He's been leading his teammates through informal practices all summer, so Adam Weber looked a lot like, well, Adam Weber during Friday's opening of training camp.
"He did a great job commanding our team, leading our team, made great decisions," coach Tim Brewster said of the four-year starter. "You can just see he's healthy and playing with a lot of energy and confidence."
The Gophers were 105 strong on the Bierman Hall practice field, and everyone sounded thrilled to be playing football again.
"It was good to shake off some of the rust," said linebacker Mike Rallis. "The main thing is to go out there 100 percent and give over-the-top effort every play. To me, it means I can't take a lazy step."
Over-the-top effort is good, Brewster said; the Gophers are emphasizing it this year. But with 28 practices scheduled this fall, and 11 straight games without a bye week until mid-November, the coach is also mindful of not wearing his team out in August.
"I talked to the team today about (how) it's a marathon, not a sprint," Brewster said. "We've got to understand how to practice to carry us through."
Running back Devon Wright was delayed by weather on Thursday, and didn't arrive on campus Friday in time for the freshman practice in the morning. He was allowed to suit up with the veterans for his first practice, but will join the other newcomers on Saturday.