The Gophers on Thursday held their first practice since their Nov. 29 loss at Wisconsin, and defensive coordinator/associate head coach Tracy Claeys said it was clear the players were well-rested with fresher legs.
Teams can hold up to 15 practices before a bowl game, and the Gophers are getting ready for the Citrus Bowl against Missouri on Jan. 1. Claeys said Friday will be another light practice, and that the team will step up the intensity on Sunday.
Claeys said the Gophers had their full defense back on the field Thursday, including safeties Antonio Johnson and Damarius Travis, who had been banged up.
Claeys said wide receiver Drew Wolitarsky did not practice but the Gophers expect to have him back for the Citrus Bowl on Jan. 1 against Missouri. Wolitarsky has missed the past four games with a high-ankle sprain.
"You'd like to have everybody healthy just like your first ballgame of the year, especially going against a team from the Southeast Conference," Claeys said.
Claeys was in charge Thursday with head coach Jerry Kill in Orlando with Missouri coach Gary Pinkel for a Citrus Bowl press conference.
