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Freshman Stoudermire looks ready for more action
Gophers freshman Troy Stoudermire, who saw time at kick returner, could work his way into returning punts and even playing in the secondary.
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Up next: at Bowling Green • 6:30 p.m. Saturday • TV: ESPNU (830-AM)
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To be honest, Troy Stoudermire didn't think he would be the one.
He's not complaining. But Stoudermire was surprised on Saturday night when, in the third quarter of the Gophers' game against Northern Illinois, he found himself back deep ready to return a kick in his first collegiate game.
As he went onto the field, with all the fans and noise in the Metrodome, he thought only one thing:
"Do not drop the ball," he said.
He didn't, in any sense. His first return went for 39 yards, setting up Duane Bennett's 61-yard touchdown run on the next play. In the process, Stoudermire became one of the first freshmen in coach Tim Brewster's most recent recruiting class to make an impact in a game.
And now, perhaps, more could be on the way.
Brewster said Tuesday that Stoudermire, recruited as a cornerback, could be added to punt returns as the season progresses.
"He'll get on the field on the defensive side also," Brewster said.
This week? "We'll see as the week progresses," Brewster said. "But I like what I've seen from Troy Stoudermire."
In particular, coaches like that Stoudermire hasn't seemed fazed by the transition from high school to Division I football. Defensive coordinator Ted Roof said Stoudermire had stood out in a group of true freshmen defensive backs who came in this season.
"He's one of the kids who, to me, for his first game, showed up bright-eyed and ready to go," Roof said. "He wasn't intimidated."
Saturday, the Gophers will play at Bowling Green against a Falcons team that runs a spread similar to the Gophers, one that features a lot of throwing. In the opener against Northern Illinois, the Gophers defense did a number of good things, but once again gave up too many big plays, with sophomore defensive back Ryan Collado giving up a couple of them.
If Stoudermire continues to improve, it is possible he could work himself into the mix. The most likely role would be as an extra defensive back in passing situations.
Trying to assemble a secondary with a bunch of new faces, Roof spent much of training camp giving most of the reps to the starting group.
Stoudermire's reps, though, have continued to increase.
"I think he's ready for a little bit more," Roof said. "We'll continue to rep him and let him prove it."
That's all Stoudermire could ask for. He has spent hours watching film, both at the football complex and in his dorm room. He learned a lot more watching his teammates on defense play in the opener.
Does he feel he could be ready for some defensive snaps on Saturday?
"I feel like I'm close to being ready," he said. "By the end of the week, I'll be ready."
No instant gratificationBrewster reiterated his belief that the 23-yard pass from Adam Weber to Eric Decker in the second quarter Saturday was a catch and should have been a touchdown. It was ruled an incompletion, a decision that was upheld after instant replay, a process that has yet to win Brewster over. The Gophers kicked a field goal for a 10-7 lead.
"If we're not going to change calls, then why have it?" Brewster said. "It was obvious in the review of the play that it was a catch. ... That could have been a significant moment in the game. Fortunately it wasn't. If you're sitting there looking at it, you have qualified people looking at these plays, and there is an issue? Let's go ahead and correct it."
Etc.• Brewster said senior defensive tackle Barrett Moen -- who had 1 1/2 sacks Saturday -- has improved his game more than nearly any other member of the team from last year.
• Running back Bennett, cornerback Marcus Sherels and returner Stoudemire were named as offensive, defensive and special teams players of the game vs. Northern Illinois.
• Wide receiver David Pittman is back practicing full speed this week and could play Saturday.
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