Drew Wolitarsky quickly emerged as a go-to receiver for the Gophers last fall as a true freshman, and his growth continues to show this spring.

Wolitarsky made two impressive plays in Tuesday's practice, turning one pass from Mitch Leidner on a slant pattern into a long gain. Moments later, the 6-3 Wolitarsky made a diving catch. He added another diving catch Thursday on a pass from Conor Rhoda, giving that unit a key third-down conversion.

At moments like that, you're reminded that Wolitarsky is California's all-time high school leader in career receptions (281) and receiving yardage (5,148).

"Drew's had a great spring so far," Coach Jerry Kill said. "You don't realize he's 225 pounds and a very storng kid. As you play as a freshman, it's a learning curve, but you build some confidence up, and he's a really, really good football player."

Note: The Gophers will hold Spring Practice No. 8 on Saturday at 11:20 a.m., in the Gibson-Nagurski Football Complex. All spring practices are open to the public.