Gophers running back Donnell Kirkwood reinjures hamstring in spring practice

Donnell Kirkwood, whose 229 rushing yards in 2011 are the most by any returning Gophers running back, will miss much of spring football practice after reinjuring a hamstring that has given him problems in the past.

"He's such a good kid and he's worked so hard, I really feel bad for him," coach Jerry Kill said of the sophomore from Delray Beach, Fla. "He's had hamstring trouble since he's been here."

He has, though he managed to play at least a little in every game last year despite missing most of fall camp with the same injury. After an offseason workout program devoted to keeping his legs intact, the Gophers were optimistic that those problems were in the past.

"He had a great practice yesterday," Kill said, at least until the injury occurred just before the first-day session finished. "He looked quick and athletic and confident."

On Friday, though, he was wearing an orange jersey, relegated to just watching his teammates.

"I told him to keep his head up," Kill said. "His job is to be the elder statesman and rehab, which he will, and coach up those other guys."

Kill said he hopes Kirkwood will recover enough to perform individual drills by the end of spring, but he should be ready by fall camp regardless. And he will be removed from kickoff and kick coverage teams in order to limit long runs.

Seniors aim for impact Brandon Green and MarQueis Gray have been close for three years now, including a couple spent as roommates. They take most of the same classes, spend plenty of time working on the passing game together, and even had children -- Green has a 9-month-old daughter, Alayla -- a few months apart.

Now they both approach their senior year, Gray at the controls of the Gophers offense, and Green, the veteran receiver, thirsty for a chance to make an equally large impact.

"I'm kind of a survivor," said the 22-year-old Chicago native, who looked like a future all-conference receiver as a freshman and sophomore, with 21 catches each year, then lost the 2010 season to a serious knee injury. He made 15 catches as he recovered last season, but he hopes to finish his college career with a breakout year.

"I got an extra year, so I've got an opportunity to show what I can do," Green said. "It gives me a chance to showcase myself."

Having a close relationship with the quarterback can't hurt; Gray has made it clear he wants his former roommate to develop into a go-to receiver.