205 3 Sr.-5/Sr.* Cincinnati, Ohio (McNicholas HS) 4 Trumaine Banks FS 4 Trumaine Banks FS 5-11 190 3 Sr.-5/Sr.* Columbus, Ohio (Eastmoor Academy) 5 R.J. Buckner DB 5-11 190 0 Fr./Fr. Keller, Texas (Harvest Christian Academy) 23 Dominique Barber FS 6 Alex Daniels MLB 6-3 255 1 So./So. Columbus, Ohio (Brookhaven HS) 33 Tommy Becker MLB 7 Eric Decker WR 6-2 210 0 So./Fr.* Cold Spring, Minn. (Rocori HS) 63 Andy Brinkhaus OL

GOPHERS 8 Adam Weber QB 6-3 210 0 Fr./Fr. Shoreview, Minn. (Mounds View HS) 77 Tony Brinkhaus C/OG COACHES 9 Keith Massey CB 6-1 195 0 So./Fr.* Columbus, Ohio (Brookhaven HS) 65 William Brody DE REVIEW HISTORY 11 Mike Frankberg QB 6-0 190 0 Sr./Sr. Detroit Lakes, Minn. (Detroit Lakes HS) 99 Garrett Brown DL MEDIA 11 Desi Steib CB 6-0 185 0 Sr./Jr.* Vacherie, La. (St. James HS) 5 R.J. Buckner DB 12 Mike Chambers WR 6-1 190 0 So./Fr.* Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio (Walsh-Jesuit HS) 55 Brad Bultman C 13 Michael McKelton CB 5-10 180 0 So./Fr.* Royal Palm Beach, Fla. (Royal Palm Beach HS) 53 D.J. Burris OL 14 Brody Grandas SS 5-11 190 0 Jr./So.* Woodbury, Minn. (Cretin-Derham Hall HS) 20 Brylee Callender RB 14 Blake Haudan P/K 6-0 200 0 So./Fr.* Toledo, Ohio (St. John’s Jesuit HS) 30 Lee Campbell WLB 15 Jamal Harris CB 6-0 185 2 Sr./Jr.* Delray Beach, Fla. (Atlantic HS) 15 Drew Lechner P 6-2 210 0 Jr./So. Sauk Rapids, Minn. (Sartell HS) 16 John Carlson WLB 16 John Carlson WLB 6-2 220 0 Jr./So.* Wayzata, Minn. (Hopkins HS) 12 Mike Chambers WR 17 Tony Mortensen QB 6-3 230 1 Jr./So.* Hutchinson, Minn. (Hutchinson HS) 57 Patrick Cheney DLB 18 Justin Valentine FB 6-1 230 2 Sr./Jr.* Columbus, Ohio (Eastmoor Academy) 90 Eric Clark DT 19 Mike Maciejowski QB 6-3 215 0 Jr./So.* Columbus, Ohio (Upper Arlington HS) 26 Duran Cooley DB 19 Tim Soliday FS 6-0 190 0 So./Fr.* Apple Valley, Minn. (Apple Valley HS) 3 Bryan Cupito QB 20 Brylee Callender RB 6-0 205 0 Jr./Jr. Lakeville, Minn. (Feather River JC/Lakeville HS) 6 Alex Daniels MLB 21 Daron Love SS 6-1 185 0 Fr./Fr. Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. (William T. Dwyer HS) 92 Steve Davis DE 23 Dominique Barber FS 6-0 210 2 Jr./Jr. Plymouth, Minn. (Wayzata HS) 7 Eric Decker WR 25 Jay Thomas RB 6-0 195 0 So./Fr.* Oakdale, Minn. (Tartan HS) 79 Matt DeGeest OT 26 Duran Cooley DB 6-0 205 0 Jr./Jr. Los Angeles, Calif. (Reedley JC/Boise State/Cathedral HS) 94 Willie Dyson DL 26 Reid Haviland RB 5-9 180 0 So./Fr.* Thief River Falls, Minn. (Thief River Falls HS) 27 Scott Jilek DB 5-11 190 0 Fr./Fr. Eden Prairie, Minn. (Eden Prairie HS) 37 Eric Ellestad K 27 Terrence Sherrer RB 5-11 195 0 Fr./Fr. Cincinnati, Ohio (Colerain HS) 49 Jeremy Faue FB 28 Kevin Mannion SS 6-2 210 0 Jr./So.* Germantown, Wis. (Germantown HS) 83 Ben Fischer WR 29 Amir Pinnix RB 6-0 205 2 Sr./Jr.* Newark, N.J. (Malcolm X Shabazz HS) 11 Mike Frankberg QB 30 Lee Campbell WLB 6-3 220 0 Fr./Fr. Naples, Fla. (Gulf Coast HS) 31 Jason Giannini K 31 Jason Giannini K 5-9 185 1 Jr./So.* Canton, Ohio (Glen Oak HS) 14 Brody Grandas SS 32 Ben Kuznia WR 6-0 190 0 So./Fr.* Olivia, Minn. (BOLD HS) 15 Jamal Harris CB 32 Nathan Triplett DLB 6-3 240 0 So./Fr.* Maple Plain, Minn. (Delano HS) 26 Reid Haviland RB 33 Tommy Becker MLB 6-2 230 0 Fr./Fr. Wayzata, Minn. (Wayzata HS) 14 Blake Haudan P 34 E.J. Jones RB 5-9 185 0 Fr./Fr. Edwardsville, Ill. (Edwardsville HS) 52 Raymond Henderson DE 35 Judd Smith RB 6-0 200 0 So./Fr.* Rothschild, Wis. (D.C. Everest HS) 44 Thomas Hennessey FB 35 Seth Thompson FS 5-11 190 0 Sr./Jr.* Hudson, Wis. (Cretin-Derham Hall HS) 36 Joel Monroe K 5-11 190 1 Jr./So.* Brooklyn Park, Minn. (Robbinsdale-Cooper HS) 44 Deon Hightower WLB 37 Eric Ellestad K 6-2 170 0 Fr./Fr. Brooklyn Park, Minn. (Armstrong HS) 75 Otis Hudson OG 38 Andy Metz WR 6-2 200 0 So./Fr.* Lakeville, Minn. (Lakeville HS) 69 John Jakel OG 39 Josh Robertson DB 5-11 175 0 Sr./Jr. Harrisburg, Pa. (Lackawanna JC/Central Dauphin East HS) 27 Scott Jilek DB 41 Justin Kucek P 6-0 200 1 Jr./So.* Canfield, Ohio (Canfield HS) 2 Dominic Jones SS 43 Robert McGarry LS 6-3 215 2 Jr./Jr. Stillwater, Minn. (Stillwater HS) 34 E.J. Jones RB 44 Thomas Hennessey FB 5-11 215 0 So./Fr.* Somerset, Wis. (Somerset HS) 87 Michael Kasten WR 44 Deon Hightower WLB 6-3 210 1 Jr./So.* Arlington, Texas (Mansfield Summit HS) 60 Matt Krueger OT 45 Mike Wey DLB 6-3 235 0 Fr./Fr. Oak Creek, Wis. (Oak Creek HS) 41 Justin Kucek P 46 John Shevlin WLB 6-1 225 2 Sr./Jr.* Eagan, Minn. (Eastview HS) 32 Ben Kuznia WR 48 Mario Reese DLB 6-3 230 3 Sr.-5/Sr.* Mableton, Ga. (Pebblebrook HS) 15 Drew Lechner P 49 Jeremy Faue FB 5-11 230 1 Sr./Jr.* Hamel, Minn. (Wayzata HS) 52 Raymond Henderson DE 6-6 255 0 So./Fr. Oak Creek, Wis. (Tennessee/Oak Creek HS) 21 Daron Love SS 53 D.J. Burris OL 6-2 280 0 Fr./Fr. Kenton, Ohio (Kenton HS) 19 Mike Maciejowski QB 55 Brad Bultman C 6-1 280 0 Sr./Jr. Green Bay, Wis. (Ashwaubenon HS) 28 Kevin Mannion SS 56 Tyson Swaggert OG/C 6-4 290 2 Sr.-5/Sr.* Buffalo, Minn. (Buffalo HS) 9 Keith Massey CB 57 Patrick Cheney DLB 6-2 225 1 Sr./Jr.* Shoreview, Minn. (Mounds View HS) 97 Robert McField DL 58 Mike Sherels MLB 6-0 240 2 Sr./Jr.* Rochester, Minn. (John Marshall HS) 43 Robert McGarry LS 59 Steve Moore DLB 6-2 230 0 Jr./So.* Coon Rapids, Minn. (Blaine HS) 13 Michael McKelton CB

48 U NIVERSITY OF M INNESOT A F OOTBALL 2006 2006 ROSTER

95 Sean McWhirter DL # NAME POS HT WT LTRS YR/ELIG HOMETOWN (PREVIOUS SCHOOLS) 73 Jason Meinke OT 59 Kyle Schwebke LS 6-0 190 0 Jr./So. Oshkosh, Wis. (Oshkosh West HS) 70 Todd Meisel DT 60 Matt Krueger OT 6-5 260 0 So./Fr.* Maple Plain, Minn. (Delano HS) 85 Chris Mensen TE 63 Andy Brinkhaus OL 6-3 275 0 Fr./Fr. Bloomington, Minn. (Bloomington Jefferson HS) 38 Andy Metz WR 64 Steve Shidell OT 6-5 290 1 Sr./Jr.* Coon Rapids, Minn. (Coon Rapids HS) 79 Barrett Moen DE 65 William Brody DE 6-4 245 0 Jr./So.* Garfield Heights, Ohio (Benedictine HS) 66 Nedward Tavale OG 6-2 305 0 So./Fr.* St. Paul, Minn. (Cretin-Derham Hall HS) 36 Joel Monroe K 69 John Jakel OG 6-5 300 0 Sr./Jr.* Schofield, Wis. (D.C. Everest HS) 59 Steve Moore DLB 70 Todd Meisel DT 6-4 275 1 Sr./Jr.* Hartland, Wis. (Arrowhead HS) 17 Tony Mortensen QB 73 Jason Meinke OT 6-5 255 0 So./Fr.* Apple Valley, Minn. (Eastview HS) 84 Logan Payne WR 74 Ryan Ruckdashel OG 6-5 275 0 So./Fr.* Apple Valley, Minn. (Eastview HS) 29 Amir Pinnix RB GOPHERS 74 Nick Tow-Arnett DE 6-4 250 0 So./Fr.* Redwood Falls, Minn. (Redwood Valley HS) COACHES 48 Mario Reese LB REVIEW 75 Otis Hudson OG 6-5 310 0 So./Fr.* Barrington, Ill. (Barrington HS) 86 Troy Reilly TE HISTORY MEDIA 76 Dominic Alford OL 6-3 305 0 Fr./Fr. Cleveland, Ohio (Shaker Heights HS) 39 Josh Robertson DB 77 Tony Brinkhaus C/OG 6-3 295 2 Sr./Jr.* Bloomington, Minn. (Bloomington Jefferson HS) 74 Ryan Ruckdashel OG 77 Jeff Tow-Arnett DT 6-2 275 0 So./Fr.* Redwood Falls, Minn. (Redwood Valley HS) 59 Kyle Schwebke LS 78 Joe Ainslie OT 6-7 310 3 Sr.-5/Sr.* Minnetonka, Minn. (Hopkins HS) 58 Mike Sherels MLB 79 Matt DeGeest OT 6-5 275 0 Jr./So.* Harrisburg, S.D. (Harrisburg HS) 79 Barrett Moen DE 6-3 255 0 So./Fr.* Bloomington, Minn. (Bloomington Jefferson HS) 27 Terrance Sherrer RB 80 Jack Simmons TE 6-4 240 0 Jr./So.* Libertyville, Ill. (Carmel HS) 46 John Shevlin WLB 83 Ben Fischer WR 6-1 180 0 Fr./Fr. Wausau, Wis. (Wausau East HS) 64 Steve Shidell OT 84 Logan Payne WR 6-2 205 2 Sr./Sr. Lutz, Fla. (Land O’ Lakes HS) 80 Jack Simmons TE 85 Chris Mensen TE 6-5 245 0 So./Fr.* Solon, Iowa (Solon HS) 35 Judd Smith RB 86 Troy Reilly TE 6-6 250 0 So./Fr.* Plover, Wis. (Stevens Point Area HS) 19 Tim Soliday FS 87 Michael Kasten WR 6-2 195 0 Jr./So.* Plainview, Minn. (Plainview HS) 89 Matt Spaeth TE 89 Matt Spaeth TE 6-7 265 3 Sr.-5/Sr.* St. Michael, Minn. (St. Michael-Albertville HS) 11 Desi Steib CB 90 Eric Clark DT 6-4 270 3 Sr.-5/Sr.* Tampa, Fla. (Tampa Bay Tech HS) 96 Matt Stommes DT 91 Willie VanDeSteeg DE 6-4 255 1 Jr./So.* Silver Lake, Minn. (Glencoe-Silver Lake HS) 56 Tyson Swaggert OG/C 92 Steve Davis DE 6-2 235 1 So./So. St. Louis, Mo. (McCluer North HS) 66 Nedward Tavale OG 93 Nhemie Theodore DT 6-3 290 0 Jr./So.* Irvington, N.J. (Irvington HS) 94 Willie Dyson DL 6-3 230 0 Fr./Fr. Ballwin, Mo. (Kirkwood HS) 93 Nhemie Theodore DT 95 Sean McWhirter DL 6-3 245 0 Fr./Fr. Maple Plain, Minn. (Orono HS) 25 Jay Thomas RB 96 Matt Stommes DT 6-7 270 0 So./Fr.* Richmond, Minn. (Eden Valley-Watkins HS) 35 Seth Thompson FS 97 Robert McField DL 6-6 235 0 Fr./Fr. St. Louis, Mo. (Normandy HS) 77 Jeff Tow-Arnett DT 98 Neel Allen DT 6-3 285 1 Sr./Jr.* Marietta, Ga. (Lassiter HS) 74 Nick Tow-Arnett DE 99 Garrett Brown DL 6-2 285 0 Fr./Fr. New Haven, Conn. (Fairfield College Prep School) 32 Nathan Triplett DLB 18 Justin Valentine FB *indicates player has taken a redshirt season 91 Willie VanDeSteeg DE (Sr.-5) - Fifth-year senior 8 Adam Weber QB 45 Mike Wey DLB Head Coach: Glen Mason; Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator: Mitch Browning; Defensive Coordinator/Outside Linebackers: 1 Ernie Wheelwright WR David Lockwood; Running Backs: Vic Adamle; Defensive Line: Carey Bailey; Defensive Secondary: Craig Bray; Linebackers: Mark Criner; Passing Game Coordinator/Quarterbacks: Tony Petersen; Guards & Centers: Gordon Shaw; Wide Receivers: Luke Tressel; Head Strength and Conditioning: Dwayne Chandler; Assistant Strength and Conditioning: Blake Cundiff; Graduate Assts./Quality Control: Jeremiah Carter, Warren Miller, Dan Sapanaro, Cory Sauter.

