Chart: Start of Gophers football practice info

The Gophers will have four sessions open to the general public — practices Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday (at 5:15 p.m.), and a scrimmage Aug. 9 at TCF Bank Stadium (4:40 p.m.). Here are a few things to watch:

Offense: The biggest questions involve the passing attack. Will QB Mitch Leidner find consistency? Will TE Maxx Williams get even better? Will WRs Drew Wolitarsky and Donovahn Jones build off last year's experiences as true freshmen?

Defense: The Gophers feel very strong about their secondary, led by senior S Cedric Thompson. Senior MLB Damien Wilson was steady if unspectacular last year. Junior DE Theiren Cockran had 7½ sacks last year, but others will need to help add pressure.

JOE CHRISTENSEN