Gophers line: Big ... bigger ... biggest

Matt Stommes is at left tackle. He is 6-7, square-shouldered and weighs about 285, but he's trying like heck to put more on. Six eggs for breakfast, snacks, second helpings -- all aimed at the north side of 300.

Dom Alford is at left guard for the first time in his life after previously playing tackle. He looks the position: 6-3, 315. Trey Davis, at 280, plays center. At right guard is Matt Carufel, the transfer from Notre Dame who is finally eligible to practice with the Gophers, all 6-5, 297 pounds of him. Finally, at right tackle, is Jeff Wills. The junior college transfer has dropped big pounds since he came here, but he still goes 6-7, 350.

Are you getting the picture here?

As the Gophers work their way through spring football, aiming toward the spring game April 25, we're starting to see what coach Tim Brewster, new offensive coordinator Jedd Fisch and especially offensive line coach/running game coordinator Tim Davis, are looking for: size and strength. Fisch prefers a pro-style attack, one that will feature multiple receivers at times, but also using a power running game.

There are a few quick clues to the offensive changes in practice. The quarterback is under center, rather than in the shotgun formation, and there are more play-action passes. There are real, live fullbacks running around.

But, more importantly, there is size up front. Davis operates with high intensity and a simple motto that we'll have to paraphrase here:

Mass moves ... well, let's just say butts.

"We're creating a whole different dimension, a whole different mind-set," Davis said. ''You have to break old habits and create new ones. That's what I'm all about."

In previous Gophers coordinator Mike Dunbar's spread offense, the linemen usually used two-point stances and relied on quick feet and finesse. This year the linemen will put a hand on the ground and initiate contact rather than taking it. No more playing the part of human catching mitts, Davis said.

In a way, this is coming full-circle for Alford, whose first year with the program was former coach Glen Mason's final season. Mason's offense was run-oriented. But, Alford said, it was different. That regime relied on quicker, lighter linemen. This one relies on strength and size.

"That's where [Kevin] Cosgrove and I come from," said Davis, referring to the new Gophers defensive coordinator. ''We like to really go at 'em on both sides of the ball. We need to keep the ball. Four yards is good for us. We'd like to do that every time. Of course we like the big plays. But let's hold onto the ball, run the clock, wear the other side out."

The offensive line is being built accordingly, with more size at tackle and guard and more of a group attitude. Davis said he inherited a somewhat discouraged group of linemen when he was hired after the Gophers' 55-0 loss to Iowa in the regular-season finale. Davis, who already has developed a reputation for constructive criticism -- just ask Stommes, who heard his share last week -- is also trying to foster a close unit.

"It's all about the attitude that we can control our own destiny," Davis said. "To do that, they have to take ownership in the offense. By doing that, you create confidence."

Ideally, the result would be a more consistent offense than the one that ground to a near-halt at the end of last season, built around a line that will be able to wear a team down in the fourth quarter by hitting rather than getting hit.

"I think it's going to be fun," Stommes said. "As offensive linemen, we like to run the ball, get our hands dirty."

It will also be work. Stommes, who moved from defensive line to offense last year, still is learning. Alford never has played guard and must prove he can stay healthy.

The good news is there is a lot more depth and competition at the position. Several players return with experience, to be joined by a group of big incoming freshmen.

"It will be good to get back to running the ball," Alford said. "That's tradition in Minnesota."