![Minnesota Gophers defensive coordinator Jay Sawvel took to the field for the second day of practice, Saturday, August 6, 2016 at Bierman Field in Minneapolis, MN. ] (ELIZABETH FLORES/STAR TRIBUNE) ELIZABETH FLORES • eflores@startribune.com](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/2FTBJQLFSLUN4USBVS7ZK4RRFY.jpg?&w=1080)
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