49 U NIVERSITY OF M INNESOTA F OOTBALL 2006 G OPHER P R OFILES OFFENSE DEFENSE SPECIAL TEAMS

WIDE RECEIVER RIGHT END PUNTER 84 Logan Payne (6-2, 205, Sr.) 91 Willie VanDeSteeg (6-4, 255, So.*) 41 Justin Kucek (6-0, 200, So.*) 7 Eric Decker (6-2, 210, Fr.*) 65 William Brody (6-4, 245, So.*) 14 Blake Haudan (6-0, 200, Fr.*) 32 Ben Kuznia (6-0, 190, Fr.*) 79 Barrett Moen (6-3, 255, Fr.*) PAT/FG TIGHT END RIGHT TACKLE 36 Joel Monroe (5-11, 190, So.*) 89 Matt Spaeth (6-7, 265, Sr.*) 70 Todd Meisel (6-4, 265, Jr.*) 31 Jason Giannini (5-9, 185, So.*) 80 Jack Simmons (6-4, 240, So.*) 96 Matt Stommes (6-7, 270, Fr.*) 86 Troy Reilly (6-6, 250, Fr.*) 77 Jeff Tow-Arnett (6-2, 275, Fr.*) KICKOFFS 85 Chris Mensen (6-5, 245, Fr.*) 31 Jason Giannini (5-9, 185, So.*) GOPHERS LEFT TACKLE 36 Joel Monroe (5-11, 190, So.*) COACHES LEFT TACKLE 98 Neel Allen (6-3, 285, Jr.*) REVIEW LONG SNAPS HISTORY 64 Steve Shidell (6-5, 290, Jr.*) 90 Eric Clark (6-4, 270, Sr.*) MEDIA 73 Jason Meinke (6-5, 255, Fr.*) 43 Robert McGarry (6-3, 215, Jr.) 60 Matt Krueger (6-5, 260, Fr.*) LEFT END 85 Chris Mensen (6-5, 245, Fr.*) 92 Steve Davis (6-2, 235, So.) 59 Kyle Schwebke (6-0, 190, So.) LEFT GUARD 74 Nick Tow-Arnett (6-4, 250, Fr.*) 56 Tyson Swaggert (6-4, 290, Sr.*) SHORT SNAPS 69 John Jakel (6-5, 300, Jr.*) WILL LINEBACKER 43 Robert McGarry (6-3, 215, Jr.) 46 John Shevlin (6-1, 225, Jr.*) 59 Kyle Schwebke (6-0, 190, So.) CENTER 44 Deon Hightower (6-3, 210, So.*) 77 Tony Brinkhaus (6-3, 295,Jr.*) 57 Patrick Cheney (6-2, 225, Jr.*) HOLDER 56 Tyson Swaggert (6-4, 290, Sr.*) 16 John Carlson (6-2, 220, So.*) 3 Bryan Cupito (6-3, 205, Sr.*) 55 Brad Bultman (6-2, 280, Jr.) 41 Justin Kucek (6-0, 200, So.*) MIKE LINEBACKER RIGHT GUARD 58 Mike Sherels (6-0, 240, Jr.*) PUNT RETURNS 74 Ryan Ruckdashel (6-5, 275, Fr.*) -or- 6 Alex Daniels (6-3, 255, So.) 2 Dominic Jones (5-8, 190, So.) 75 Otis Hudson (6-5, 310, Fr.*) -or- 84 Logan Payne (6-2, 205, Sr.) 66 Nedward Tavale (6-2, 305, Fr.*) DROP LINEBACKER KICKOFF RETURNS 48 Mario Reese (6-3, 230, Sr.*) RIGHT TACKLE 32 Nathan Triplett (6-3, 240, Fr.*) 2 Dominic Jones (5-8, 190, So.) 78 Joe Ainslie (6-7, 310, Sr.*) 59 Steve Moore (6-2, 230, So.*) 20 Brylee Callender (6-0, 205, Jr.) 79 Matt DeGeest (6-5, 275, So.*) CORNERBACK *indicates player has used a redshirt season QUARTERBACK 11 Desi Steib (6-1, 185, Jr.*) -or- 3 Bryan Cupito (6-3, 205, Sr.*) 17 Tony Mortensen (6-3, 230, So.*) -or- 9 Keith Massey (6-1, 200, Fr.*) 19 Mike Maciejowski (6-3, 215, So.*) STRONG SAFETY 11 Mike Frankberg (6-0, 190, Sr.) 2 Dominic Jones (5-8, 190, So.) TAILBACK 28 Kevin Mannion (6-2, 210, So.*) 29 Amir Pinnix (6-0, 205, Jr.*) 14 Brody Grandas (5-11, 190, So.*) 20 Brylee Callender (6-0, 205, Jr.) 27 Scott Jilek (5-11, 190, Fr.) 25 Jay Thomas (6-0, 195, Fr.*) FREE SAFETY 35 Judd Smith (6-0, 200, Fr.*) 26 Reid Haviland (5-9, 180, Fr.*) 23 Dominique Barber (6-0, 210, Jr.) -or- 4 Trumaine Banks (5-11, 190, Sr.*) PRONUNCIATION GUIDE FULLBACK 35 Seth Thompson (5-11, 190, Jr.*) Tony Brinkhaus BRINK-house 19 Tim Soliday (6-0, 190, Fr.*) 18 Justin Valentine (6-1, 230, Jr.*) Patrick Cheney CHEE-knee 34 Jeremy Faue (5-11, 230, Jr.*) CORNERBACK Bryan Cupito COO-pi-TOE 44 Thomas Hennessey (5-11, 215, Fr.*) Jeremy Faue FOW 15 Jamal Harris (6-0, 185, Jr.*) WIDE RECEIVER 13 Michael McKelton (5-10, 180, Fr.*) Jason Giannini JUH-nin-EE 1 Ernie Wheelwright (6-5, 215, Jr.) John Jakel JAY-kul 12 Mike Chambers (6-1, 190, Fr.*) Justin Kucek COO-seck 87 Michael Kasten (6-2, 195, So.*) Drew Lechner LECK-nur 38 Andy Metz (6-2, 200, Fr.*) Mike Maciejowski MAY-si-JOW-ski Jason Meinke men-KEE Todd Meisel MY-zul Amir Pinnix uh-MEER Kyle Schwebke shweb-KEE Mike Sherels SHARE-uls Steve Shidell SHY-dell Mark Spaeth SPAYTH Desi Steib STYB Matt Stommes STUM-iss Nedward Tavale tuh-VALL-ee Nhemie Theodore NEE-MEE Adam Weber WEB-ur Mike Wey WEIGH

50 U NIVERSITY OF M INNESOT A F OOTBALL 2006 G OPHER B REAKDOWN RETURNING LETTERMEN BY POSITION (31) LETTERMEN LOST BY POSITION (22) Offense (12) (starters in bold-7) Offense (11) (starters in bold-5) Wide receiver (2): Logan Payne, Ernie Wheelwright Wide receiver (3): Jared Ellerson, Micah Rucker, Jakari Wallace Tight End (1): Matt Spaeth Tight End (2): Jarod Posthumus, Kevin Salmen Offensive Line (4): Joe Ainslie, Tony Brinkhaus, Steve Shidell, Tyson Swaggert Offensive Line (3): Greg Eslinger, Mike Nicholson, Mark Setterstrom Quarterback (2): Bryan Cupito, Tony Mortensen Quarterback (0): None Running Back (3): Jeremy Faue, Amir Pinnix, Justin Valentine Running Back (2): Jason Lamers, Laurence Maroney, Gary Russell

Defense (15) (starters in bold-7) Defense (11) (starters in bold-5) Defensive Line (5): Neel Allen, Eric Clark, Steve Davis, Todd Meisel, Willie VanDeSteeg Defensive Line (5): Keith Lipka, Mark Losli, Pat McCarthy, Anthony Montgomery, Linebacker (6): Pat Cheney, Alex Daniels, Deon Hightower, Mario Reese, Mike Brian Moss Sherels, John Shevlin Linebacker (3): Chris Holden, Kyle McKenzie, Mark Mullaney GOPHERS COACHES Secondary (4): Trumaine Banks, Dominique Barber, Jamal Harris, Dominic Jones Secondary (3): Terrance Campbell, John Pawielski, Brandon Owens REVIEW HISTORY Specialists (4) (starters in bold-3) Specialists (0) (starters in bold-0) MEDIA Kicker (2): Jason Giannini, Joel Monroe Kicker/Punter (0): None Punter (1): Justin Kucek Snapper (0): None Snapper (1): Robert McGarry

GOLDEN GOPHERS BY STATE

OHIO (16) MINNESOTA (43) Jeremy Faue Jason Meinke Tim Soliday Dominic Alford Joe Ainslie Mike Frankberg Andy Metz Matt Spaeth Trumaine Banks Dominique Barber Brody Grandas Barrett Moen Matt Stommes WISCONSIN (12) William Brody Tommy Becker Reid Haviland Joel Monroe Tyson Swaggert Brad Bultman D.J. Burris Andy Brinkhaus Scott Jilek Steve Moore Nedward Tavale Ben Fischer Mike Chambers Tony Brinkhaus Michael Kasten John Morgan Jay Thomas Raymond Henderson Bryan Cupito Brylee Callender Matt Krueger Tony Mortensen Jeff Tow-Arnett Thomas Hennessey Alex Daniels John Carlson Ben Kuznia Ryan Ruckdashel Nick Tow-Arnett John Jakel Jason Giannini Patrick Cheney Drew Lechner Mike Sherels Nathan Triplett Kevin Mannion Blake Haudan Eric Decker Robert McGarry John Shevlin Willie VanDeSteeg Todd Meisel Dominic Jones Eric Ellestad Sean McWhirter Steve Shidell Adam Weber Troy Reilly Justin Kucek Kyle Schwebke Mike Maciejowski Judd Smith Keith Massey SOUTH DAKOTA (1) Seth Thompson Terrance Sherrer Mike Wey IOWA (1) Matt DeGeest Justin Valentine Chris Mensen Ernie Wheelwright PENNSYLVANIA (1) Josh Robertson

CONNECTICUT (1) Garrett Brown

NEW JERSEY (2) Amir Pinnix Nhemie Theodore

CALIFORNIA (1) Duran Cooley

GEORGIA (2) Neel Allen Mario Reese

MISSOURI (3) ILLINOIS (3) Steve Davis LOUISIANA (1) Otis Hudson FLORIDA (5) Willie Dyson Desi Steib E.J. Jones Eric Clark Robert McField TEXAS (2) Jack Simmons Jamal Harris Daron Love R.J. Buckner Michael McKelton Deon Hightower Logan Payne

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

averaged 30.1 points a game, the fourth-highest total in school history • key component of a JOE Gopher team that scored 47 touchdowns, the second most in school history • helped the Gophers become the only school in the nation to both run and pass for at least 2,000 yards the past six seasons • part of a line that has accumulated 300 yards of total offense in a AINSLIE school-record 27 straight games heading into 2005 • his blocks aided tailbacks Marion Barber III and Laurence Maroney in becoming the first players in NCAA history to each rush for 1,000 Offensive Tackle yards in consecutive seasons (2003 & 2004) • helped the offense establish a school-record Sr.-5/Sr. • 6-7 • 310 sixth consecutive season with a 1,000-yard rusher by blocking for two 1,000-yard tailbacks in 2003 and 2004 • participated in 806 plays • earned second letter. Minnetonka, Minn. Hopkins High School 78 2003 • FRESHMAN SEASON: Played in all 13 games, making six starts at right tackle, including the final five contests • team was 5-1 and averaged 524.2 yards in his six starts • contributed to One of the Gophers’ most experienced returning offensive lineman whose leadership will be an offense that led the Big Ten in all of the following categories and finished third nationally in GOPHERS invaluable to a revamped offensive line • made the move from left tackle to right tackle during rush offense (289.2 ypg), fourth nationally in total offense (494.6 ypg), and seventh in the COACHES spring practice • returns to the starting lineup after battling injury much of last season • a con- NCAA in scoring offense (38.7) • helped the team set eight single-season offensive records REVIEW sistent performer who possesses all of the physical and mental tools to become one of the including total offense (6,430), rushing offense (3,759), rushing touchdowns (46), scoring (503 HISTORY dominant lineman in the Big Ten • mild-mannered off the field but a fierce competitor once the / 38.7 ppg), touchdowns (66), yards-per-play (6.6), 500-yard games (7) and 200-yard rushing MEDIA pads are on • the Gophers’ tallest returning player at 6’ 7”. games (11) • part of a line that yielded just 16 sacks in 13 games, which was the least in the Big Ten • made first career start at Northwestern (10/4) • participated in 597 plays • earned CAREER NOTES: Has started 18 of the 31 games in which he has played over the past three sea- first letter. sons. 2002: Redshirted • scholar-athlete award winner. 2005 • JUNIOR SEASON: Played in six games and started one (at Tulsa, 9/1) • missed five games HIGH SCHOOL: after being injured during the first quarter of the Tulsa game • helped lead the Gophers to an A graduate of Hopkins High School (Minn.) • high school coach was Ken average of 494.8 yards of total offense per game in 2005, which ranked seventh in the nation, McDonald • all-state, all-area and all-city award winner in 2001 • listed as a top recruit in the was the highest average in school history and ranked third all-time in Big Ten history for aver- state of Minnesota in Tom Lemming’s Prep Football Report • earned two letters at both offen- age yards per game in a season • part of the Gophers’ rushing offense which ranked third in sive and defensive tackle • also threw shot put for the track team • holds the school’s best the country and first in the Big Ten, averaging 273.1 yards per game, the second-highest aver- throw over 50 feet. age in school history and the seventh-highest average in Big Ten history • unequalled in pro- PERSONAL: tecting the quarterback as the Gophers allowed three sacks, the fewest allowed in the Big Ten Sociology major • son of Mike and Kate Ainslie • born February 1, 1984. 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 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 players each rush for 1,000 yards in three consecutive seasons • contributed 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 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) • participated in 51 plays • earned third letter.

2004 • SOPHOMORE SEASON: Played in all 12 games, starting 11 at tackle • did not start at Michigan State (10/23) • helped the Gophers average 438.3 yards of total offense, which ranked third- best in the Big Ten, 15th in the nation and was the second-highest average in school history • Minnesota’s 256.8 rushing yards per game led the Big Ten, ranked fifth nationally and repre- sented the second-highest average in school history • part of an offensive line that allowed just nine sacks in 12 games, the second-best mark in the Big Ten and the fewest at Minnesota since 1970 • helped Minnesota average 6.3 yards per play, the second-highest average in school his- tory, and 5.4 yards per rush, the school’s second-best average all-time • part of an offense that Joe AINSLIE

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

NEEL TRUMAINE ALLEN BANKS Defensive Tackle Free Safety Sr./Jr. • 6-3 • 285 Sr.-5/Sr. • 5-11 • 190

Marietta, Ga. Columbus, Ohio Lassiter High School 98 Eastmoor Academy 4

Will compete with Eric Clark for the starting left tackle position • gained valuable experience After establishing himself as one of the top cornerbacks in the conference over the last three sea- playing behind All-Big Ten performer and Washington Redskins draft choice Anthony sons, made the position switch from cornerback to free safety during spring practice to give the GOPHERS Montgomery the last few seasons • will look to assert himself more with increased playing time Gophers more depth and athleticism in the defensive secondary • position switch will allow him to COACHES this year. read opposing offenses and utilize his aggressiveness to make big plays • his experience will be REVIEW valuable to a young Gopher defense • one of only three seniors on the defensive side of the ball. HISTORY MEDIA 2005 • SOPHOMORE SEASON: Played in 10 games, tallying 10 tackles (six solo) and two pass breakups • Game-by-Game: had three tackles (two solo) and one pass breakup in season opener CAREER NOTES: Has started every one of the 34 games he has played in his career • has registered against Tulsa (9/1) • had a pass breakup against Colorado State (9/10) • played a career-high 158 tackles (129 solo) with four interceptions and 29 pass breakups • 29 career pass breakups 33 plays against Florida Atlantic (9/17), recording three tackles (two solo) • assisted on one ranks fourth in school history • needs two more to tie the school record currently shared by tackle against Purdue (9/24) • recorded two tackles (one solo) at Penn State (10/1) • had one Michael Lehan (1999-2002) and Ukee Dozier (2001-2004). solo tackle against Iowa (11/19) • participated in 123 plays • earned first letter. 2005 • JUNIOR SEASON: Honorable mention All-Big Ten selection by the media • finished the season 2004 • FRESHMAN SEASON: Played in seven games, tallying two tackles • Game-by-Game: was in on a third in the Big Ten and tied for 22nd nationally in passes defended at 1.17 per game • led the con- season-high 18 plays against Toledo (9/4) in the season opener • had a solo tackle against ference with 13 pass breakups • 13 pass breakups ranks fourth on school’s single-season record Toledo (9/4) and at Michigan State (10/16) • participated in 51 plays. list • Game-by-Game: recorded four tackles and forced first career fumble at Tulsa (9/1) • tallied a pass breakup and three solo tackles vs. Colorado State (9/10) • recorded first interception of the season 2003: Redshirted • joined the team for spring practices prior to the 2003 season. and one pass breakup vs. Florida Atlantic (9/17) • registered four tackles including one tackle-for- loss and two pass breakups against Purdue (9/24) • recorded five tackles (four solo) and one pass HIGH SCHOOL: A 2002 graduate of Lassiter High School (Ga.) • high school coach was Jerry breakup against Penn State (10/1) • registered five tackles, all solo, with one tackle-for-loss against Mahon • tallied 131 tackles, including 96 solos during his senior season • registered eight sacks Michigan (10/8) • tied a career-high with 11 tackles (nine solo) and had a career-best two tackles- and two forced fumbles in 2001 • was an all-conference and all-county selection three times from for-loss against Wisconsin (10/15) • set a career-high with three pass breakups against Ohio State 1999-2001 • lettered in football three times • three-year letterwinner in wrestling as a heavyweight (10/29) • recorded five tackles (four solo) and had one pass breakup against Indiana (11/5) • made • all-state wrestler in 2001 and 2002 • 2001 member of “Who’s Who of High School Students.” four solo stops against Michigan State (11/12) • recorded seven tackles (six solo) and had a pass breakup against Iowa (12/19) • recorded four tackles, all solo, and one pass breakup against PERSONAL: History major • son of Myra West-Allen and DeWayne Allen • born July 2, 1984. Virginia in the Music City Bowl (12/30) • participated in 925 plays • earned third letter.

ALLEN’S CAREER STATISTICS 2004 • SOPHOMORE SEASON: Played in 10 of 12 games with 10 starts • missed the Illinois (10/23) u DEFENSIVE and Indiana (10/30) games due to injury • had 45 tackles, including 36 solo stops • had two inter- Year ...... G/GS . . . . .Solo . . . . .Asst . . . . .Total...... TFL...... INT . . .PBU . . . .FR . . . .FF . . .SACKS ceptions and one tackle-for-loss • his nine pass break-ups were second-best on the squad and Game-by-Game 2004 ...... 7/0 ...... 2 ...... 0 ...... 2 ...... 0-0 . . . . .0 . . . .0 . . . .0 . . . .0 . . . .0-0 tied for 10th in single-season school history • : had four solo tackles in season open- 2005 ...... 10/0 ...... 6 ...... 4 ...... 10 ...... 0-0 . . . . .0 . . . .2 . . . .0 . . . .0 . . . .0-0 er vs. Toledo (9/4) • had a season-high eight solo tackles against Illinois State (9/11) • had an Totals . . . . .17/0 ...... 8 ...... 4 ...... 12 ...... 0-0 . . . . .0 . . . .2 . . . .0 . . . .0 ...... 0 interception return of 20 yards and two pass breakups against the Redbirds • intercepted his sec- ond pass of the season the following week at Colorado State (9/18) and also had three tackles ALLEN’S GAME DEFENSIVE BESTS and two pass breakups • tallied four tackles and one pass breakup vs. Northwestern (9/25) • had Tackles ...... 3 . . .vs. Florida Atlantic ...... 9-17-2005 three tackles and two pass break-ups vs. Penn State (10/2) • had a season-high 10 tackles, ...... 3 . . .at Tulsa ...... 9-1-2005 including six solo stops, at Michigan (10/9) • registered eight tackles, including six solo stops, in Pass Breakups ...... 1 . . .vs. Colorado State ...... 9-10-2005 his return to the lineup at Wisconsin (11/6) • finished with three tackles (two solos) in regular sea- ...... 1 . . .at Tulsa ...... 9-1-2005 son finale vs. Iowa (11/13) • had one tackle against Alabama in the Music City Bowl (12/31) • par- ticipated in 722 plays • earned second letter.

