Gophers' Kill is in good spirits, says his health is great

CHICAGO – Gophers coach Jerry Kill seems to get a question about his health every year at Big Ten media days, and Friday he delivered more good news.

"I've been seizure-free now for over a year and a half," said Kill, who has epilepsy. "I feel great."

Kill was in good spirits, even with a tough opener coming Sept. 3 against No. 2-ranked TCU.

"We're going to bring in a little artificial snow, and see how they handle that snow in September," he said.

Kill and the three players he brought to Chicago — Mitch Leidner, Briean Boddy-Calhoun and Theiren Cockran — drew their share of attention, though not as much as players from Michigan, Nebraska and Penn State.

It didn't seem to bother the Gophers contingent.

"We want you to respect us," senior cornerback Boddy-Calhoun said. "But we don't need you to say it."

In other Gophers news:

• Kill said he has no concerns about the university's athletics facilities project, even though the Regents delayed a vote on it until September. "We'll be starting at the latest probably late September, early October," he said. "We've already got a finish date where it needs to be finished. ... Hopefully, part of it will be finished at a year and a half, maybe even quicker."

• Kill said running back Berkley Edwards is done competing in track after straining a hamstring last winter, forcing him to miss the start of spring practice. Edwards has added 12-13 pounds and probably will play at about 195 pounds this season.

• Kill said offensive lineman Jon Christenson and defensive tackle Scott Ekpe will be full-go for the start of camp Aug. 7. Christenson had a steel rod removed from his leg, and Ekpe had ACL surgery last fall.

Kill said Christenson will start at either center or guard.

• Kill said the only two other injuries the Gophers are dealing with heading into camp are with tight ends Lincoln Plsek (back) and Duke Anyanwu (hamstring).