Gophers alter their approach for the spring game

Last year, the Gophers opened TCF Bank Stadium for their annual spring football game, drawing more than 10,000 fans, and proceeded to rest all four members of their vaunted secondary as a precaution.

Two years ago, the entire first-team defense got the spring game off. But Saturday's spring game will be different, the coaches insist.

"For the most part, we're planning to play everybody," Gophers offensive coordinator Jay Johnson said Thursday.

"The only guys who aren't going to play are guys that are injured," defensive coordinator Jay Sawvel added.

The Gophers will divide into two teams — Gold vs. White —­ and play two 40-minute halves with a running clock. The coaches plan to reward the winning team but haven't yet said how.

"It's going to be food-related," defensive tackle Steven Richardson said.

Quarterback Mitch Leidner (foot surgery) will be a guest analyst on Saturday's radio broadcast on 100.3-FM. The team is being careful with him, though he's close to 100 percent healed.

Cornerback KiAnte Hardin (hamstring) was a full participant in Thursday's practice, as was safety Dior Johnson (unspecified injury).

Linebacker Cody Poock had a cast on his hand, but Sawvel didn't rule him out for Saturday, and the same goes for defensive tackle Merrick Jackson (fever). Tight end Brandon Lingen (unspecified) also has a chance to return Saturday, Johnson said.

After injuring his knee as a true freshman, and injuring a hamstring last fall, Gophers wide receiver Isaiah Gentry has been sidelined this spring because of continuing hamstring issues. Wide receivers coach Brian Anderson said Gentry needs time to develop leg strength.