2003 • FRESHMAN SEASON: Named to The Sporting News Freshman All-America Second Team and The Sporting News Big Ten All-Freshman Team • started 12 games at cornerback • ranked sev- enth on the team in tackles with 56 stops, including 42 solos • his seven pass breakups ranked second on the squad • Game-by-Game: had five tackles (two solo) in first career start against Tulsa Neel ALLEN (8/30) • had first career interception at Ohio (9/13) • recorded career-high nine tackles and a pass breakup at Penn State (9/27) • finished with five tackles (three solo) and a pass breakup vs. Michigan (10/10) • had a team-leading 11 tackles, including nine solo, against Michigan State (10/18) • collected five tackles and a pass break-up at Illinois (10/25) • had four tackles with a pass breakup vs. Indiana (11/1) • recorded four tackles vs. Wisconsin (11/8) • had three solo stops and

Trumaine BANKS

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

a tackle-for-loss of three yards at Iowa (11/15) • participated in 922 plays • earned first letter. DOMINIQUE 2002: Redshirted. HIGH SCHOOL: A graduate of Eastmoor Academy (Ohio) • high school coach was Ronnie Brown • BARBER Redzone "Top 50 Players in the Nation" list member • SuperPrep Top 25 for Central Ohio • honor roll student and two-way athlete • earned all-conference honors as both a wide receiver and a defen- Free Safety sive back • named all-state and first team all-district in 2000 and 2001 • made 85 receptions for near- Jr./Jr. • 6-0 • 210 ly 1,500 yards in his career • caught 32 touchdowns in his four seasons • recorded 196 tackles - 115 solo in his career • made 21 interceptions, forced 11 fumbles and recovered six • school’s all-time Plymouth, Minn. interception leader • Ohio North vs. South All-Star game nominee • returned 19 punts and kicks for Wayzata High School 23 nearly 1,400 yards and four scores in his career • named an All-Agonis Dispatch All-Star as a return- er • team’s MVP in 2000 and 2001 • also an all-city member of the track team. Moved from strong safety to free safety during spring practice • will compete with Trumaine GOPHERS Banks for the starting free safety position • intelligent player who has continued to develop his COACHES PERSONAL: Business and marketing education major • son of Greg and Sherrie Banks • born physical skills and will look to make more plays in 2006. REVIEW January 12, 1984. HISTORY CAREER NOTES: Has appeared in 21 games during his career. MEDIA BANKS’ CAREER STATISTICS Year ...... G/GS . . . . .Solo . . . . .Asst . . . . .Total...... TFL...... INT . . .PBU . . . .FR . . . .FF . . .SACKS 2005 • SOPHOMORE SEASON: Appeared in all 12 games, finishing the season with 13 tackles (10 2003 . . . . .12/12 . . . . .42 . . . . .14 ...... 56 ...... 1-3 . . . . .1 . . . .7 . . . .0 . . . .0 . . . .0-0 solo) and a blocked punt • Game-by-Game: blocked first punt of his career against Colorado State 2004 . . . . .10/10 . . . . .36 ...... 9 ...... 45 ...... 1-1 . . . . .2 . . . .9 . . . .0 . . . .0 . . . .0-0 (9/10), which resulted in a touchdown by Alex Daniels • recorded two solo tackles against 2005 . . . . .12/12 . . . . .51 ...... 6 ...... 57 . . . . .4-10 . . . . .1 . . .13 . . . .0 . . . .1 . . . .0-0 Florida Atlantic (9/17) • recorded four tackles (two solo) against Penn State (10/1) • played a Totals . . . .34/34 . . . .129 . . . . .29 . . . . .158 . . . . .6-14 . . . . .4 . . .29 . . . .0 . . . .1 . . . .0-0 career-high 77 plays against the Nittany Lions after replacing an injured Brandon Owens early in the second quarter • recorded a solo tackle vs. Ohio State (10/29) • made two tackles (one BANKS’ GAME DEFENSIVE BESTS solo) against Michigan State (11/12) • recorded one solo tackle against Iowa (11/19) • recorded Tackles ...... 11 . . .twice, last vs. Wisconsin ...... 10-15-2005 three tackles, all solo, against Virginia in the Music City Bowl (12/30) • participated in 300 plays Pass Breakups ...... 3 . . .vs. Ohio State ...... 10-29-2005 • earned second letter. Interceptions ...... 1 . . .four times, last vs. Florida Atlantic. . . .9-17-2005 Tackles for Loss ...... 2 . . .vs. Wisconsin ...... 10-15-2005 2004 • FRESHMAN SEASON: Played in nine games, recording four tackles (two solo) and one pass Forced Fumbles ...... 1 . . .at Tulsa ...... 9-1-2005 breakup • joined Robert McGarry and Gary Russell as the only Gophers to letter as true fresh- men • also kept a family tradition by lettering as a true freshman, which his father, Marion Jr. BANKS’ GAME-BY-GAME STATISTICS (1977-80) and brother, Marion III (2001-04), also accomplished • Game-by-Game: earned first u GAME-BY-GAME 2005 career tackle against Illinois (10/23) • tallied first career pass breakup at Indiana (10/30) • had Solo Asst Total TFL INT PBU FR FF SACK a career-high two tackles against Iowa (11/13) • recorded one tackle vs. Alabama in the Music at Tulsa 4 0 4 0-0 0 0 0 1 0-0 City Bowl (12/31) • participated in 104 plays • earned first letter. Colorado State 3 0 3 0-0 0 1 0 0 0-0 Florida Atlantic 1 0 1 0-0 1 1 0 0 0-0 HIGH SCHOOL: A 2004 graduate of Wayzata High School (Minn.) • high school coach was Brad Purdue 4 0 4 1-5 0 2 0 0 0-0 Anderson • ranked as the 42nd-best player at his position in 2003 by Rivals • selected for the at Penn State 4 1 5 0-0 0 1 0 0 0-0 SuperPrep Midwest Team, ranked as the 58th-best player • selected as a PrepStar All-Midwest at Michigan 5 0 5 1-2 0 0 0 0 0-0 Region choice • named all-state and all-county his senior season at defensive back and was an Wisconsin 9 2 11 2-3 0 2 0 0 0-0 all-conference and all-area selection his senior season at running back • tallied one intercep- Ohio State 3 1 4 0-0 0 3 0 0 0-0 tion, which he returned for a touchdown in 2003 • rushed for 911 yards on 138 carries with nine at Indiana 4 1 5 0-0 0 1 0 0 0-0 scores last season, while also recording 25 catches for 288 yards with three touchdowns • also Michigan State 4 0 4 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 lettered twice in hockey and once in baseball. at Iowa 6 1 7 0-0 0 1 0 0 0-0 Virginia (Music City) 4 0 4 0-0 0 1 0 0 0-0 PERSONAL: Majoring in communication studies • son of Marion and Karen Barber • father, Marion Total 51 6 57 4-10 1 13 0 1 0 Jr., is a former NFL and All-Big Ten running back for the Gophers and brother, Marion III, played running back for the Gophers from 2001-04 and currently plays for the Dallas Cowboys after u GAME-BY-GAME 2004 being selected in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft • born August 2, 1986. Solo Asst Total TFL INT PBU FR FF SACK Toledo 4 0 4 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 Dominique BARBER Illinois State 8 0 8 1-1 1 2 0 0 0-0 at Colorado State 3 0 3 0-0 1 2 0 0 0-0 Northwestern 3 1 4 0-0 0 1 0 0 0-0 Penn State 2 1 3 0-0 0 2 0 0 0-0 at Michigan 6 4 10 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 at Michigan State 1 0 1 0-0 0 1 0 0 0-0 Illinois did not play (injured) at Indiana did not play (injured) at Wisconsin 6 2 8 0-0 0 1 0 0 0-0 Iowa 2 1 3 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 vs. Alabama (Music City) 1 0 1 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 Total 36 9 45 1-1 2 9 0 0 0-0

u GAME-BY-GAME 2003 Solo Asst Total TFL INT PBU FR FF SACK Tulsa 2 3 5 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 Troy State 2 0 2 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 at Ohio 2 0 2 0-0 1 1 0 0 0-0 UL Lafayette 1 0 1 0-0 0 1 0 0 0-0 at Penn State 6 3 9 0-0 0 1 0 0 0-0 at Northwestern 4 1 5 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 Michigan 3 2 5 0-0 0 1 0 0 0-0 Michigan State 9 2 11 0-0 0 1 0 0 0-0 at Illinois 4 1 5 0-0 0 1 0 0 0-0 Indiana 3 1 4 0-0 0 1 0 0 0-0 Wisconsin 3 1 4 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 at Iowa 3 0 3 1-3 0 0 0 0 0-0 vs. Oregon (Sun) did not play Total 42 14 56 1-3 1 7 0 0 0-0 54 U NIVERSITY OF M INNESOT A F OOTBALL 2006 G OPHER P ROFILES

BARBER’S CAREER STATISTICS ONY Year ...... G/GS . . . . .Solo . . . . .Asst . . . . .Total...... TFL...... INT . . .PBU . . . .FR . . . .FF . . .SACKS T 2004 ...... 9/0 ...... 2 ...... 2 ...... 4 ...... 0-0 . . . . .0 . . . .1 . . . .0 . . . .0 . . . .0-0 2005 ...... 12/0 . . . . .10 ...... 3 ...... 13 ...... 0-0 . . . . .0 . . . .0 . . . .0 . . . .0 . . . .0-0 Total ...... 21/0 . . . . .12 ...... 5 ...... 17 ...... 0-0 . . . . .0 . . . .1 . . . .0 . . . .0 . . . .0-0 BRINKHAUS Center/Offensive Guard BARBER’S GAME DEFENSIVE BESTS Sr./Jr. • 6-3 • 295 Tackles ...... 4 . . .at Penn State ...... 10-1-2005 Bloomington, Minn. Pass Breakups ...... 1 . . .at Indiana ...... 10-30-2004 Bloomington Jefferson High School 77 Blocked Punt ...... 1 . . .vs. Colorado State ...... 9-10-2005

BARBER’S GAME-BY-GAME STATISTICS Replaces All-American Greg Eslinger at center after starting all 12 games at right tackle last season • won the battle for the starting center position during spring practice and will anchor GAME-BY-GAME 2005 GOPHERS u the Gophers’ revamped offensive line this year • his blue-collar style has made the transition to COACHES Solo Asst Total TFL INT PBU FR FF SACK a new position an easy one • an intense and enthusiastic competitor, he has embraced the REVIEW at Tulsa 0 0 0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 challenge of being one of Minnesota’s offensive leaders in 2006 • one of the top returning line- HISTORY Colorado State 0 0 0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 men in the conference, he will become a household name this year. MEDIA Florida Atlantic 2 0 2 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 Purdue 0 0 0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 CAREER NOTES: Has started 13 of 23 games played during his career. at Penn State 2 2 4 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 at Michigan 0 0 0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 2005 • SOPHOMORE SEASON: Started all 12 games at right tackle • honorable-mention All-Big Ten Wisconsin 0 0 0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 selection by the coaches and the media • named to the College Football News Sophomore All- Ohio State 1 0 1 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 America Team • joined Mike Nicholson, Steve Shidell and Matt Spaeth as the only Gophers to at Indiana 0 0 0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 participate in at least 1,000 plays • helped lead the Gophers to an average of 494.8 yards of Michigan State 1 1 2 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 total offense per game in 2005, which ranked seventh in the nation, was the highest average at Iowa 1 0 1 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 in school history, and ranked third all-time in Big Ten history for average yards per game in a Virginia (Music City) 3 0 3 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 season • part of the Gophers’ rushing offense which ranked third in the country and first in the Total 10 3 13 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 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 accumu- lated 300 yards of total offense in a school-record 31 straight games and 38 of the the past 39 games • key component in an offense that scored 56 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 2,000 yards the past seven seasons • helped the Gophers become the first team in NCAA history to have two players each rush for 1,000 yards in three consecutive seasons • contributed 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 Minnesota became the first school in Big Ten history to have three different running backs earn Big Ten Player of the Week hon- ors in the same season (Laurence Maroney, Gary Russell and Amir Pinnix) • Academic All-Big Ten selection • scholar-athlete award winner • participated in 1,015 plays • earned second let- ter.

2004 • FRESHMAN SEASON: Appeared in 11 games, drawing one start at Michigan State (10/16) • helped the Gophers average 438.3 yards of total offense, which ranked third-best in the Big Ten, 15th in the nation and was the second-highest average in school history • Minnesota’s 256.8 rushing yards per game led the Big Ten, ranked fifth nationally and represented the sec- Tony BRINKHAUS ond-highest average in school history • part of an offensive line that allowed just nine sacks in 12 games, the third-best mark in the Big Ten and the fewest at Minnesota since 1970 • helped Minnesota average 6.3 yards per play, the second-highest average in school history, and 5.4 yards per rush, the school’s second-best average all-time • part of an offense that averaged 30.1 points a game, the fifth-highest total in school history • key component of a Gopher team that scored 47 touchdowns, the third most in school history • part of an offense that accumulat- ed 300 yards of total offense in a school-record 27 straight games heading into 2005 • his blocks aided tailbacks Marion Barber III and Laurence Maroney in becoming the first players in NCAA history to each rush for 1,000 yards in consecutive seasons (2003 & 2004) • helped the offense establish a school-record sixth consecutive season with a 1,000-yard rusher by block- ing for two 1,000-yard tailbacks in 2003 and 2004 • Academic All-Big Ten selection • scholar- athlete award winner • participated in 194 plays • earned first letter.

2003: Redshirted • scholar-athlete award winner.

HIGH SCHOOL: A 2003 graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School (Minn.) • high school coach was former Gopher Jon Leverenz • was all-city, all-county, all-conference and all-area twice • earned all-state recognition once • in 29 games, registered 180 career tackles, including 102 solos, 42 tackles-for-loss and 16 sacks • also forced five career fumbles and had three career fumble recoveries • had 72 tackles his senior season with 42 solos • also had 18 tackle-for-loss and eight sacks with two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery in 2002 • earned three letters in football at defensive tackle • three-year letterwinner in track and two-time all-conference hon- orable mention selection • threw the shot 52 feet and the discus 151 feet his junior season • also lettered in basketball.

PERSONAL: Communication studies major • son of Richard and Mary Brinkhaus • born March 26, 1985.

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

WILLIAM BRYLEE BRODY CALLENDER Defensive End Running Back Jr./So. • 6-4 • 245 Jr./Jr. • 6-0 • 205

Garfield Heights, Ohio Lakeville, Minn. Benedictine High School 65 Feather River JC/Lakeville High School 20

Enters the season listed second on the depth chart at left defensive end and will compete for Enters the fall as the Gophers’ No. 2 running back • possesses a tremendous blend of speed,

GOPHERS playing time this year • has continued to improve and developed his strength each year with power and toughness • expected to contribute immediately in the running game and on kick- COACHES the program. off returns • joined the team during spring practice and was one of the stars of the spring game, REVIEW scoring three touchdowns • returns to Minnesota to fulfill a lifelong dream of playing for the HISTORY 2005 • FRESHMAN SEASON: Did not play. Gophers after spending two years away from home. MEDIA 2004: Redshirted • scholar-athlete award winner. 2004-05: Ranked the eighth-best running back and 81st-best player overall among the College Football News Junior College Top 100 • named to the 2005 Region I All-California First Team HIGH SCHOOL: A 2004 graduate of Benedictine High School (Ohio) • high school coach was Art • 2005 Mid-Empire All-Conference selection • rushed for 647 yards and nine touchdowns • also Bortnick • first-team all-state his senior season • was also an all-city, all-county and all-area caught 24 passes for 527 yards and five touchdowns • team captain and MVP in 2005 • high- selection in 2003 • named to the “Best of the Best” Northeast Ohio Team • totaled 29 career light of the season was a 121-yard, one touchdown performance in a win over Sierra College sacks • registered 100 tackles, 13 sacks, five tackles-for-loss, three pass breakups, three which snapped their 37-game winning streak, the third longest ever in community college foot- forced fumbles and one interception his senior year at defensive end • helped lead Benedictine ball • helped lead the Golden Eagles to a 7-4 record and an appearance in the Silicon Valley to a 14-1 record and state championship his senior season • also lettered twice in basketball Bowl • head coach was Rob Cushman. as a forward. HIGH SCHOOL: A 2004 graduate of Lakeville High School • high school coach was Larry PERSONAL: Undecided on major • nephew of Jim and Cheryl Carcioppolo • born December 28, Thompson • named to the Associated Press and Pioneer Press All-State Team and the Star 1985. Tribune All-Metro Team in 2003 • named Mr. Football in the State of Minnesota in 2003 • all- state and all-conference his senior year • rushed 266 times for 2,132 yards and 40 touchdowns in leading the Panthers to a 14-0 record and the Class 5A state championship his senior year • capped off his high school career with a 226-yard, two touchdown performance in the state championship after rushing 22 times for 266 yards in the state semifinals.

PERSONAL: Plans to major in business and marketing education • son of Troy and Traci Friedges • born September 20, 1985.

