A few surprises on the Gophers' two-deep for their season opener, starting with one that maybe shouldn't be such a shock. Ra'Shede Hageman will back up Matt Garin at defensive end, and on the surface, doesn't that seem logical? Hageman has never played defense before, so doesn't it seem like a guy who is transitioning from tight end might need to be eased in slowly?
It's a surprise, though, because coach Tim Brewster has talked up the potential of Hageman all summer, raising expectations by pointing out (as he did again Tuesday) that Hageman is the strongest player on the team.
None of that hype is false or misplaced, Brewster explained on Tuesday, and Hageman, a star tight end at Washburn High, will get plenty of playing time in Murfreesboro, Tenn., on Thursday. "I can't wait to see what an impact Ra'Shede has on the game," the coach said.
But Garin, an Apple Valley native, made a big impression in camp, too, and deserves the start. "He's a little bit ahead of Ra'Shede right now from a fundamental standpoint, from a technique standpoints," Brewster said. Reading between the lines and talking to some of the players afterward, I got the impression that Middle Tennessee State's unique offensive philosophy, using quickness to overcome their size disadvantage, may not be the best matchup for someone still as raw as Hageman. He's going to be a great one, Brewster said, but it takes time.
Kyle Theret has been suspended for the game, Brewster said, which is a continuation of the "indefinite" suspension that Brewster imposed after Theret's arrest last March on drunk-driving charges. But the coach has also suspended offensive lineman Dom Alford for an unspecified violation of team rules, making Ed Olson the starter at left tackle. Brewster wouldn't say how long the suspensions will last, and Alford is actually listed as Olson's backup on the two-deep.
Theret's suspension and the likelihood that Kim Royston won't play -- "He's close," Brewster said, but the coach made it sound like a longshot that Royston will suit up -- means the Gophers will use 11 defenders who will be making their first collegiate start.
Jon Hoese's status remains uncertain as well; Brewster reiterated that he supports any decision Hoese makes. The senior fullback's father Terry suffered a stroke last Thursday and remains critically ill.