There is no offseason in the football world, or so it would seem.
In the NFL this year, there are barely more than two weeks that separate the Super Bowl from the NFL Scouting Combine, and major college football is headed that same direction.
Barely two months removed from a New Year’s Day Citrus Bowl loss to Missouri, the Minnesota Gophers will begin spring practice, the program announced on Wednesday.
#Gophers will begin Spring Practice on March 3. Will hold Spring Game on April 11 at @TCFBankStadium. More details announced soon.
— Minnesota Football (@GopherFootball) February 11, 2015
The Gophers do have some big shoes to fill on both sides of the ball as they get ready for the 2015 season. Leading rusher David Cobb and leading tackler Damien Wilson were seniors last season and leading receiver, tight end Maxx Williams, announced that he would forego his final two years of eligibility to declare for the NFL Draft.
All three will participate in next week’s NFL Combine.
While the schedule is similar to when they held spring practice last year, it’s a big difference from just two years ago when the annual spring game was held April 27.
Gophers coach Jerry Kill told the Star Tribune that holding spring practice earlier actually gives players more time to heal for next season – should an injury occur.
The Daily Gopher notes the spring game will be held on the same day as Goldy’s Run, which finishes on the 50-yard line at TCF Bank Stadium.
