The Gophers on Tuesday morning released their depth chart for Saturday night's home game against No. 21 Michigan State, and there are a handful of changes from last week's Purdue game.
![Minnesota's quarterback Conor Rhoda, left, and quarterback Demry Croft listened to the referees before the Gophers took on the Buffalo Bulls at TCF Bank Stadium, Thursday, August 31, 2017 in Minneapolis, MN. ] ELIZABETH FLORES ' liz.flores@startribune.com](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/XGAPKZATV6GFIJQNXFMVY7M4NQ.jpg?&w=1080)
At quarterback, Conor Rhoda is listed as starter, with Demry Croft backing him up, followed by true freshman Tanner Morgan and redshirt freshman Seth Green. Last week, Green was the No. 2 QB on the depth chart, followed by Croft. Morgan was not listed on the depth chart, and coach P.J. Fleck has said he wants to redshirt Morgan.
Redshirt freshman Sam Schlueter is listed as the starter at right tackle, and he took over for Nick Connelly, who suffered a leg injury against Purdue. Wide receiver Phillip Howard is listed as a starter, though he suffered a head injury at Purdue and Fleck on Monday said he was out for the Michigan State game. Mark Williams is in line to replace Howard, as he did against Purdue.
On defense, there are two new starters on the line. True freshman defensive end Nate Umlor is slated to make his first start ahead of Winston DeLattiboudere, a switch from last week. Defensive tackle Gary Moore also is listed as a starter, ahead of Merrick Jackson.
At cornerback, Coney Durr is a starter, replacing Kiondre Thomas, who is out because of a leg injury suffered at Purdue. True freshman Justus Harris is listed as Durr's backup. Durr is not 100 percent back from knee surgery after last year's Holiday Bowl victory over Washington State, so Harris would burn a redshirt season if he plays. The other starting cornerback, Antonio Shenault, has true freshman Rey Estes, a converted quarterback, as his backup. Estes has yet to play. Ken Handy-Holly is listed as the starter at one safety spot, giving the Gophers two true freshmen starting on defense and two as second-teamers.
On offense, the Gophers have two redshirt freshmen starting on the offensive line – Schlueter and Conner Olson – and true freshman Blaise Andries as backup at both tackles. Andries has yet to play, preserving his redshirt season.
As always, the depth chart is subject to change.