BRAD JOHN BULTMAN CARLSON Center Linebacker Sr./Jr. • 6-1 • 280 Jr./So. • 6-2 • 220

Green Bay, Wis. Wayzata, Minn. Ashwaubenon High School 55 Hopkins High School 16

Backup offensive lineman who will add depth at center • gained valuable experience learning Made the position switch from strong safety to will linebacker during the offseason • versatile from All-America center Greg Eslinger the last two seasons. player who will add depth to the linebacking corps • possesses great athletic ability which made him one of the Gophers’ top prospects from their 2004 recruiting class. 2005 • SOPHOMORE SEASON: Saw action in three games, earning snaps at Tulsa (9/1) and against Colorado State (9/10) and Florida Atlantic (9/17) • scholar-athlete award winner • participat- 2005 • FRESHMAN SEASON: Did not play • moved from quarterack to safety prior to the start of the ed in 11 plays. season • scholar-athlete award winner.

2004 • FRESHMAN SEASON: Did not play • scholar-athlete award winner. 2004: Redshirted • scholar-athlete award winner • got a head start on playing with the Gophers by graduating high school early and participating in 2004 spring practices. 2003: Did not compete • walk-on • scholar-athlete award winner. HIGH SCHOOL: A 2003 graduate of Hopkins High School (Minn.) • high school coach was Ken HIGH SCHOOL: A 2003 graduate of Ashwaubenon High School (Wis.) • high school coach was McDonald • selected as a PrepStar All-American • ranked the 19th-best dual-threat quarter- Ken Golomski • was a 2002 all-state, all-area, all-county and all-city selection • was twice back in the nation by Rivals • ranked the 17th-best quarterback in the nation by ESPN’s Tom named all-conference (2002, 2001) • lists winning two state football championships and post- Lemming • selected for the SuperPrep Midwest Team, ranked as the 40th-best player • was an ing a 37-3 record over three years as his most memorable sports moments • also lettered all-state selection and was a three-time all-conference performer • threw for 5,500 yards and three times in track and twice in basketball • honor roll student and member of National Honor 43 touchdowns in his career, completing 60 percent of his passes • also rushed for 1,650 yards Society. in his career with 29 touchdowns • A-roll honor student • also lettered and was an all-confer- ence performer in track. PERSONAL: Sport studies major • son of Steve and Donna Bultman • born February 4, 1985. PERSONAL: Housing studies major • son of David and Jan Carlson • born April 16, 1985.

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

MIKE PATRICK CHAMBERS CHENEY Wide Receiver Linebacker So./Fr. • 6-1 • 190 Sr./Jr. • 6-2 • 225

Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio Shoreview, Minn. Walsh-Jesuit High School 12 Mounds View High School 57

One of the Gophers’ talented up-and-coming wide receivers who will see significant playing Enters the fall listed second on the depth chart at drop linebacker and will compete for increased time behind Logan Payne and Ernie Wheelwright this year • one of the Gophers’ most impres- playing time after establishing himself as a dependable back-up last season • has earned the GOPHERS sive performers during spring practice • caught five passes for 87 yards and one touchdown in praise of the coaching staff for his work ethic and attitude and is trusted to play in any situation COACHES the spring game • looks to continue his progression and play a vital role in the Gophers’ pass- • brings a physical presence to the defense and comes to work every day with a willingness to REVIEW ing game for the next few seasons. learn and improve. HISTORY MEDIA 2005: Redshirted. 2005 • SOPHOMORE SEASON: Appeared in all 12 games with a career-high 13 plays at Penn State (10/1) • Academic All-Big Ten selection • scholar-athlete award winner • participated in 107 plays • earned HIGH SCHOOL: A 2005 graduate of Walsh-Jesuit High School (Ohio) • high school coach was Gerry first letter. Rardin • ranked as the 66th-best athlete in the country by Rivals • named to the Cleveland Plain Dealer All-Star Football Team as a senior • was a two-time all-city, all-conference and all-coun- 2004 • FRESHMAN SEASON: Played in five games, totaling two solo tackles • earned playing time against ty selection • was named to the 2004 Associated Press Division III All-Ohio First Team • named Toledo (9/4), Illinois State (9/11), at Colorado State (9/18), Northwestern (9/25) and Illinois (10/23) • all-state his senior season after catching 70 passes for 1,494 yards (21.3 avg.) with 15 touch- Game-by-Game: had solo tackles against Toledo and Northwestern • scholar-athlete award winner • downs and also recording three interceptions, returning two for scores • had 44 receptions for participated in 24 plays. 823 yards on offense and six interceptions on defense in 2003 • three-year letterwinner and all- district performer in track. 2003: Redshirted • walk-on • scholar-athlete award winner.

PERSONAL: Plans to major in biology • son of Pleas Chambers and Marsha McMurdo • born June HIGH SCHOOL: A 2003 graduate of Mounds View High School • high school coach was Jim Galvin 26, 1986. • accumulated 169 tackles (99 solo) with one interception his senior season • was an all-state and all-metro selection his senior year and was a two-time all conference selection (2002, 2001) • also participated in basketball • National Honor Society member.

PERSONAL: Psychology major • son of Mike and Mary Pat Cheney • born November 2, 1984.

CHENEY’S CAREER STATISTICS Year ...... G/GS . . . . .Solo . . . . .Asst . . . . .Total...... TFL...... INT . . .PBU . . . .FR . . . .FF . . .SACKS 2004 ...... 5/0 ...... 2 ...... 0 ...... 2 ...... 0-0 . . . . .0 . . . .0 . . . .0 . . . .0 . . . .0-0 2005 ...... 12/0 ...... 0 ...... 0 ...... 0 ...... 0-0 . . . . .0 . . . .0 . . . .0 . . . .0 . . . .0-0 Totals . . . . .17/0 ...... 2 ...... 0 ...... 2 ...... 0-0 . . . . .0 . . . .0 . . . .0 . . . .0 . . . .0-0

Patrick CHENEY

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

recorded a solo tackle and a five-yard sack, as well as a pass breakup and a fumble recovery vs. ERIC Troy State (9/6) • tallied a career-high two tackles against Louisiana-Lafayette (9/20) • had a pair of solo stops against Michigan State (10/18) • collected two tackles (one solo) at Illinois (10/25) • CLARK made two solo tackles at Iowa (11/15) • participated in 485 plays • earned first letter. 2002: Defensive Tackle Redshirted • earned Defensive Demo Award. Sr-5/Sr. • 6-4 • 270 HIGH SCHOOL: A 2002 graduate of Tampa Bay Tech Senior High School (Fla.) • high school coach was John Colbert • three-year starter at offensive tackle and defensive end • three-time All- Tampa, Fla. Western Conference athlete • all-county honorable mention his junior season • second team all- Tampa Bay Tech High School 90 county his senior season • participant in the Hillsboro County East vs. West All-Star game • led Tampa Tech to district championship in 2000 and Western Conference Championship in 2001 • Will compete for the starting spot at left tackle after being a steady contributor over the last recorded 32 tackles, including seven tackles-for-loss and two sacks in his senior campaign • GOPHERS three seasons • versatile player who moved from end to tackle during spring practice, making also tallied 10 quarterback pressures, five knockdowns and blocked an extra point • member of COACHES the Gophers’ more athletic across the entire defensive front • one of the most talented defen- the basketball team his sophomore and junior seasons. REVIEW sive linemen on the team, he has the ability to create problems on the inside for opposing HISTORY offenses • one of only three seniors on the defensive side of the ball for Minnesota. PERSONAL: Business and marketing education major • son of Anthony and Nancy Clark • born July MEDIA 28, 1984. CAREER NOTES: Has tallied 32 tackles (23 solo) with six tackles-for-loss, three sacks, four pass breakups and a fumble recovery during his career • has started 10 of the 30 games in which CLARK’S CAREER STATISTICS he has appeared. Year ...... G . . . . .Solo . . . . .Asst . . . . .Total...... TFL...... INT . . .PBU . . . .FR . . . .FF . . .SACKS 2003 ...... 12/4 . . . . .10 ...... 3 ...... 13 . . .2.5-12 . . . . .0 . . . .1 . . . .1 . . . .0 . . . .1-5 2005 • JUNIOR SEASON: Appeared in seven games, including one start • had four tackles, a tack- 2004 ...... 11/5 . . . . .11 ...... 4 ...... 15 . . . . .3-18 . . . . .0 . . . .1 . . . .0 . . . .0 . . .2-17 Game-by-Game: le-for-loss and two pass breakups • had one tackle against both Florida Atlantic 2005 ...... 7/1 ...... 2 ...... 2 ...... 4 . . . .0.5-1 . . . . .0 . . . .2 . . . .0 . . . .0 . . . .0-0 (9/17) and Purdue (9/24) • recorded two tackles, a tackle-for-loss and a pass breakup against Totals . . . .30/10 . . . . .23 ...... 9 ...... 32 . . .6.0-31 . . . . .0 . . . .4 . . . .1 . . . .0 . . .3-22 Penn State (10/1) • added a pass breakup against Michigan State (11/12) • participated in 114 plays • earned third letter. CLARK’S GAME DEFENSIVE BESTS Tackles ...... 5 . . .at Michigan ...... 10-9-2004 2004 • SOPHOMORE SEASON: Appeared in 11 games with five starts at defensive end • had 15 tack- Tackles For Loss ...... 1.5 . . .vs. Tulsa ...... 8-30-2003 les with 11 solo stops • also had three tackles-for-loss, two sacks and one pass breakup • Game- Sacks ...... 1 . . .three times, last vs. Illinois ...... 10-23-2004 by-Game: had three tackles vs. Toledo (9/4) • registered two solo stops, a pass breakup and one Pass Breakups ...... 1 . . .twice, last vs. Michigan State ...... 11-12-2005 sack for eight yards in win vs. Illinois State (9/11) • registered a career-high five tackles at CLARK’S GAME-BY-GAME STATISTICS Michigan (10/9) • collected solo stops at Michigan State (10/16) and vs. Illinois (10/23) • totaled three solo tackles at Indiana (10/30) • participated in 442 plays • earned second letter. u GAME-BY-GAME 2005 Solo Asst Total TFL INT PBU FR FF SACK 2003 • FRESHMAN SEASON: Played in 12 games • started four of the final six games • had 13 tack- at Tulsa did not play les, including 2.5 tackles-for-loss, a five-yard sack, one pass breakup and a fumble recovery • Colorado State 0 0 0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 Game-by-Game: had two tackles and 1.5 tackles-for-loss in the season opener vs. Tulsa (8/30) • Florida Atlantic 1 0 1 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 Purdue 1 0 1 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 at Penn State 0 2 2 0.5-1 0 1 0 0 0-0 at Michigan did not play Wisconsin did not play Ohio State did not play at Indiana 0 0 0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 Michigan State 0 0 0 0-0 0 1 0 0 0-0 at Iowa 0 0 0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 Virginia (Music City) did not play Total 2 2 4 0.5-1 0 2 0 0 0-0

Eric CLARK u GAME-BY-GAME 2004 Solo Asst Total TFL INT PBU FR FF SACK Toledo 1 2 3 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 Illinois State 2 0 2 1-8 0 1 0 0 1-8 at Colorado State 0 0 0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 Northwestern 0 0 0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 Penn State 0 0 0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 at Michigan 3 2 5 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 at Michigan State 1 0 1 1-1 0 0 0 0 0-0 Illinois 1 0 1 1-9 0 0 0 0 1-9 at Indiana 3 0 3 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 at Wisconsin 0 0 0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 Iowa 0 0 0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 vs. Alabama (Music City) did not play Total 11 4 15 3-18 0 1 0 0 2-17

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vs. Colorado State (9/10) • connected with Jared Ellerson for a 54-yard touchdown against the BRYAN Rams • completed 10-of-17 passes for 230 yards and two touchdowns vs. Florida Atlantic (9/17) • connected with Ellerson for a 56-yard touchdown against the Owls • completed 22-of-35 pass- es (62.8%) for a career-high three touchdowns in the Big Ten opener against Purdue (9/24) • CUPITO connected with Ellerson for a 53-yard reception against the Boilermakers • completed 16-of-28 passes (57.1%) for 174 yards and one touchdown against Penn State (10/1) • connected with Quarterback Ernie Wheelwright for a 48-yard touchdown pass and also ran for a season-high 16 yards on six Sr.-5/Sr. • 6-3 • 205 carries against the Nittany Lions • completed 11-of-23 passes for 139 yards and one touchdown against Michigan (10/8) • also ran for eight yards on the ground before leaving the game in the Cincinnati, Ohio fourth quarter because of injury • did not play against Wisconsin (10/15) due to injury • set McNicholas High School 3 career-highs with 26 completions and 396 passing yards against Ohio State (10/29) • 396 yards passing was the most in a single game since Cory Sauter’s 397 vs. Ball State in 1996 • complet- Senior signal-caller who will take it upon himself to carry the Gophers’ offense this year • his intel- ed 16-of-26 passes for 225 yards and a touchdown against Indiana (11/5) • had two touchdowns ligence, savvy and experience are the perfect combination to make him one of the elite quarter- on 8-of-13 passing for 123 yards against Michigan State (11/12) • matched his career-best of 26 GOPHERS backs in the Big Ten • proved last season that the Gophers can be more than just a running team completions on a career-high 46 attempts against Iowa (11/19) • threw for 315 yards against the COACHES • cool customer who seems to save his best performances for the biggest games • meets every Hawkeyes • threw for 263 yards on 18-of-28 passing with a career-high four touchdowns against REVIEW challenge head-on and has the poise to make big plays at crucial times • will etch his place in the Virginia in the Music City Bowl (12/30) • connected with Ellerson for a 57-yard touchdown pass HISTORY school record books this season as one of the greatest quarterbacks in school history. in the second quarter and again in the fourth quarter on a 23-yarder • threw two first-quarter MEDIA touchdown passes to Justin Valentine (seven yards) and Wheelwright (44 yards) • participated CAREER NOTES: Ranks sixth on the school’s career passing yards list (4,627), eighth in passing in 843 plays • earned third letter. attempts (559), seventh for passing completions (299) and fourth in touchdown passes (33) • started 18 straight games before missing the Wisconsin game (10/15) due to injury. 2004 • SOPHOMORE SEASON: Started all 12 games at quarterback • completed 123-of-261 pass attempts for 2,097 yards • threw 14 touchdown passes against just seven interceptions • had four 2005 • JUNIOR SEASON: Finished fourth in the Big Ten Conference in passing yards per game (230.0) touchdown passes of 50 yards or more and two of 80 yards or more • ranked sixth in the Big Ten • was fifth in the league and 21st nationally in pass efficiency (145.9) • ranked among the school’s in passing efficiency at 127.0 • averaged 174.8 passing yards per game, which ranked sixth in the all-time best for single-season passing yards (2,530, 3rd), attempts (297, 9th), completions (176, Big Ten • threw at least one touchdown pass in nine of 12 games • Game-by-Game: completed 10-of- 8th) and touchdown passes (19, 2nd) • Game-by-Game: Completed 14-of-25 passes for 235 yards 12 passes for 279 yards and a touchdown in season opener vs. Toledo (9/4) • connected with Ernie and a touchdown at Tulsa (9/1) • completed 9-of-21 passes for 159 yards and two touchdowns Wheelwright for 42 yards for his first career touchdown pass • his 306.13 passing efficiency rating against Toledo was the third-highest in the nation • completed 10-of-22 passes for 204 yards and two touchdowns against Illinois State (9/11) • connected with Wheelwright for an 80-yard touch- down against the Redbirds • completed 12-of-21 passes for 144 yards and two touchdowns in a win at Colorado State (9/18) • threw two more touchdowns on 12-of-21 passing for 155 yards in win vs. Northwestern (9/25) • connected with Paris Hamilton on a 50-yard touchdown pass against the Wildcats • threw for 156 yards and a 26-yard touchdown pass to Jared Ellerson at Michigan (10/9) • had a career-long 14-yard run vs. the Wolverines • threw two touchdowns, including a 58- yard touchdown strike to Wheelwright, at Michigan State (10/16) • also connected for a 35-yard score to Wheelwright vs. the Spartans • completed 10-of-21 passes for 247 yards and a touchdown against Illinois (10/23) • completed a career-long 82-yard touchdown pass to Hamilton in the third quarter against Illinois • threw two touchdown passes at Indiana (10/30) • completed 17-of-33 pass- es for 258 yards and a touchdown at Wisconsin (11/6) • went 9-for-16 for 73 yards in regular sea- son finale vs. Iowa (11/13) • left Music City Bowl against Alabama (12/31) with an injury, but returned to help lead the Gophers to a 20-16 victory • participated in 856 plays • earned second letter.

2003 • FRESHMAN SEASON: Handled the holding duties for field goals and extra-point attempts and served as the third-string quarterback • attempted his first career pass late in the Louisiana- Lafayette game (9/20) • participated in 104 plays • earned first letter.

2002: Redshirted.

HIGH SCHOOL: Bryan CUPITO A 2002 graduate of McNicholas High School in Cincinnati, Ohio • high school coach was John Rodenberg • three-year letterwinner at quarterback and free safety • team recorded a 23-12 overall record, including three consecutive playoff appearances • ranked as the 32nd-best pro-style quarterback in the country by Rivals.com • all-state honoree that holds countless school passing records, including most TDs in a game (6), most TDs in a regular season (34) and most TDs in a career (92 – state record) • also holds the second-highest completion percentage for a season in school history at 59.9 percent • amassed nearly 8,400 passing yards in his career – the most in school history • threw for 3,850 yards and 45 scores his senior season • rushed for seven touchdowns and more than 500 yards his senior year • had impressive performance at Ohio All- Star Classic, throwing for 101 yards and two long touchdown passes • three-time member of the all-area, all-conference and all-city teams • also named the Player of the Year on each team as a senior.

