Which Gophers football player is poised for a breakout season? A group of us, who cover the team, were asked that question in late-January at a Goal Line Club event. I said Gaelin Elmore.
The junior defensive end from Somerset, Wis., has emerged as one of the defensive line leaders. With Theiren Cockran out of eligibility, Elmore likely will start at DE, opposite Hank Ekpe. And the 6-6, 270-pound Elmore has shown an ability to get to the quarterback, as the team prepares for Saturday's spring game.
"He's done well," coach Tracy Claeys said. "I worry more, and we work on more the running game with him. He knows it's pretty easy for defensive ends; if you want to play on longer yardage downs, then get to the quarterback. It will make us a lot better if we can get production out of the defensive ends. It's a good combination between that and mixing up the different stuff what we're doing."
By different stuff, Claeys means blitzing, primarily with linebackers. But there's no doubt the Gophers could use more defensive end production, taking pressure off the linebackers. Ekpe had a terrific spring last year and managed just 2.5 sacks last fall. Cockran had 3.0 sacks. Elmore had 1.5.
The Gophers got hit with injuries at defensive tackle, and Elmore showed his versatility, sliding over to help there. He increased his weight to about 283 pounds, beefing up for the D-tackle duties. But he's back to 270 now, moving better and happy to be back at D-end.
"We have a lot of good D-tackles," Elmore said. "We have Scott [Ekpe], Steve [Richardson] and [Andrew] Stelter, Shoobee [Timms], Merrick [Jackson] -- we're loaded there. The only way I get moved back in is if some injuries happen. And hopefully our injuries are behind us. Hopefully I can stay out and do what I can to help us on the edge, get some pressure."
Note: Today's Gophers practice is open to the public and is slated to begin at 3:45 p.m., at the Gibson-Nagurski Football Complex.