Let's continue studying the Gophers roster today with a look at another key returnee on the defensive line:
MICHAEL AMAEFULA
Number: 98
Position: Defensive end
Eligibility: Junior
Height/Weight: 6-2/245
High School: Arlington (Texas) Bowie
Recruiting flashback: Part of Jerry Kill's first recruiting class at Minnesota, Amaefula was listed as a three-star recruit by Rivals.com, with offers from Iowa, Iowa State and Kansas State.
Early college: As a true freshman in 2011, he played all 12 games and started four, recording 17 tackles, with 1 1/2 sacks and two fumble recoveries.
2012 rewind: Amaefula started all 13 games and finished with 19 tackles, 2 1/2 sacks and two fumble recoveries. He was one of the team's 31 Academic All-Big Ten selections.
2013 outlook: Amaefula is one of three returning starters on the defensive line, along with DT's Ra'Shede Hageman and Cameron Botticelli. The Gophers will look for Amaefula to take another step forward from his DE spot.