PERSONAL: Business and marketing education major • son of Steve and Erin Cupito • born June 29, 1984 • brother, Brad, played football at Indiana • father, Steve, played football at Louisville • grandfather, Joe Cupito, played for the Chicago Cubs. CUPITO’S CAREER STATISTICS u PASSING Year ...... G/GS . . . . .Att. . . . .Comp...... Pct...... Yds...... TD . . . .Int. 2003 ...... 13/0 ...... 1 ...... 0 . . . ..000 ...... 0 . . . . .0 . . . .0 2004 . . . . .12/12 . . . .261 . . . .123 . . . ..471 . . . .2,097 . . . .14 . . . .7 2005 . . . . .11/11 . . . .297 . . . .176 . . . ..593 . . . .2,530 . . . .19 . . . .9 Totals . . . .36/23 . . . .559 . . . .299 . . . ..535 . . . .4,627 . . . .33 . . .16

u RUSHING Year ...... G/GS ...... Att...... Yds...... Avg...... TD . . . .Long 2003 ...... 13/0 ...... 0 ...... 0 . . . . .0.0 . . . . .0 ...... 0 2004 . . . . .12/12 . . . . .29 . . . . .42 . . . . .1.4 . . . . .0 . . . . .14 2005 . . . . .11/11 . . . . .24 . . . . .30 . . . . .1.3 . . . . .0 ...... 8 Totals . . . .36/23 . . . . .53 . . . . .72 . . . . .1.4 . . . . .0 . . . . .14 59 U NIVERSITY OF M INNESOTA F OOTBALL 2006 G OPHER P R OFILES

CUPITO’S GAME OFFENSIVE BESTS Passing Yards ...... 396 . . .vs. Ohio State ...... 10-29-2005 ALEX Pass Attempts ...... 46 . . .at Iowa ...... 11-19-2005 Completions ...... 26 . . .twice, last at Iowa ...... 11-19-2005 Passing Touchdowns ...... 4 . . .vs. Virginia (Music City)...... 12-30-2005 DANIELS Long Pass ...... 82t . . .vs. Illinois ...... 10-23-2004 Rushing Yards ...... 16 . . .at Penn State ...... 10-1-2005 Linebacker Rushing Attempts ...... 6 . . .twice, last at Penn State ...... 10-1-2005 So./So. • 6-3 • 255 Long Rush ...... 14 . . .at Michigan ...... 10-9-2004 Columbus, Ohio CUPITO’S GAME-BY-GAME STATISTICS Brookhaven High School 6 u GAME-BY-GAME 2005 PASSING RUSHING u u Will compete for a spot in the starting lineup after a solid first season in which he was one of Att Comp Yds Pct. TD Int Att Yds Avg TD Long GOPHERS only three true freshmen to earn a letter last year • one of the best overall athletes on the team COACHES at Tulsa 25 14 235 .560 1 1 3 -17 -5.7 0 0 with a good combination of size and speed • added size and strength will help him shed block- REVIEW Colorado State 21 9 159 .429 2 1 2 4 2.0 0 2 ers and establish himself as one of the top young linebackers in the conference. HISTORY Florida Atlantic 17 10 230 .588 2 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 MEDIA Purdue 35 22 271 .628 3 3 5 0 0.0 0 5 2005 • FRESHMAN SEASON: Played in 12 games, finishing with 14 tackles (10 solo) and a forced at Penn State 28 16 174 .571 1 1 6 16 2.7 0 8 fumble • joined Steve Davis and Dominic Jones as the only true freshmen to earn a letter • at Michigan 23 11 139 .478 1 0 1 8 8.0 0 8 Game-by-Game: had two tackles, both solo, and a forced fumble in season opener against Tulsa Wisconsin did not play (injured) (9/1) • added two more tackles (one solo) against Colorado State (9/10) • had a season-high Ohio State 35 26 396 .743 1 0 1 2 2.0 0 2 five tackles (three solo) against Florida Atlantic (9/17) • recorded one solo tackle against Penn at Indiana 26 16 225 .615 1 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 State (10/1) • had three tackles (two solo) against Wisconsin (10/15) • had one solo tackle Michigan State 13 8 123 .615 2 0 3 11 3.7 0 7 against Michigan State (11/12) • participated in 177 plays • earned first letter. at Iowa 46 26 315 .565 1 2 1 4 4.0 0 4 Virginia (Music City) 28 18 263 .643 4 1 2 2 1.0 0 2 HIGH SCHOOL: A 2005 graduate of Brookhaven High School in Columbus, Ohio • high school Total 297 176 2,530 .593 19 9 24 30 1.3 0 8 coach was Tom Blake • ranked as a four-star performer and the 11th-best athlete in the nation by Rivals • named the 16th-best linebacker in the nation and the 108th-best overall player by GAME-BY-GAME 2004 u College Football News • selected to the SuperPrep Midwest Team, ranked as the 26th-best u PASSING u RUSHING Att Comp Yds Pct. TD Int Att Yds Avg TD Long player and listed as the 36th-best defensive back in the nation • ranked as the 10th-best safe- ty in the nation by Scout.com • selected as a PrepStar All-Midwest Region performer • named Toledo 12 10 279 .833 1 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 to Ohio News Network All-Ohio Team • two-time all-city selection and was a 2004 all-confer- Illinois State 22 10 204 .455 2 0 2 4 2.0 0 11 ence, all-area and all-state choice • made 100 tackles with five sacks, three forced fumbles and at Colorado State 21 12 144 .571 2 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 two fumble recoveries in leading his team to 2004 state title • also intercepted three passes, Northwestern 21 12 155 .571 2 0 2 13 6.5 0 7 returning two for touchdowns • Super Honor Roll student and National Honor Society member. Penn State 18 8 113 .444 0 1 4 15 3.8 0 10 at Michigan 22 8 156 .364 1 0 5 8 1.6 0 14 PERSONAL: Undecided on major • son of Peggy Daniels • came to the Gophers with Brookhaven at Michigan State 33 11 211 .333 2 2 5 -5 -1.0 0 12 teammates Dominic Jones and Keith Massey • born November 27, 1986. Illinois 21 10 247 .476 1 0 3 -1 -0.3 0 5 at Indiana 30 11 182 .367 2 1 0 0 0.0 0 0 DANIELS’ CAREER STATISTICS at Wisconsin 33 17 258 .515 1 0 2 -6 -3.0 0 3 Year ...... G/GS . . . . .Solo . . . . .Asst . . . . .Total...... TFL...... INT . . .PBU . . . .FR . . . .FF . . .SACKS Iowa 16 9 73 .563 0 2 6 14 2.3 0 9 2005 ...... 12/0 . . . . .10 ...... 4 ...... 14 ...... 0-0 . . . .0-0 . . .0-0 . . .0-0 . . . .1 . . . .0-0 vs. Alabama (Music City) 12 5 75 .416 0 1 0 0 0.0 0 0 Totals . . . . .12/0 . . . . .10 ...... 4 ...... 14 ...... 0-0 . . . .0-0 . . .0-0 . . .0-0 . . . .1 . . . .0-0 Total 261 123 2,097 .471 14 7 29 42 1.4 0 14 DANIELS’ GAME DEFENSIVE BESTS Tackles ...... 5 . . .vs. Florida Atlantic ...... 9-17-2005 Forced Fumbles ...... 1 . . .at Tulsa ...... 9-1-2005 DANIELS’ GAME-BY-GAME STATISTICS u GAME-BY-GAME 2005 Solo Asst Total TFL INT PBU FR FF SACK Alex DANIELS at Tulsa 2 0 2 0-0 0 0 0 1 0-0 Colorado State 1 1 2 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 Florida Atlantic 3 2 5 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 Purdue 0 0 0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 at Penn State 1 0 1 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 at Michigan 0 0 0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 Wisconsin 2 1 3 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 Ohio State 0 0 0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 at Indiana 0 0 0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 Michigan State 1 0 1 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 at Iowa 0 0 0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 Virginia (Music City) 0 0 0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 Total 10 4 14 0-0 0 0 0 1 0-0

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

DAVIS’ GAME DEFENSIVE BESTS STEVE Tackles ...... 5 . . .three times, last at Michigan ...... 10-8-2005 Tackles For Loss ...... 3 . . .vs. Florida Atlantic ...... 9-17-2005 Sacks ...... 2 . . .twice, last at Michigan ...... 10-8-2005 DAVIS Pass Breakups ...... 1 . . .at Penn State ...... 10-1-2005 Defensive End DAVIS’ GAME-BY-GAME STATISTICS So./So. • 6-2 • 235 u GAME-BY-GAME 2005 Solo Asst Total TFL INT PBU FR FF SACKS St. Louis, Mo. at Tulsa 1 1 2 1-9 0 0 0 0 0-0 McCluer North High School 92 Colorado State 1 1 2 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 Florida Atlantic 4 0 4 3-10 0 0 0 0 2-7 Burst onto the scene and established himself as one of the top young defensive ends in the Purdue 4 1 5 1-11 0 0 0 0 1-11 nation last year • wasted no time cracking the starting lineup and was one of only three true fresh- at Penn State 2 3 5 0-0 0 1 0 0 0-0 GOPHERS man to earn a letter • supremely talented pass rusher who can wreak havoc on the outside • calm at Michigan 4 1 5 2-16 0 0 0 0 2-16 COACHES and collected off the field but possesses a motor that never quits once he puts the pads on. Wisconsin 0 3 3 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 REVIEW Ohio State 3 1 4 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 HISTORY MEDIA CAREER NOTES: Started first nine games as a true freshman before missing the Michigan State at Indiana 3 0 3 2-3 0 0 0 0 1-1 game due to injury • returned to the starting lineup against Virginia in the Music City Bowl. Michigan State did not play (injured) at Iowa 1 0 1 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 2005 • FRESHMAN SEASON: Appeared in 11 of 12 games as a true freshman with 10 starts • finished Virginia (Music City) 1 2 3 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 the season with 37 tackles (24 solo), nine tackles-for-loss, six quarterback sacks and a pass Total 24 13 37 9-49 0 1 0 0 6-35 breakup • six sacks were the most on the team and ninth most in the Big Ten • tied with John Shevlin for the team-lead in tackles-for-loss with nine • honorable-mention All-Big Ten choice by the media • named to the Sporting News Big Ten All-Freshman Team • named to the College Football News Freshman All-America Team • Game-by-Game: had two tackles against Tulsa (9/1) in ERIC season-opener, including first career tackle-for-loss • recorded two tackles (one solo) in victory over Colorado State (9/10) • had four solo tackles, including three tackles-for-loss and two sacks against Florida Atlantic (9/17) • recorded first and second career sacks against the Owls • regis- DECKER tered a career-high five tackles including one sack for a loss of 11 yards against Purdue (9/24) • matched his career high of five tackles (two solo) and recorded first career pass breakup against Wide Receiver Penn State (10/1) • notched five tackles (four solo) with two sacks against Michigan (10/8) • So./Fr. • 6-2 • 210 assisted on three tackles vs. Wisconsin (10/15) • recorded four tackles (three solo) against Ohio State (10/29) • tallied three solo tackles including two tackles-for-loss and a sack vs. Indiana Cold Spring, Minn. (11/5) • did not play against Michigan State (11/12) due to injury • made one solo stop against Rocori High School 7 Iowa (11/19) • posted three tackles (one solo) against Virginia in the Music City Bowl (12/30) • scholar-athlete award winner • participated in 555 plays • earned first letter. One of the Gophers’ talented up-and-coming wideouts who has great speed and athleticism • possesses a fearlessness to run any route and gives a complete effort every time out • has the HIGH SCHOOL: A 2005 graduate of McCluer North High School • high school coach was Jim potential to be one of the Gophers’ breakout players in 2006 • will be a valuable backup at wide Schottmueller • ranked as the 47th-best outside linebacker in the country and the second-best receiver this season • switched his jersey number from No. 14 to No. 7. overall linebacker in Missouri by Rivals • selected to the SuperPrep Midlands Team, ranked as the 37th-best player and fifth-best defensive end • named to the PrepStar All-Midlands Region 2005: Redshirted. Team • named first-team all-state by the St. Louis Post Dispatch his junior and senior seasons and was also a two-time all-city and all-conference selection • earned Defensive Player of the HIGH SCHOOL: A 2005 graduate of Rocori High School (Minn.) • high school coach was Rick Year honors at McCluer North in 2004 • registered 123 tackles, 12 sacks, eight tackles-for-loss Theisen • selected to the SuperPrep Midwest Team, ranked as the 14th-best receiver • named and three forced fumbles in 2004 • Honor Roll student and member of the National Honor Society to the PrepStar All-Midwest Region Team • was a first-team selection on the 2004 Minnesota and student. Associated Press All-State Football Team • two-time all-state, all-conference, all-area and all- section performer • named Rocori’s team MVP the past two seasons • caught 62 passes for PERSONAL: Plans to major in graphic design • son of Gail and Steven Davis • born January 15, 1,017 yards with 15 touchdowns last season • had 2,156 receiving yards with 28 touchdowns 1987. for his career • was also all-conference, all-section and all-area in both basketball and base- ball • member of the National Honor Society and all-state academic team. DAVIS’ CAREER STATISTICS Year ...... G/GS . . . . .Solo . . . . .Asst . . . . .Total...... TFL...... INT . . .PBU . . . .FR . . . .FF . . .SACKS PERSONAL: Undecided on major • son of Tom Decker and Sue Meyer • born March 15, 1987. 2005 . . . . .11/10 . . . . .24 . . . . .13 ...... 37 . . . . .9-49 . . . . .0 . . . .1 . . . .0 . . . .0 . . .6-35 Totals . . . .11/10 . . . . .24 . . . . .13 ...... 37 . . . . .9-49 . . . . .0 . . . .1 . . . .0 . . . .0 . . .6-35

Steve DAVIS

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

MATT MIKE DEGEEST FRANKBERG Offensive Tackle Quarterback Jr./So. • 6-5 • 275 Sr./Sr. • 6-0 • 190

Harrisburg, S.D. Detroit Lakes, Minn. Harrisburg High School 79 Detroit Lakes High School 11

Enters the 2006 season as the backup at right tackle • spent much of last season learning Intelligent signal-caller with a great attitude • got a taste of Division I football during the 2006 GOPHERS the zone blocking scheme and adjusting to the intricacies of the position after moving from spring game • has translated being a great student in the classroom into being a heady quar- COACHES defensive end to offensive tackle late in his first season • will provide depth on the Gophers’ terback on the field • focused on the task at hand and well prepared for any situation. REVIEW revamped offensive line. HISTORY 2005 • JUNIOR SEASON: Joined the team during the spring season as a walk-on • did not play • MEDIA 2005 • FRESHMAN SEASON: Saw action in three games • was in on a season-high seven snaps scholar-athlete award winer. against Florida Atlantic (9/17) • participated in 11 plays. 2003-2004: Did not compete. 2004: Redshirted. HIGH SCHOOL: A 2002 graduate of Detroit Lakes High School (Minn.) • high school coach was HIGH SCHOOL: A 2004 graduate of Harrisburg High School (S.D.) • high school coach was Scott Flint Motschenbacher • was an all-section selection in 2002 • helped lead Detroit Lakes to the Ebert • earned honorable mention recognition on the Gatorade All-America team • selected state championship in 2001. as a PrepStar All-Midlands Region performer • three-year letterwinner, who was an all-con- ference and all-area selection in 2003 • tallied 100 tackles with five sacks and eight tackles- PERSONAL: Civil engineering major • son of George and Margie Frankberg • born December 17, for-loss in his career • honor roll student • a four-year letterwinner and all-conference stand- 1984 • served as a team manager before walking on with the Gophers. out in basketball • also lettered in track.

PERSONAL: Plans to major in business and marketing education • son of Scott and Sandy DeGeest • born June 27, 1985.

JEREMY FAUE Fullback Sr./Jr. • 5-11 • 230

Hamel, Minn. Wayzata High School 49

Experienced backup at fullback who will do whatever the coaches ask of him • has been praised for his unselfishness and the effort he brings to the field every day • has good strength and a willingness to stick his nose into the action • switched his jersey number from No. 34 to No. 49.

2005 • SOPHOMORE SEASON: Played in eight games • was in on a career-high 17 plays against Florida Atlantic (9/17) • was in for 10 plays in each game against Purdue (9/24), Penn State (10/1) and Wisconsin (10/15) • Big Ten All-Academic selection • scholar-athlete award win- ner • participated in 73 plays • earned first letter.

2004 • FRESHMAN SEASON: Saw action in three games • was in on a season-high five snaps at Colorado State (9/18) • also played against Toledo (9/4) and Northwestern (9/25) • scholar- athlete award winner • participated in 10 plays.

2003: Redshirted • walk-on • scholar-athlete award winner.

HIGH SCHOOL: A 2003 graduate of Wayzata High School (Minn.) • high school coach was Brad Anderson • tallied 1,000 yards rushing with 14 touchdowns his senior season • registered 2,300 rushing yards with 32 touchdowns for his career • three-year letterwinner at running back leading his team to records of 12-2, 9-2 and 9-3 • was an all-conference selection his senior season • four-year all-conference performer and two-time state champ in track and a two-time all-conference selection in wrestling.

PERSONAL: Kinesiology major • son of Jerry and Jeanie Faue • born Dec. 21, 1984 • an avid outdoorsman who enjoys boating, fishing and hunting.

