Convicted ex-Gopher to address team

KYNDELL HARKNESS, Star Tribune

Dominic Jones spends his days mentoring football players and his nights in the workhouse in Plymouth. He was convicted of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct.

By DENNIS BRACKIN, Star Tribune

Last update: August 14, 2008 - 11:36 PM

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Former Gophers football star Dominic Jones, convicted of sexual assault in April and serving a year in the Hennepin County workhouse, will speak to this year's team Monday night at the university's football complex.

Jones initiated the process, asking the Gophers staff for a chance to address the team, coach Tim Brewster said. Brewster said he endorsed the decision to allow Jones to speak.

"I think it will be a very positive message, and I know that I'm looking forward to it,'' Brewster said. "The exciting thing for me is that it seems like he's really trying to make something positive out of this. You look at different situations and try to learn from them, because that's all you can do.''

Jones was convicted of unwanted sexual contact in April 2007. Jones, one of the Gophers' top players in 2006, must register as a sex offender and was kicked out of school after his conviction.

A step forward

The Gophers' starting defensive backfield is beginning to take shape. Junior college transfer Tramaine Brock essentially nailed down a safety job during spring workouts, and Kyle Theret is a returning starter at the other safety.

On Thursday, Brewster said cornerbacks Marcus Sherels, who switched to defense last spring from wide receiver, and JC transfer Traye Simmons each had taken big steps forward in the battle for the two remaining starting spots.

"Today [Sherels] made two incredible plays and continues to play really well,'' Brewster said. "Traye Simmons, I expect to be a really good football player and expect him to make big plays. But I don't know if we could have expected that out of Marcus at this point.''

Brewster also had words of praise for true freshman cornerback Troy Stoudermire.

Late arrival

Freshman defensive tackle Brandon Kirksey took part in his first practice Thursday after being cleared by the NCAA Clearinghouse. Kirksey will not be in full pads for several days, and will not take part in Saturday's scrimmage. Whether he can make up for his lost time and be ready to contribute by the Aug. 30 opener against Northern Illinois remains to be seen.

"He's missed considerable time,'' Brewster said. "We're really going to have to expedite his learning curve.''

Etc.

• Brewster said injured offensive guard D.J. Burris and wide receiver David Pittman were close to being cleared for contact work. He did not rule either out of Saturday's scrimmage.

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