The Gophers have been searching for more receiving production from others besides Drew Wolitarsky. That task got tougher this week, when coach Tracy Claeys dismissed junior receiver Brian Smith from the team after learning the junior from Milwaukee had been in a fight.
Smith was the team's second-leading receiver behind Wolitarsky, with 17 catches for 279 yards and a touchdown.
Wolitarsky ranks third in the Big Ten with 40 receptions and ninth in the conference with 514 receiving yards. Heading into Saturday's game against Purdue, here's a look at the Gophers' other wide receiver options:
• Rashad Still: He has just four receptions in four games since returning from a broken clavicle.
• Tyler Johnson: The true freshman has just three receptions over the past four games.
• Eric Carter: His playing time figures to increase most with Smith's dismissal. The junior had 23 receptions last year but has been limited by an ankle injury and has just two this season.
• Others: Claeys mentioned Melvin Holland Jr., and Hunter Register might get more opportunities with Smith gone.
"Quite honestly, I haven't seen very much [of Holland and Register] because they've been injured," offensive coordinator Jay Johnson said. "They show glimpses of things, but for me it's very hard to give you a complete evaluation just because of the injury and the lack of opportunities for them to practice and get reps. So I guess I don't know at this point."