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

JASON BRODY GIANNINI GRANDAS Kicker Strong Safety Jr./So. • 5-9 • 185 Jr./So. • 5-11 • 190

Canton, Ohio Woodbury, Minn. Glen Oak High School 31 Cretin-Derham Hall High School 14

Will compete with Joel Monroe for the starting placekicking duties after holding the job much of Walk-on with a great attitude and work ethic • is willing to do whatever is asked of him by the last season • has proven he has a strong leg and the ability to make the big kick • should be more coaches • has been invaluable in giving the Gopher offense a great look at opposing defens- GOPHERS consistent with a year of experience under his belt. es as a top member of the team’s defensive demo team • no-nonsense player with good COACHES recognition skills. REVIEW 2005 • FRESHMAN SEASON: Appeared in 11 games, ending the season with 75 points on 13 field goals HISTORY 2005 • FRESHMAN SEASON: MEDIA and 36 extra points • Game-by-Game: scored first career point on PAT in the first quarter of season Did not play • earned the Defensive Demo Award for oustanding per- opener at Tulsa (9/1) • connected on field goal attempts of 28 and 23 yards and scored 10 points formance on the defensive demonstration team • scholar-athlete award winner. in the game against the Golden Hurricane • made a 37-yard field goal against Colorado State 2004: Redshirted • walk-on • scholar-athlete award winner. (9/10) • recorded 10 points against Florida Atlantic (9/17) to match his effort against Tulsa • con- nected on field goals of 44 and 35 yards and was 4-of-4 on extra points vs. Purdue (9/24) • con- HIGH SCHOOL: A 2003 graduate of Cretin-Derham Hall High School (Minn.) • high school coach verted 2-of-2 extra points against Penn State (10/1) • was perfect against Michigan (10/8), con- was Rich Kallok • all-conference selection his senior year • made 87 tackles, recovered two necting on field goals of 26, 29, and 30 yards, as well as 2-of-2 on PAT’s, for a career high 11 fumbles and had three interceptions his senior year • threw 10 touchdown passes and ran for points • hit 30-yard field goal with one second remaining to secure Gophers’ first win against five scores along with posting a 57 percent completion percentage his senior year • earned Michigan in 19 years • was named Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week for his perform- four letters as a strong safety and quarterback • also participated in baseball and track and ance at Michigan (10/8) • nailed a career-long 49-yard field goal against Wisconsin (10/15) • had field • qualified for the state track meet in the 400 meters. seven points against Ohio State (10/29), including 4-of-4 on PATs • converted a career-high five PATs against Michigan State (11/12) • converted 2-of-2 extra points against Iowa (11/19) • PERSONAL: Economics major • son of Bob and Mary Jo Grandas • born October 9, 1985 • father accounted for 10 points or more in five games in 2005 • participated in 137 plays • earned first played professional baseball for the Oakland Athletics • brother Bobby played linebacker for letter. the Gophers • lists beating St. Thomas Academy 42-17 his senior year as his most memorable sports moment. 2004: Redshirted • scholar-athlete award winner.

HIGH SCHOOL: A 2004 Graduate of Glen Oak (Ohio) High School • high school coach was Joe Jack Rose • was an all-Federal League, all-county, all-district and All-Ohio selection in 2004 • won the kicking contest at the annual Canton Repository Pro Football Hall of Fame East-West All-Star Football Game • three-time letterwinner in wrestling.

PERSONAL: Communication studies major • son of Tony and Sandy Giannini • born July 16, 1985. GIANNINI’S CAREER STATISTICS Year ...... G ...... FG . . . .1-19 . . .20-29 . . . . .30-39 . . . .40-49 . . .50+ . . .Lng . . .Blk . . . . .PAT . . . .PTS 2005 ...... 11 . .13-19 . . . .0-0 . . . .7-7 . . . . .4-8 . . . .2-3 . . .0-1 . . .49 . . . .0 . .36-44 . . .75 Totals . . . . .11 . .13-19 . . . .0-0 . . . .7-7 . . . . .4-8 . . . .2-3 . . .0-1 . . .49 . . . .0 . .36-44 . . .75

GIANNINI’S GAME KICKING BESTS Long Field Goal ...... 49 . . .vs. Wisconsin ...... 10-15-2005 Points ...... 11 . . .at Michigan ...... 10-8-2005 Field Goals Made ...... 3 . . .at Michigan ...... 10-8-2005 Field Goals Attempted ...... 3 . . .three times, last vs. Wisconsin . . . . .10-15-2005 PATs Made ...... 5 . . .vs. Michigan State ...... 11-12-2005 PATs Attempted ...... 6 . . .three times, last vs. Michigan State .11-12-2005 Jason GIANNINI GIANNINI’S GAME-BY-GAME STATISTICS u GAME-BY-GAME 2005 Kicking FG Long PAT PTS at Tulsa 2-2 28 4-4 10 Colorado State 1-1 37 3-6 6 Florida Atlantic 2-2 27 4-6 10 Purdue 2-3 44 4-4 10 at Penn State 0-1 0 2-2 2 at Michigan 3-3 30 2-2 11 Wisconsin 2-3 49 4-4 10 Ohio State 1-2 30 4-4 7 at Indiana 0-1 0 2-4 2 Michigan State 0-0 0 5-6 5 at Iowa 0-1 0 2-2 2 Virginia (Music City) did not play Total 13-19 49 36-44 75

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HARRIS’ GAME-BY-GAME STATISTICS JAMAL u GAME-BY-GAME 2005 Solo Asst Total TFL INT PBU FR FF SACK at Tulsa 2 1 3 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 HARRIS Colorado State 2 1 3 0-0 0 1 0 0 0-0 Cornerback Florida Atlantic 2 3 5 0.5-2 0 1 0 0 0-0 Purdue 5 1 6 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 Sr./Jr. • 6-0 • 185 at Penn State 4 2 6 0-0 0 4 0 0 0-0 at Michigan 2 0 2 0-0 0 1 0 0 0-0 Delray Beach, Fla. Atlantic High School 15 Wisconsin 2 1 3 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 Ohio State 5 2 7 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 at Indiana 2 1 3 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 Had a breakout season last year and established himself as the Gophers’ premier cover corne- Michigan State 3 4 7 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 GOPHERS back • has the confidence and ability to shut down the opposing team’s top receiver, which will at Iowa 5 4 9 0-0 0 1 0 0 0-0 COACHES allow the Gophers to utilize their athleticism and be more aggressive in the secondary • has a Virginia (Music City) 7 2 9 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 REVIEW short memory at corner and is always a threat to make the big play. Total 41 22 63 0.5-2 0 8 0 0 0-0 HISTORY MEDIA CAREER NOTES: Has started 15 of 23 career games played • has registered 83 tackles (55 solo) u GAME-BY-GAME 2004 with one interception and nine pass breakups during his career. Solo Asst Total TFL INT PBU FR FF SACK Toledo 2 0 2 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 2005 • SOPHOMORE SEASON: Started all 12 games, recording 63 tackles (41 solo), a half tackle-for- Illinois State 0 0 0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 loss and eight pass breakups • ranked third on the team in total tackles • Game-by-Game: record- at Colorado State 1 1 2 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 ed three tackles at Tulsa (9/1) • made three tackles and broke up a pass against Colorado State Northwestern 0 0 0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 (9/10) • made five tackles and had one pass breakup against Florida Atlantic (9/17) • recorded Penn State 0 0 0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 first career tackle-for-loss against the Owls • notched six tackles (five solo) against Purdue at Michigan 0 0 0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 (9/24) • registered six tackles (four solo) and set a career high with four pass breakups against at Michigan State 0 0 0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 Penn State (10/1) • his four pass breakups were the most in a single game since Mike Lehan’s Illinois 6 2 8 0-0 1 0 0 0 0-0 five against Wisconsin in 2001 • registered two tackles and had one pass breakup against at Indiana 3 0 3 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 Michigan (10/8) • recorded three tackles (two solo) against Wisconsin (10/15) • recorded seven at Wisconsin 0 0 0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 tackles (five solo) against Ohio State (10/29) • made two solo stops and had three total tackles Iowa 1 3 4 0-0 0 1 0 0 0-0 vs. Indiana (11/5) • recorded seven tackles (three solo) against Michigan State (11/12) • regis- vs. Alabama (Music City) 1 0 1 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 tered a career-high nine tackles (five solo) and had one pass breakup at Iowa (11/19) • equaled Total 14 6 20 0-0 1 1 0 0 0-0 his career high with nine tackles (seven solo) against Virginia in the Music City Bowl (12/30) • participated in 939 plays • earned second letter.

2004 • FRESHMAN SEASON: Made three starts and played in 11 of 12 games, missing only the game Jamal HARRIS at Michigan State (10/16) • recorded 20 tackles with one interception and a pass breakup on the season • Game-by-Game: made two solo tackles against Toledo (9/4) • had two tackles at Colorado State (9/18) • had career-high eight tackles and nabbed first interception of career in first career start against Illinois (10/23) • also made starts at Indiana (10/30) and vs. Iowa (11/13) • made three tackles against Indiana • had four tackles and broke up a pass against Iowa • par- ticipated in 331 plays • earned first letter.

2003: Redshirted.

HIGH SCHOOL: A 2003 graduate of Atlantic High School (Fla.) • high school coach was Keith Tillman • was a four-time all-county selection and was named all-area three times • was an all- conference choice his senior season • accumulated 108 tackles (65 solo) with 30 tackles-for- loss,10 interceptions and six forced fumbles his senior year • also lettered three times in bas- ketball as the point guard.

PERSONAL: Communication studies major • son of Monique Harris • born June 30, 1985 • nick- named “Hollywood.” HARRIS’ CAREER STATISTICS Year ...... G/GS . . . . .Solo . . . . .Asst . . . . .Total...... TFL...... INT . . .PBU . . . .FR . . . .FF . . .SACKS 2004 ...... 11/3 . . . . .14 ...... 6 ...... 20 ...... 0-0 . . . . .1 . . . .1 . . . .0 . . . .0 . . . .0-0 2005 . . . . .12/12 . . . . .41 . . . . .22 ...... 63 . . . .0.5-2 . . . . .0 . . . .8 . . . .0 . . . .0 . . . .0-0 Total . . . . .23/15 . . . . .55 . . . . .28 ...... 83 . . . .0.5-2 . . . . .1 . . . .9 . . . .0 . . . .0 . . . .0-0 HARRIS’ GAME DEFENSIVE BESTS Tackles ...... 9 . . .twice, last vs. Virginia (Music City) . .12-30-2005 Interceptions ...... 1 . . .vs. Illinois ...... 10-23-2004 Pass Breakups ...... 4 . . .at Penn State...... 10-1-2005 Tackles for Loss ...... 1 . . .vs. Florida Atlantic ...... 9-17-2005

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BLAKE THOMAS HAUDAN HENNESSEY Punter/Kicker Fullback So./Fr. • 6-0 • 200 So./Fr. • 5-11 • 215

Toledo, Ohio Somerset, Wis. St. John’s Jesuit High School 14 Somerset High School 44

Walk-on who will serve as a backup behind Justin Kucek at the punter position • became more Will provide depth at fullback behind veterans Justin Valentine and Jeremy Faue • hard-nosed consistent with additional reps in 2005 and still has potential to improve • switched his jersey player who definitely appreciates the laws of motion and is willing to use his body as a batter- GOPHERS number from No. 16 to No. 14. ing ram. COACHES REVIEW 2005: Redshirted • walk-on. 2005: Redshirted • walk-on • scholar-athlete award winner. HISTORY MEDIA HIGH SCHOOL: A 2005 graduate of St. John’s Jesuit High School in Toledo, Ohio • high school HIGH SCHOOL: A 2005 graduate of Somerset High School • high school coach was Bruce Larson coach was Doug Pearson • first-team All-State and All-District punter in 2004 and was named • first team All-State in 2004 • named all-conference and all-area in both his junior and senior All-City as both a punter and wide receiver • averaged 43.7 yards on 14 punts and converted year • helped lead his team to the state championship game in 2002 and 2004 • scored 67 29 PATs and four field goals during his senior season • also had three touchdown receptions touchdowns during his high school career • rushed for 2,556 yards and 36 touchdowns his sen- as a wide receiver for the Titans. ior year • also recorded three interceptions on the defensive side of the ball • also competed in hockey and track and field • was a state runner-up as a member of the 4x200 relay team in PERSONAL: Business and marketing education major • son of Jim and Michelle Haudan • born 2005 • graduated with a 3.85 GPA and was a member of the National Honor Society • recog- September 2, 1986. nized as the Freshman Gym Student of the Year.

PERSONAL: Biomedical engineering major • son of Dan and Gwen Hennessey • born May 25, REID 1987. HAVILAND Running Back So./Fr. • 5-9 • 180

Thief River Falls, Minn. Thief River Falls High School 26

Will compete for playing time as a backup running back • a coachable player with a solid work ethic.

2005: Redshirted • walk-on.

HIGH SCHOOL: A 2005 graduate of Thief River Falls High School • high school coach was Jeff Mumm • averaged 10.5 yards per carry his senior year • had a 90-yard kickoff return in a game against Duluth East • also competed in track and field, setting school records in the100-meter dash and as part of the 4x200-meter relay team • co-valedictorian of his graduating class and a member of the National Honor Society.

PERSONAL: Majoring in economics with a minor in business • son of Jim and Alicia Haviland • father Jim played defensive back for the Miami Hurricanes in the late 1960s • hobbies include playing the piano and saxophone • born September 16, 1986.

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DEON OTIS HIGHTOWER HUDSON Linebacker Offensive Guard Jr./So. • 6-3 • 210 So./Fr. • 6-5 • 310

Arlington, Texas Barrington, Ill. Mansfield Summit High School 44 Barrington High School 75

Slated as the backup at will linebacker behind John Shevlin • showed flashes of potential last Will compete with Ryan Ruckdashel and Nedward Tavale for the starting right guard spot • has GOPHERS season and is ready to become more of a factor in 2006 • had a solid performance during the the size to be effective against the best in the Big Ten • part of the Gophers’ revamped offensive COACHES spring season • intense, physical player who has shown the ability to punish opponents with a line in 2006. REVIEW big hit • has good speed and is a sure tackler who can close quickly. HISTORY 2005: Redshirted. MEDIA 2005 • FRESHMAN SEASON: Appeared in all 12 games, recording four tackles (one solo) and one half tackle-for-loss • recorded his first career tackle and tackle-for-loss on same play against Florida HIGH SCHOOL: A 2005 graduate of Barrington High School (Ill.) • high school coach was Joe Atlantic (9/17) • had one tackle against Wisconsin (10/15) • registered one solo tackle against Sanchez • was an all-conference and all-area performer his senior season • named to the Ohio State (10/29) • assisted on a tackle against Iowa (11/19) while participating in a season- Chicago Tribune’s Top 100 list • was also a four-year letterwinner in both basketball and track. high 19 plays • participated in 102 plays • earned first letter. PERSONAL: Undecided on major • son of Otis and Lottie Neal • born July 19, 1986. 2004: Redshirted. JOHN HIGH SCHOOL: Graduate of Mansfield Summit High School (Texas) • high school coach was Timothy Beck • was an all-city and all-area selection in 2003 • played in the Texas Coca-Cola All-Star Game • had 60 tackles, including 35 solos with four sacks, four pass breakups and JAKEL three forced fumbles his senior year • helped lead his team to a 9-2 record in 2003 • also par- ticipated in track • named academic all-district. Offensive Guard Sr./Jr. • 6-5 • 300 PERSONAL: Undecided on major • son of Dwight and Tosha Hightower • born May 14, 1986. Schofield, Wis. HIGHTOWER’S CAREER STATISTICS D.C. Everest High School 69 Year ...... G/GS . . . . .Solo . . . . .Asst . . . . .Total...... TFL...... INT . . .PBU . . . .FR . . . .FF . . .SACKS 2005 ...... 12/0 ...... 1 ...... 3 ...... 4 . . . .0.5-1 . . . . .0 . . . .0 . . . .0 . . . .0 . . . .0-0 Enters the 2006 season as the backup at left guard • has great size and ability and will Total ...... 12/0 ...... 1 ...... 3 ...... 4 . . . .0.5-1 . . . . .0 . . . .0 . . . .0 . . . .0 . . . .0-0 become more of a factor with experience • has spent the last few seasons learning the intri- HIGHTOWER’S GAME DEFENSIVE BESTS cacies of the zone blocking scheme • will provide valuable depth to the Gophers’ revamped offensive line. Tackles ...... 1 . . .four times, last at Iowa ...... 11-19-2005 Tackles for Loss ...... 1 . . .vs. Florida Atlantic ...... 9-17-2005 2005 • SOPHOMORE SEASON: Saw action in three games • was in on a season-high seven snaps against Florida Atlantic (9/17) • scholar-athlete award winner • participated in 11 plays.

2004 • FRESHMAN SEASON: Did not play • scholar-athlete award winner.

2003: Redshirted • scholar-athlete award winner.

HIGH SCHOOL: A 2003 graduate of D.C. Everest High School (Wis.) • high school coach was Wayne Steffenhagan • first-team All-Wisconsin Valley selection his senior year • also named to the Wisconsin Football Coach's Association All-State Team • Wisconsin Preps All-State choice in 2002 • graduate of same high school as former Gopher All-American punter Preston Gruening. Deon HIGHTOWER PERSONAL: Sport studies major • son of John and Deb Jakel • born June 30, 1984.

SCOTT JILEK Defensive Back Fr./Fr. • 5-11 • 190

Eden Prairie, Minn. Eden Prairie High School 27

Defensive back who joined the team during spring practice.

