Slowed by a turf toe injury last fall, Gophers RB Rodrick Williams is definitely running better this spring and looks like he's on a mission.

On March 8, the 5-11, 235-pound Williams ran right over linebacker Cody Poock on a run, then shouted at the defense, "Give me somebody who wants to hit!"

On the next play, Williams had an excellent block in pass protection and drew immediate praise from coach Jerry Kill. Blocking was a real weakness for Williams in 2012 as a freshman, so he's come a long way.

"Competition makes everybody get after it, that's for sure," Kill said, noting that the battle for playing time is especially fierce at running back.

David Cobb is coming off a 1,200-yard season. Berkley Edwards — while only 5-9, 190 pounds — looks like something entirely new and dynamic for the offense. And Donnell Kirkwood is running much better after spraining his ankle in last year's season opener. Don't forget: Kirkwood led this team with 926 rushing yards just two seasons ago.

And then there's incoming freshman Jeff Jones — the program's highest rated recruit in ages.

Gridiron Gold: startribune.com/gophers