Gophers football coaches believe they've seen plenty of progress in recent weeks, but heading into Saturday's spring game, they still have big questions at linebacker. That's a position where incoming recruits could make an impact this fall.
"We've been inconsistent at times, but it's definitely going in the right direction," Gophers linebacker coach Bill Miller said. "I like our group. I think that we've got a chance to have a good linebacker corps. Some of them may not be here yet, but I do feel that these guys have learned."
Outside linebacker Aaron Hill is the only returning starter in the group. As a junior, he made 74 tackles, tying him for third on the team.
"Aaron's had a pretty consistent spring," Miller said.
At middle linebacker, the Gophers need to replace outgoing senior Mike Rallis. The two candidates are redshirt freshman Jack Lynn and junior college transfer Damien Wilson.
Lynn has gotten most of the reps with the first-team defense this spring, but Wilson has made a good impression after making 122 tackles last year for Jones County (Miss.) Community College.
"What's surprised me the most is Damien can play well in space," Gophers defensive coordinator Tracy Claeys said. "I mean he did in junior college because that's all he did, and I just didn't know how that would translate."
Miller was the defensive coordinator at Miami when Ray Lewis was the Hurricanes' middle linebacker, so his standards are understandably high. How have Wilson and Lynn looked to Miller?