2005: Did not compete.

HIGH SCHOOL: A 2005 graduate of Eden Prairie High School • high school coach was Mike Grant • All-Lake Conference honorable mention as a linebacker in 2004 • also earned three letters in track and field, competing in the 200-meter, 400-meter and triple-jump.

PERSONAL: Majoring in business • son of Mike Jilek and Sheryll Friend • born November 5, 1986.

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JONES’ GAME-BY-GAME STATISTICS DOMINIC u GAME-BY-GAME 2005 Solo Asst Total TFL INT PBU FR FF SACK at Tulsa 3 1 4 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 JONES Colorado State 0 0 0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 Florida Atlantic 2 2 4 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 Strong Safety Purdue 1 0 1 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 So./So. • 5-8 • 190 at Penn State 1 0 1 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 at Michigan 4 2 6 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 Columbus, Ohio Wisconsin 2 1 3 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 Brookhaven High School 2 Ohio State 4 2 6 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 at Indiana 3 0 3 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 Has established himself as one of the top young players on the Gophers’ defense • one of the Michigan State 4 4 8 0.5-1 0 0 0 0 0-0 best overall athletes on the team, possessing a tremendous blend of strength and speed • high at Iowa 6 3 9 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 GOPHERS energy guy who approaches every snap with the intention of getting better • has earned the Virginia (Music City) 6 4 10 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 COACHES nickname “Mighty Mouse” from coaches and teammates for his small stature but superior play- Total 36 19 55 0.5-1 0 0 0 0 0-0 REVIEW making ability • one of only three true freshmen to earn a letter last season. HISTORY JONES’ GAME-BY-GAME PUNT RETURN STATISTICS MEDIA 2005 • FRESHMAN SEASON: Played in all 12 games, starting the last seven at strong safety following u GAME-BY-GAME 2005 an injury to Brandon Owens • finished sixth on the team with 55 tackles (36 solo), including one- Ret. Yds Avg. TD Long half tackle for loss • moved from cornerback to strong safety following the Penn State game and at Tulsa 1 2 2.0 0 2 made first collegiate start the next week at Michigan • returned 12 punts for 120 yards and one Colorado State 5 73 14.6 0 53 kickoff for 28 yards • Game-by-Game: Tallied four tackles in season opener at Tulsa (9/1) • had Florida Atlantic 2 35 17.5 0 31 career-long punt return of 53 yards against Colorado State (9/10) • recorded four tackles and Purdue 0 0 0.0 0 0 returned two punts for 35 yards against Florida Atlantic (9/17) • returned the first kick of his at Penn State 1 -4 -4.0 0 -4 career for 28 yards against the Owls • recorded one tackle against both Purdue (9/24) and Penn at Michigan 3 14 4.6 0 14 State (10/1) • registered six tackles (four solo) against Michigan (10/8) and also returned three Wisconsin 0 0 0.0 0 0 punts for 14 yards • started first game of his career at strong safety against the Wolverines • Ohio State 0 0 0.0 0 0 registered three tackles (two solo) in second career start against Wisconsin (10/15) • made six at Indiana 0 0 0.0 0 0 tackles (four solo) against Ohio State (10/29) • recorded three solo tackles against Indiana Michigan State 0 0 0.0 0 0 (11/5) • tallied eight tackles (four solo) against Michigan State (11/12), including the first tackle- at Iowa 0 0 0.0 0 0 for-loss of his career • recorded nine tackles (six solo) against Iowa (11/19) • had a career-high Virginia (Music City) 0 0 0.0 0 0 10 tackles (six solo) against Virginia in the Music City Bowl (12/30) • participated in 778 plays • Total 12 120 10.0 0 53 earned first letter.

HIGH SCHOOL: Graduate of Brookhaven High School in Columbus, Ohio • high school coach was Tom Blake • named to the CBS Sportsline All-America Team his senior season • ranked as the 45th-best cornerback in the nation and among the top 25 players in Ohio by Rivals • selected as a PrepStar All-Midwest Region performer • named the 2004 Ohio Division II Defensive Player of the Year • was a three-time all-city and all-conference selection and was all-area and all-state in 2003 and ’04 • set the school record for career interceptions with 28, including nine his sen- ior season • also recorded 186 tackles, 27 sacks, and 16 pass breakups during his career • Dominic JONES averaged 14.2 yards per punt return and 30.3 yards per kickoff return with 10 touchdown returns during his career • received the Blue Chip Award presented by the Ohio Touchdown Club • helped lead Brookhaven to the state championship in 2004 • Honor Roll student and a member of the National Honor Society.

PERSONAL: Undecided on major • son of Keith Jones and DaMona Lipsey • came to the Gophers with brother Keith Massey and Brookhaven teammate Alex Daniels • born January 18, 1987.

JONES’ CAREER STATISTICS u DEFENSIVE Year ...... G/GS . . . . .Solo . . . . .Asst . . . . .Total...... TFL...... INT . . .PBU . . . .FR . . . .FF . . .SACKS 2005 ...... 12/7 . . . . .36 . . . . .19 ...... 55 . . . .0.5-1 . . . . .0 . . . .0 . . . .0 . . . .0 . . . .0-0 Total ...... 12/7 . . . . .36 . . . . .19 ...... 55 . . . .0.5-1 . . . . .0 . . . .0 . . . .0 . . . .0 . . . .0-0 u PUNT RETURNS Year ...... G . . . . .Ret...... Yds. . . . .Avg. . . . .TD . . . .Long 2005 ...... 12 . . . .12 . . . .120 . .10.0 . . . .0 . . . .53 Total ...... 12 . . . .12 . . . .120 . .10.0 . . . .0 . . . .53

JONES’ PERSONAL BESTS Tackles ...... 10 . . .vs. Virginia (Music City) ...... 12-30-2005 Tackles For Loss ...... 0.5 . . .vs. Michigan State...... 11-12-2005 Punt returns ...... 5 . . .vs. Colorado State ...... 9-10-2005 Long punt return ...... 53 . . .vs. Colorado State ...... 9-10-2005 Long kick return ...... 28 . . .vs. Florida Atlantic ...... 9-17-2005

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

MICHAEL JUSTIN KASTEN KUCEK Wide Receiver Punter Jr./So. • 6-2 • 195 Jr./So. • 6-0 • 200

Plainview, Minn. Canfield, Ohio Plainview High School 87 Canfield High School 41

Will compete for playing time this year at wide receiver • has good size and sure hands • coach- Took over the punting duties last year and had a solid season • has a booming leg and should GOPHERS es appreciate the workmanlike approach he takes to each practice • switched his jersey num- be more consistent after a year of being battle-tested • easy-going player with a quiet confi- COACHES ber from No. 37 to No. 87. dence. REVIEW HISTORY 2005 • FRESHMAN SEASON: Did not play. 2005 • FRESHMAN SEASON: Appeared in all 12 games, averaging 39.4 yards per punt • placed eight MEDIA punts inside the 20-yard line • averaged 40.3 yards per punt in Big Ten competition • Game-by- 2004: Redshirted • walk-on • scholar-athlete award winner. Game: booted season-long punt of 55 yards on the first kick of his career at Tulsa (9/10) • also pinned two punts inside the 20-yard line in the season opener • punted twice for a total of 71 HIGH SCHOOL: A 2004 graduate of Plainview High School • high school coach was Bill Ihrke • an yards and pinned one punt inside the 20-yard line against Purdue (9/24) • punted four times for all-state selection at wide receiver in 2004 • all-conference wide receiver in 2003 and ‘04 • had 182 yards and a career high 45.5 yards per punt average against Penn State (10/1) • punted a 40 receptions for 773 yards and nine touchdowns his senior season • had nine interceptions his season-high five times for 195 yards with one punt inside the 20 against Michigan (10/8) • punt- senior year at free safety • earned three varsity letters and helped team post a 23-1 record dur- ed three times for 39.0 yards against Wisconsin (10/15) • narrowly missed his career-long with ing his junior and senior seasons • also played basketball and track and field • 2004 state cham- a 54-yard punt against Ohio State (10/29) • punted three times for 122 yards at Indiana (11/5) • pion in the 4x400 meter relay. had two punts for 80 yards against Michigan State (11/12) • punted four times for 167 yards at Iowa (11/19) • punted four times for a 37.3-yard average against Virginia in the Music City Bowl PERSONAL: Plans to major in sport studies • son of Leonard and Linda Kasten • born February 8, (12/30) • placed two punts inside the 20-yard line against the Cavaliers • appeared in 98 plays 1986 • lists winning the state football championship as his most memorable sports thrill • his hob- • earned first letter. bies include hunting and fishing. 2004: Redshirted • scholar-athlete award winner.

MATT HIGH SCHOOL: A 2004 graduate of Canfield (Ohio) High School • high school coach was Mike Pavlansky • received honorable-mention all-state recognition in 2002 and was a second-team selection in 2003 • twice named to the All-Northeast Ohio Team and a three-time all-conference KRUEGER choice • three-time all-conference selection • named Canfield’s Special Teams Most Valuable Player his last three seasons • averaged 42.3 yards per punt in 2003 with 27 punts for 1,142 yards, Offensive Tackle including a long of 56 yards • also lettered in baseball. So./Fr. • 6-5 • 260 PERSONAL: Business and marketing education major • son of Jack and Janice Kucek • born May 22, Maple Plain, Minn. 1985. Delano High School 60 KUCEK’S CAREER STATISTICS Will provide depth as a backup at offensive tackle • versatile lineman who can play either the Year ...... G . . . .NO...... YDS . . . . .AVG . . . . .LONG . . . . .BLK . . . .I20 . . . . .TB . . . . .FC guard or tackle position • tenacious lineman who will improve with increased repetitions • 2005 ...... 12 . . . .37 . .1,456 . . . .39.4 ...... 55 ...... 1 . . . . .8 . . . . .0 . . . .7 switched his jersey number from No. 63 to No. 60. Total ...... 12 . . . .37 . .1,456 . . . .39.4 ...... 55 ...... 1 . . . . .8 . . . . .0 . . . .7

2005: Redshirted • walk-on. KUCEK’S GAME PUNTING BESTS Punts ...... 5 . . .at Michigan ...... 10-8-2005 HIGH SCHOOL: A 2005 graduate of Delano High School • high school coach was Merrill Pavlovich Yards ...... 195 . . .at Michigan ...... 10-8-2005 • Wright County All-Conference and team’s most valuable offensive lineman his senior year • Average ...... 45.5 . . .at Penn State ...... 10-1-2005 accumulated 113 tackles, 53 solo, nine tackles for loss, six sacks, two forced fumbles and one Long Punt ...... 55 . . .at Tulsa ...... 9-1-2005 fumble recovery on the defensive side of the ball during his high school career • earned 11 Punts Inside 20 ...... 2 . . .twice, last vs. Virginia (Music City) . .12-30-2005 letters total during his high school career, five in football and two each in basketball, track and field and golf • was a captain of the track and field team his senior year. KUCEK’S GAME-BY-GAME STATISTICS u GAME-BY-GAME 2005 PERSONAL: Political science major • son of Mike and Jacqui Krueger • high school teammate of Punting linebacker Nate Triplett • can be found playing the guitar in his free time • born May 15, 1987. NO. YDS AVG. Long In20 at Tulsa 3 117 39.0 55 2 Justin KUCEK Colorado State 2 71 35.5 38 0 Florida Atlantic 1 32 32.0 32 0 Purdue 2 71 35.5 46 1 at Penn State 4 182 45.5 49 0 at Michigan 5 195 39.0 50 1 Wisconsin 3 117 39.0 45 1 Ohio State 4 153 38.3 54 0 at Indiana 3 122 40.7 43 1 Michigan State 2 80 40.0 41 0 at Iowa 4 167 41.8 48 0 Virginia (Music City) 4 149 37.3 40 2 Total 37 1,456 39.4 55 8

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

BEN MIKE KUZNIA MACIEJOWSKI Wide Receiver Quarterback So./Fr. • 6-0 • 190 Jr./So. • 6-3 • 215

Olivia, Minn. Columbus, Ohio BOLD High School 32 Upper Arlington High School 19

Multi-talented athlete who will compete for playing time and provide depth at wide receiver • Has made tremendous strides in his first two years with the program • very coachable player has a willingness to do the little things that make the team better • does not understand the who has gained a solid grasp of the offensive system • a natural leader who is very capable GOPHERS meaning of the word “quit.” of running the offense • has good size and a strong arm. COACHES REVIEW 2005: Redshirted • walk-on. 2005 • FRESHMAN SEASON: Saw action in three games as the No. 3 quarterback • played a sea- HISTORY son-high seven snaps against Florida Atlantic. MEDIA HIGH SCHOOL: A 2005 graduate of BOLD High School • high school coach was Steve Solem • first team all-state selection at defensive back and honorable mention as a punt returner and 2004: Redshirted • scholar-athlete award winner. quarterback in 2004 • finalist for the Mr. Football award • all-conference and all-area in both his junior and senior year • 212 Conference defensive back of the year in 2004 • helped lead HIGH SCHOOL: A 2004 graduate of Upper Arlington High School (Ohio) • high school coach was his team to four consecutive state tournament appearances • also competed in basketball, Darrell Mayne • selected as a PrepStar All-Midwest Region choice • named to the SuperPrep track and field and baseball • was twice named all-conference in baseball and once in basket- Midwest Team • three-time all-city, all-conference and all-area selection • was an all-county ball • also earned Academic All-State recognition in 2005. selection in 2002 and 2003 • set a school record for career passing yards with 4,600 • passed for 1,700 yards on 131-of-206 passing with 17 touchdowns his senior season • also rushed for PERSONAL: Undecided on major • son of Curt and Fay Kuznia • born August 27, 1986. 300 yards and three scores • accumulated 1,900 yards and 22 touchdowns passes during his junior campaign • Honor Roll student.

PERSONAL: Business and marketing education major • son of Ron and Lindy Maciejowski • father, Ron, lettered at Ohio State and later played for the Chicago Bears and Cincinnati Bengals • born December 15, 1985. DREW Mike MACIEJOWSKI LECHNER Punter Jr./So. • 6-2 • 210

Sauk Rapids, Minn. Sartell High School 15

Will compete for the backup punter position with Blake Haudan.

2005 • FRESHMAN SEASON: Walk-on • did not play • joined the team during spring practice.

2004: Did not compete.

HIGH SCHOOL: A 2004 graduate of Sauk Rapids High School (Minn.) • high school coach was John Ross • was an honorable mention all-area performer his senior season • was a two-time KEVIN letterwinner in both basketball and baseball.

PERSONAL: Undecided on major • son of Leon and Debra Lechner • born February 12, 1986 • MANNION lists hunting and fishing as his hobbies. Strong Safety Jr./So. • 6-2 • 210

Germantown, Wis. Germantown High School 28

Moved from wide receiver to strong safety during spring practice to provide more depth at the position.

2005 • FRESHMAN SEASON: Did not play.

2004: Redshirted • walk-on.

HIGH SCHOOL: A graduate of Germantown High School (Wis.) • high school coach was Phil Data • named an all-state defensive back by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel in 2004 • three-time all-conference defensive back and receiver • three-time all-county defensive back and two- time all-county receiver • named an all-area defensive back in 2004 • had 88 tackles, four interceptions and six receiving touchdowns in 2004 • also played basketball, track and field and baseball • honorable mention all-conference as a utility player in baseball in 2003 and 2004 • four-year Honor Roll student • member of the National Honor Society.

PERSONAL: Undecided on major • son of Jerry and Kathy Mannion • born August 14, 1985 • hob- bies include fishing and hunting • lists winning the state championship in 2004 and playing in the Wisconsin High School football all-star game as his most memorable sports thrill.

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

KEITH MICHAEL MASSEY MCKELTON Cornerback Cornerback So./Fr. • 6-1 • 195 So./Fr. • 5-10 • 180

Columbus, Ohio Royal Palm Beach, Fla. Brookhaven High School 9 Royal Palm Beach High School 13

Moves into the starting cornerback slot opposite Jamal Harris • athletic player with loads of Slated as the backup at cornerback behind Jamal Harris • had a strong performance in the GOPHERS potential • possesses great speed and can close quickly • his stock is on the rise as a player spring game with four tackles and two pass breakups • looks to continue his progression and COACHES who could be a major asset to the Gophers’ success in 2006. become a major factor in the secondary. REVIEW HISTORY 2005: Redshirted. 2005: Redshirted. MEDIA HIGH SCHOOL: A 2005 graduate of Brookhaven High School (Ohio) • high school coach was Tom HIGH SCHOOL: A 2005 graduate of Royal Palm Beach High School (Fla.) • high school coach was Blake • ranked as the 62nd-best athlete in the nation by Rivals • selected to the SuperPrep Eric Patterson • named to the Palm Beach Post’s “Area Stars” list • helped lead the National Midwest Team, ranked as the 85th-best player • was a three-time all-city, all-conference, all- team to 21-13 win in the Outback Steakhouse all-star football game • named team’s MVP for county and all-area performer • finished career with 212 tackles, 16 pass breakups, nine inter- the 2004 season • earned Offensive Player of the Year honors at Royal Palm Beach in 2003 • ceptions and two fumble recoveries • caught 63 passes for 1,463 yards with 19 touchdowns also lettered in track and basketball. for his career • also lettered in basketball and track • 100-meter city champion • Super Honor Roll student. PERSONAL: Undecided on major • son of Velmon Edwards • born July 29, 1987.

PERSONAL: Undecided on major • son of Rhonda Massey • came to Minnesota with brother Dominic Jones and Brookhaven teammate Alex Daniels • born 11/22/86.

