Eric Murray, Briean Boddy-Calhoun and Antonio Johnson all have moved on, but the fourth member of the Gophers' senior defensive backfield quartet from last season is back.
Damarius Travis injured a hamstring trying to block a last-minute punt in last year's season opener against TCU. He had a setback around midseason and settled for a medical redshirt, which allows him to return this fall.
"I wanted to finish out with those [other seniors], but it was just unfortunate," Travis said. "So I just played the cards I was dealt."
Travis has recovered fully, and he was constantly around the ball again Thursday, during the team's fifth spring practice.
He led the Gophers with 10 tackles against TCU, and the defense sorely missed his 6-2, 215-pound presence the rest of the season. He was named a captain for this year, along with Mitch Leidner, Brandon Lingen and Jack Lynn.
"It was a big negative to not have [Travis] a year ago," Gophers coach Tracy Claeys said. "But that has really turned into a big plus to have him around, with what he's done working with the younger kids."
Senior Jalen Myrick returns at one cornerback spot, with youngsters KiAnte Hardin and Ray Buford expected to compete at the other corner. Returning safeties include Ace Rogers, Adekunle Ayinde and Duke McGhee.
"It's time for me and Jalen to step up the way those [other seniors] did when they were here," Travis said.