It's a 'big plus' for Gophers to welcome Travis back

Eric Murray, Briean Boddy-Calhoun and Antonio Johnson all have moved on, but the fourth member of the Gophers' senior defensive backfield quartet from last season is back.

Damarius Travis injured a hamstring trying to block a last-minute punt in last year's season opener against TCU. He had a setback around midseason and settled for a medical redshirt, which allows him to return this fall.

"I wanted to finish out with those [other seniors], but it was just unfortunate," Travis said. "So I just played the cards I was dealt."

Travis has recovered fully, and he was constantly around the ball again Thursday, during the team's fifth spring practice.

He led the Gophers with 10 tackles against TCU, and the defense sorely missed his 6-2, 215-pound presence the rest of the season. He was named a captain for this year, along with Mitch Leidner, Brandon Lingen and Jack Lynn.

"It was a big negative to not have [Travis] a year ago," Gophers coach Tracy Claeys said. "But that has really turned into a big plus to have him around, with what he's done working with the younger kids."

Senior Jalen Myrick returns at one cornerback spot, with youngsters KiAnte Hardin and Ray Buford expected to compete at the other corner. Returning safeties include Ace Rogers, Adekunle Ayinde and Duke McGhee.

"It's time for me and Jalen to step up the way those [other seniors] did when they were here," Travis said.

Quarterback watch

With Leidner recovering from foot surgery, Claeys said Demry Croft is "probably a little bit ahead" in the backup quarterback battle.

"Conor [Rhoda] has done a nice job managing the game; he hasn't made a lot of bad decisions," Claeys said. "And it's not fair to judge Seth [Green] until we get into fall camp, with how fast we're going. But he continues to improve and make plays."

Offensive line update

The Gophers are thin along the offensive line after losing eight players from last year's unit, including three starters.

"There's one group in there that we're making progress with, but one group's not enough," Claeys said. "With the injuries, we've got to get the other guys going, too."

Matt Limegrover had double duty when he was the team's offensive coordinator and offensive line coach. Now Bart Miller works exclusively as the offensive line coach.

"He's with them all the time," Claeys said. "He's not worried about calling plays, and I think that's a tough job for an offensive line coach to call plays and coach up there. So I think the kids have enjoyed having [Miller] around. We've got some work to do still, but he's doing a good job with some changes that we've made technique wise. And we will play more physical."

Etc.

• Former coach Jerry Kill attended practice while in town to speak for an epilepsy cause. He looked fit, having lost 14 pounds. He said he's done some recent consulting for TCU and Iowa State's football teams.

• Offensive lineman Garrison Wright (knee) and defensive tackle Steven Richardson (back) were limited in practice, though neither injury sounds serious.

Claeys noted that resting them Thursday gives each of them extra time to recover, as the team won't practice again until March 22 because of spring break.

Joe Christensen • 612-673-7844