ROBERT MCGARRY Long Snapper Jr./Jr. • 6-3 • 215

Stillwater, Minn. Stillwater High School 43

Two-year starter who has secured his place as the Gophers’ primary long snapper • consistent performer who has excelled in all snapping situations • is continuing in the long line of succes- ful long snappers during the Glen Mason era • underrated player whose obscurity underscores his effectiveness.

2005 • SOPHOMORE SEASON: Played in all 12 games • handled snapping duties for extra points, field Robert McGARRY goals and punts for the second consecutive season • had one solo tackle against Purdue (9/24) • Academic All-Big Ten selection • scholar-athlete award winner • participated in 117 plays • earned second letter.

2004 • FRESHMAN SEASON: Played in all 12 games • handled snapping duties for extra points, field goals and punts • made four tackles • scholar-athlete award winner • participated in 127 plays • earned first letter.

HIGH SCHOOL: A 2004 graduate of Stillwater High School (Minn.) • high school coach was Scott Hoffman • all-conference defensive lineman in 2004 • named “Mr. Weight room” on his 2004 team • had 65 tackles and 2 fumble recoveries in 2004 • also played hockey, track and field, and baseball.

PERSONAL: Political science major • son of Rob and Jenny McGarry • father Robert played foot- ball at the University of Notre Dame • born November 15, 1985 • lists his hobbies as reading and writing.

MCGARRY’S CAREER STATISTICS Year ...... G . . . . .Solo . . . . .Asst . . . . .Total...... TFL...... INT . . .PBU . . . .FR . . . .FF . . .SACKS 2004 ...... 12 ...... 0 ...... 4 ...... 4 ...... 0-0 . . . . .0 . . . .0 . . . .0 . . . .0 . . . .0-0 2005 ...... 12 ...... 1 ...... 0 ...... 1 ...... 0-0 . . . . .0 . . . .0 . . . .0 . . . .0 . . . .0-0 Totals ...... 24 ...... 1 ...... 4 ...... 5 ...... 0-0 . . . . .0 . . . .0 . . . .0 . . . .0 . . . .0-0 MCGARRY’S GAME DEFENSIVE BESTS Tackles ...... 1 . . .five times; last vs. Purdue ...... 9-24-2005

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

2004 • FRESHMAN SEASON: Played in one game • was in on two plays against Toledo (9/4) in the JASON season opener. MEINKE 2003: Redshirted • walk-on • scholar-athlete award winner. HIGH SCHOOL: A 2003 graduate of Arrowhead High School (Wis.) • high school coach was Tom Offensive Tackle Taraska • three-year letterwinner • was an all-conference and all-county selection in 2002 • So./Fr. • 6-5 • 255 helped lead his team to a 31-7 record over his final three years • also earned a letter in track • honored as an Evans Scholar • member of National Honor Society. Apple Valley, Minn. Eastview High School 73 PERSONAL: Geography major • son of Al and Jan Meisel • brother, Mark, plays football at Wisconsin-Oshkosh • born March 23, 1985 • hobbies include watching “The Simpsons” and Enters the fall as the backup behind Steve Shidell at left tackle • has added size and will con- horror movies • lists going to the state championship game in 2000 and 2002 as his most tinue to improve as he increases his repetitions. memorable sports moments. GOPHERS COACHES 2005: Redshirted • walk-on. MEISEL’S CAREER STATISTICS REVIEW Year ...... G/GS . . . . .Solo . . . . .Asst . . . . .Total...... TFL...... INT . . .PBU . . . .FR . . . .FF . . .SACKS HISTORY HIGH SCHOOL: A 2005 graduate of Eastview High School (Minn.) • high school coach was Kelly 2004 ...... 1/0 ...... 0 ...... 0 ...... 0 ...... 0-0 . . . . .0 . . . .0 . . . .0 . . . .0 . . . .0-0 MEDIA Sherwin • All-Lake Conference in 2004 • also competed in track and field in the shot put and 2005 ...... 9/2 ...... 6 ...... 8 ...... 14 . . . .1.5-1 . . . . .0 . . . .0 . . . .0 . . . .0 . . .1.0-1 discus • earned three letters and was named all-conference in 2005. Totals . . . . .10/2 ...... 6 ...... 8 ...... 14 . . . .1.5-1 . . . . .0 . . . .0 . . . .0 . . . .0 . . .1.0-1

PERSONAL: Civil engineering major • son of Charles and Petra Meinke • high school teammate MEISEL’S GAME DEFENSIVE BESTS of offensive guard Ryan Ruckdashel • born September 23, 1986 • lists building model air- Tackles ...... 4 . . .vs. Florida Atlantic ...... 9-17-2005 planes as one of his hobbies. Tackles For Loss ...... 1 . . .twice, last vs. Florida Atlantic...... 9-17-2005 Sacks ...... 1 . . .vs. Colorado State ...... 9-10-2005 MEISEL’S GAME-BY-GAME STATISTICS u GAME-BY-GAME 2005 TODD Solo Asst Total TFL INT PBU FR FF SACK at Tulsa 0 0 0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 Colorado State 1 1 2 1.0-1 0 0 0 0 1.0-1 MEISEL Florida Atlantic 2 2 4 0.5-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 Defensive Tackle Purdue did not play at Penn State 1 2 3 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 Sr./Jr. • 6-4 • 275 at Michigan did not play Hartland, Wis. Wisconsin 0 0 0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 Arrowhead High School 70 Ohio State 1 1 2 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 at Indiana 0 1 1 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 Michigan State 0 0 0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 Moves into the starting spot at left tackle after a solid showing as a backup last year • has made at Iowa 1 1 2 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 significant strides since his first season and has proven he can be effective against the best in Virginia (Music City) 0 0 0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 the Big Ten • among the top defensive linemen on the team in quickness at the snap of the ball Total 6 8 14 1.5-1 0 0 0 0 1.0-1 • passionate player who has gained the praise of the coaching staff for his intensity and tenac- ity.

2005 • SOPHOMORE SEASON: Appeared in 10 games, drawing starts against Colorado State (9/10) and Florida Atlantic (9/17) • contributed 14 tackles (six solo), 1.5 tackles-for-loss and one quar- terback sack • 2005 • Game-by-Game: started first career game against Colorado State (9/10) • recorded two tackles including a quarterback sack in the home opener • started second career game against Florida Atlantic (9/17) • registered four tackles with one tackle-for-loss against the Owls • had three tackles (one solo) against Penn State (10/1) • recorded two tackles (one solo) against Ohio State (10/29) • assisted on one tackle vs. Indiana (11/5) • recorded two tackles (one solo) at Iowa (11/19) • Academic All-Big Ten selection • scholar-athlete award winner • par- CHRIS ticipated in 197 plays • earned first letter. Todd MEISEL MENSEN Tight End So./Fr. • 6-5 • 245

Solon, Iowa Solon High School 85

One of several very talented tight ends in the Gophers’ stable and has a good chance to earn playing time as the team often uses two tight ends • contribution will increase with repeti- tions.

2005: Redshirted.

HIGH SCHOOL: A 2005 graduate of Solon High School (Iowa) • high school coach was Kevin Miller • ranked as the 46th-best tight end in the nation and the seventh-best player in Iowa by Scout.com • selected to the SuperPrep Midlands Team, ranked as the 66th-best player • was named first-team all-area by the Iowa City Press-Citizen and first-team all-state by the Des Moines Register • was also a third-team Iowa Newspaper Association All-State selec- tion as a defensive lineman • led Solon to a 12-2 mark and runner-up finish in Class 2A • had 11 receptions for 186 yards and two touchdowns as a senior • also lettered in baseball, bas- ketball and track.

PERSONAL: Plans to major in chemistry or pre-medicine • son of Duane Mensen and June Takenchi • born September 21, 1986. 71 U NIVERSITY OF M INNESOTA F OOTBALL 2006 G OPHER P R OFILES

ANDY JOEL METZ MONROE Wide Receiver Kicker So./Fr. • 6-2 • 200 Jr./So. • 5-11 • 190

Lakeville, Minn. Brooklyn Park, Minn. Lakeville High School 38 Robbinsdale-Cooper High School 36

Will provide depth at wide receiver • had a solid spring game with three receptions for 15 yards Will compete with Jason Giannini for the starting placekicker position • has continued to GOPHERS • could become more of a factor with experience. improve and developed more consistency in each year with the program • a very good student COACHES who has a quiet confidence which was heightened by his performance in last season’s Music 2005: REVIEW Redshirted • walk-on • scholar-athlete award winner. City Bowl. HISTORY MEDIA HIGH SCHOOL: A 2005 graduate of Lakeville High School • high school coach was Larry 2005 • FRESHMAN SEASON: Appeared in four games • scored 12 points • was a perfect 9-for-9 on Thompson • All-Lake Conference in 2004 • helped lead the Panthers to the Class 5A state extra points • Game-by-Game: made first career extra point against Tulsa (9/1) • was 2-for-2 on championship in 2003 • also competed in baseball and track and field • finished fifth at state extra points against both Florida Atlantic (9/17) and Iowa (11/19) • converted his first career field in the 200 meters his senior year. goal attempt, a 39-yard field goal against Virginia in the Music City Bowl (12/30) • was a per- fect 4-for-4 on extra points against the Cavaliers • scholar-athlete award winner • participated PERSONAL: Majoring in economics • son of Rob and Carol Metz • high school teammate of run- in 18 plays • earned first letter. ning back Brylee Callender • born September 1, 1986. 2004: Redshirted • walk-on.

HIGH SCHOOL: A 2004 graduate of Robbinsdale-Cooper High School (Minn.) • high school coach was Erik Norby • graduate of same high school as Gopher record holder Dan Nystrom • 2004 Minnesota all-state selection at kicker • all-conference kicker in 2004 • also pitched and played outfield on his high school baseball team • valedictorian of his graduating class • winner of the U.S. Army National Scholar-Athlete Award. BARRETT PERSONAL: Computer science major • son of Kelley and Nancy Monroe • born July 27, 1986 • lists MOEN beating Armstrong in triple overtime as his most memorable sports thrill. MONROE’S CAREER STATISTICS Defensive End Year ...... G ...... FG . . . .1-19 . . .20-29 . . . . .30-39 . . . .40-49 . . .50+ . . .Lng . . .Blk . . . . .PAT . . . .PTS So./Fr. • 6-3 • 255 2005 ...... 4 . . . .1-1 . . . .0-0 . . . .0-0 . . . . .1-1 . . . .0-0 . . .0-0 . . .39 . . . .0 . . . .9-9 . . .12 Totals ...... 4 . . . .1-1 . . . .0-0 . . . .0-0 . . . . .1-1 . . . .0-0 . . .0-0 . . .39 . . . .0 . . . .9-9 . . .12 Bloomington, Minn. Bloomington Jefferson High School 79 MONROE’S GAME KICKING BESTS Long Field Goal ...... 39 . . .vs. Virginia (Music City) ...... 12-30-2005 Reserve defensive end who will look to work his way up the depth chart this year • will try to Points ...... 7 . . .vs. Virginia (Music City) ...... 12-30-2005 follow in the footsteps and learn from former walk-on Todd Meisel. Field Goals Made ...... 1 . . .vs. Virginia (Music City) ...... 12-30-2005 Field Goals Attempted ...... 1 . . .vs. Virginia (Music City) ...... 12-30-2005 2005: Redshirted • walk-on • scholar-athlete award winner. PATs Made ...... 4 . . .vs. Virginia (Music City) ...... 12-30-2005 PATs Attempted ...... 4 . . .vs. Virginia (Music City) ...... 12-30-2005 HIGH SCHOOL: A 2005 graduate of Bloomington Jefferson High School • high school coach was Jon Leverenz • also competed in hockey, baseball and track and field. MONROE’S GAME-BY-GAME STATISTICS u GAME-BY-GAME 2005 PERSONAL: Electrical engineering major • son of Barrett and Aimee Moen • uncle Matt Kicking Herkenhoff played for the Gophers in the early 1970s and spent 10 seasons with the NFL’s FG Long PAT PTS Kansas City Chiefs • born August 11, 1987. at Tulsa 0-0 0 1-1 1 Colorado State 0-0 0 2-2 2 Florida Atlantic did not play Purdue did not play at Penn State did not play at Michigan did not play Joel MONROE Wisconsin did not play Ohio State did not play at Indiana did not play Michigan State did not play at Iowa 0-0 0 2-2 2 Virginia (Music City) 1-1 39 4-4 7 Total 1-1 39 9-9 12

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

STEVE TONY MOORE MORTENSEN Linebacker Quarterback Jr./So. • 6-2 • 230 Jr./So. • 6-3 • 230

Coon Rapids, Minn. Hutchinson, Minn. Blaine High School 59 Hutchinson High School 17

Will provide depth at linebacker and should be a contributor in 2006 after developing as a Classic drop-back passer with good size and great touch • has proven himself a capable back- player the past two seasons. up who can handle any situation and with whom the coaches are not afraid to hand “the keys GOPHERS to the car” • has great knowledge of the system and can control the flow of a game • will spend COACHES 2005 • FRESHMAN SEASON: Did not play • scholar-athlete award winner. this year honing his skills and position himself to move into the starting job next year. REVIEW HISTORY 2004: Redshirted. 2005 • FRESHMAN SEASON: Appeared in six games, drawing one start against Wisconsin (10/15) MEDIA for an injured Bryan Cupito • threw for 130 yards and one touchdown on 24 attempts on the HIGH SCHOOL: A 2004 graduate of Blaine High School (Minn.) • high school coach was Shannon season • Game-by-Game: made first career appearance at Tulsa (9/1) • had first career pass Gerrety • selected as a PrepStar All-Midwest Region choice • named all-state and All-Metro attempt against Colorado State (9/10), completing 2-of-3 passes for 31 yards • attempted four in 2002 and 2003 • three-time All-Northwest Suburban Conference selection • selected passes against Florida Atlantic (9/17) • kept the offense rolling against Michigan (10/8) while fill- Blaine’s Most Valuable Offensive Player of the Year and Special Teams Player of the Year in ing in for Cupito when he went out with an injury midway through the fourth quarter • set career- 2003 • school’s all-time leader in interceptions with 15 • recorded 102 tackles for his career highs, throwing for 99 yards on 7 of 17 passing and one touchdown against Wisconsin (10/15) with three tackles-for-loss and 19 pass breakups • honors student. • connected with Matt Spaeth on a five-yard scoring strike in second quarter against the Badgers for his first career passing touchdown • appeared in the final two plays of the Indiana PERSONAL: Kinesiology major • son of David and Loretta Moore • born July 3, 1985. game (11/5) • Academic All-Big Ten selection • scholar-athlete award winner • participated in 135 plays • earned first letter.

2004: Redshirted.

HIGH SCHOOL: A 2004 graduate of Hutchinson High School (Minn.) • high school coach was Andy Rostberg • selected as a PrepStar All-Midwest Region choice • named to the SuperPrep Midwest Team • three-time all-conference selection • completed 140-of-250 passes for 2,700 yards and 30 touchdowns in his career • also ran for 1,500 career yards and 18 scores • threw for 900 yards his senior season with nine touchdowns and a 60 percent completion percentage • led team to back-to-back state championship games • an A-Honor Roll student and all-state academic team member • lettered three times in basketball, twice in baseball and once in track. Tony MORTENSEN PERSONAL: Sport studies major • son of Steve and Colleen Menze • born August 28, 1985.

MORTENSEN’S CAREER STATISTICS u PASSING Year ...... G/GS . . . . .Att. . . . .Comp...... Pct...... Yds...... TD . . . .Int. 2005 ...... 6/1 . . . . .24 ...... 9 ...... 375 . . . . .130 . . . . .1 . . . .1 Totals ...... 6/1 . . . . .24 ...... 9 . . . ..375 . . . . .130 . . . . .1 . . . .1

u RUSHING Year ...... G/GS ...... Att...... Yds...... Avg...... TD . . . .Long 2005 ...... 6/1 ...... 3 . . . . .13 . . . . .6.5 . . . . .0 . . . . .14 Totals ...... 6/1 ...... 3 . . . . .13 . . . . .6.5 . . . . .0 . . . . .14 MORTENSEN’S GAME OFFENSIVE BESTS Passing Yards ...... 99 . . .vs. Wisconsin ...... 10-15-2005 Pass Attempts ...... 17 . . .vs. Wisconsin ...... 10-15-2005 Completions ...... 7 . . .vs. Wisconsin ...... 10-15-2005 Passing Touchdowns ...... 1 . . .vs. Wisconsin ...... 10-15-2005 Long Pass ...... 32 . . .vs. Wisconsin ...... 10-15-2005 Rushing Yards ...... 14 . . .vs. Wisconsin ...... 10-15-2005 Rushing Attempts ...... 2 . . .at Michigan ...... 10-8-2005 Long Rush ...... 14 . . .vs. Wisconsin ...... 10-15-2005 MORTENSEN’S GAME-BY-GAME STATISTICS u GAME-BY-GAME 2005 u PASSING u RUSHING Att Comp Yds Pct. TD Int Att Yds Avg TD Long at Tulsa 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Colorado State 3 2 31 .667 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Florida Atlantic 4 0 0 .000 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Purdue did not play at Penn State did not play at Michigan 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 -1 -0.5 0 1 Wisconsin 17 7 99 .411 1 1 1 14 14.0 0 14 Ohio State did not play at Indiana 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Michigan State did not play at Iowa did not play Virginia (Music City) did not play Total 24 9 130 .375 1 1 3 13 6.5 0 14

73 U NIVERSITY OF M INNESOTA F OOTBALL 2006