The right side of the Golden Gophers’ offensive line has been cause for concern through five games, so head coach P.J. Fleck is making a big – very big – change.
Fleck has decided to bench right tackle Sam Schlueter and replace him with Daniel Faalele, who stands just three inches shy of seven feet and weighs 400 pounds.
The true freshman will be making his first college start on Saturday against the No. 3-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes in Columbus, Ohio.
Faalele started in the second half of last week’s loss to Iowa after Schlueter gave up three sacks. His only previous game action was in the season opener against New Mexico State.
The decision to start him this late in the season means Fleck is comfortable enough that he’s pulling the chance to redshirt him for the rest of the season, meaning this year will count towards Faalele’s eligibility.
Born in Melbourne, Australia, Faalele has some experience playing with starting quarterback Zack Annexstad, having spent their last two years of high school together at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida.
