Five questions as the Gophers head into spring practice

The Gophers need to answer these heading into spring practice:

1. What will Jay Johnson's offense look like?

New Gophers offensive coordinator Jay Johnson ran a no-huddle offense at Louisiana-Lafayette with read option, play action and a healthy balance between running and passing. He will blend that with what he sees as the Gophers' strengths.

2. Will Demry Croft or Seth Green emerge as the backup quarterback?

With Mitch Leidner recovering from foot surgery, Croft and Green will get most of the spring reps. Leidner will start this fall, assuming he's healthy, but the all-important backup job will come down to these two young dual-threat talents.

3. Will the offensive line regain its force?

New offensive line coach Bart Miller brings a demanding style, and the Gophers need the push. Jonah Pirsig and Tyler Moore are back. The other three spots could be filled by redshirt freshman Nick Connelly and junior college transfers Garrison Wright and Vincent Calhoun.

The Gophers' two starting cornerbacks from last season just competed at the NFL combine. Jalen Myrick will take over one spot, and there's an opening now for Class of 2015 recruits KiAnte Hardin, Ray Buford and Antonio Shenault.

5. Who replaces KJ Maye as the go-to receiving target?

Drew Wolitarsky, Eric Carter and Rashad Still return at receiver, and Brandon Lingen can build off his breakout season at tight end. But this is another chance for ballyhooed 2014 recruits Isaiah Gentry and Melvin Holland Jr., along with 2015 recruit Hunter Register.