Gophers notes: Lost TD on fumble gnaws at Harris

By Chip Scoggins, Star Tribune

Last update: September 25, 2007 - 11:54 PM

Jamal Harris didn't make excuses or dodge the inevitable questions. The senior cornerback said he simply dropped the ball on what should have been an easy touchdown in Saturday's 45-31 loss to Purdue.

"I just dropped it," Harris said Tuesday. "I don't know how else to put it. When I was running I looked behind me and I saw the guy behind me. When I went to switch hands, I took my mind off the ball and basically just dropped the ball."

Harris' miscue happened in the final seconds before halftime after Mike Sherels blocked a 44-yard field-goal attempt by Chris Summers. Harris picked up the ball and had a clear path to the end zone, but he dropped the ball at the Purdue 20 and Boilermakers holder Jared Armstrong, running 5 yards behind him, recovered it.

The turnover was a major momentum swing because the Gophers trailed 24-3 at the time. Harris said he was obviously disappointed and hopes to "redeem myself" on Saturday against Ohio State.

"I was more upset that I let my team down than just being upset at myself," Harris said. "I'm kind of hard on myself. But just seeing the faces of my teammates, that kind of let me down. I made a mistake. I always say that when opportunities come you have to make [the most of] them. I guess I have to practice what I preach."

Player update

The Columbus Dispatch ran a story Monday on former Gophers players and Columbus natives Dominic Jones, Alex Daniels and Keith Massey, all of whom were dismissed from the program this summer for their alleged involvement in a rape case. Jones, the only player charged in the incident, told the paper he is still enrolled at Minnesota while he awaits trial.

"I'm just here weathering the storm," Jones was quoted as saying.

Daniels told the paper he is enrolled at the University of Cincinnati and hopes to get a football scholarship after this season. Daniels said Massey is attending Columbus State.

On the mend

Tight end Jack Simmons, who suffered a stress fracture after a bout of turf toe in his right foot, returned last week and caught three passes for 18 yards. Simmons, an integral part of the passing game, missed two games after injuring his foot on a third-down catch in the season opener.

"It was difficult not being out there with the guys," he said. "I'm just happy to be out there playing again."

Etc.

• The Gophers received a verbal commitment from D.L. Wilhite of Lexington (Ky.) Bryan Station. Wilhite (6-4, 240 pounds), who has played defensive end, running back and tight end, visited campus this past weekend. The Gophers will be host to more recruits this weekend, including 10 to 12 defensive prospects.

• Deon Hightower will replace Steve Davis as the starter at strong-side linebacker. Davis has a foot injury.

Chip Scoggins • ascoggins@startribune.com