3:47Heading into training camp Gophers defensive coordinator Tracy Claeys was listing reasons why he'll be disappointed if the defense doesn't take yet another step this season. Besides having talented starters, Claeys pointed to the experience and depth for the linebackers, defensive line and cornerbacks.
"The only thing that can throw us off is, it's going to be important that our safeties stay healthy," Claeys said. "That's the one where we're going to get young in a hurry [beyond the starters]."
The Gophers will start four senior defensive backs in safeties Antonio Johnson and Damarius Travis, and cornerbacks Eric Murray and Briean Boddy-Calhoun.
At cornerback, junior Jalen Myrick and sophomore Craig James both have experience, redshirt sophomore Duke McGhee has some experience at safety. But the rest of the depth chart at safety is unproven, with junior college transfer Ace Rogers and Adekunle Ayinde, redshirt sophomore who walked on from Blaine.
"Charlie's really played well," Claeys said coming into camp. "If he improves as much as he did this spring in fall camp -- and Kunle had a great spring. But those kids haven't played in Big Ten games. Until you play, you don't know."
That's one area worth watching when the Gophers open practice to the public again Friday at 10:25 a.m. Saturday's 10:10 a.m., scrimmage at Concordia is also free and open to the public. The Gophers began two-a-days today, with both sessions closed to the media. But I'll be back with a report Friday.
