Getting defensive
Jay Sawvel's work as a defensive backs coach before he took over as Gophers defensive coordinator:
Southern Illinois (2001-07): The Salukis held opponents to 18.5 points per game over those seven seasons. The final year, they ranked fourth in the nation with 21 interceptions.
Northern Illinois (2008-10): The Huskies led the Mid-American Conference in total defense the first two years and ranked 27th in the nation in interceptions the third year, with 16.
Gophers (2011-15): Minnesota ranked 12th in the nation in pass defense in 2012 and 11th in the nation in pass defense last season. Three defensive backs have been drafted into the NFL — Brock Vereen, Cedric Thompson and Eric Murray — and a fourth, Briean Boddy-Calhoun, a first-team All-Big Ten selection in 2014, signed as an undrafted free agent with Jacksonville.
JOE CHRISTENSEN
Duran, Correa hope to return during Twins' upcoming road trip
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Scoggins: Worried about costly trade to draft a quarterback? Don't be.
Naz Reid. That's the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year winner.
