Jeff Jones cleared for Gophers' spring practice

ORLANDO – Gophers running back Jeff Jones posted high enough grades during fall semester to be eligible for spring practice, coach Jerry Kill confirmed Friday.

The Gophers were confident Jones would be eligible but waited to make it official until his grades were posted. Ranked as the nation's No. 7 tailback by Rivals.com, Jones fell just short of qualifying academically coming out of Minneapolis Washburn.

After getting accepted into the university, Jones applied for an initial eligibility waiver from the NCAA. He was given his full scholarship but wasn't allowed to participate in team activities during fall semester. He needed at least a 2.5 grade-point average to become eligible, and the word is he easily surpassed that.

"He did a great job," Kill said.

With David Cobb and Donnell Kirkwood getting ready for their college finale, Jones will have a chance to help the Gophers next season. The team also likes Rodney Smith, a freshman from Jonesboro, Ga., who redshirted this year.

The other two returning tailbacks are junior Rodrick Williams and redshirt freshman Berkley Edwards.

A report on 1500ESPN.com, citing unnamed sources, said Gophers sophomore tight end Maxx Williams will turn pro after the bowl game.

Drew Wolitarsky, who missed the past four games with a high-ankle sprain, seemed to be running fine Friday. Kill said Wolitarsky will be ready for Thursday's Citrus Bowl.

"He's still got a little rust on him that he's working off, but I'm sure after this week, he'll be ready to rock and roll," quarterback Mitch Leidner said. "It's huge for me, just having another weapon out there. He's a big strong kid and he makes plays when the ball's in the air."

After being named a freshman All-America last season, Gophers offensive lineman Ben Lauer has had a rough sophomore year. The Wayzata graduate suffered a high-ankle sprain in preseason camp, leaving Jonah Pirsig to start the season's first two games at right tackle.

Lauer managed to start six games, but the ankle injury persisted. And this month, he's been sick with mono.

"We'll check him [Saturday], but he's not going to be able to play a significant role even if he comes back," Kill said. "He's been really sick, so we'll just have to see."

Etc.

• Sophomore safety Daletavious McGhee, who has played a key role on special teams, has been slowed with a leg injury, Kill said. But the coach added, "I think he'll be all right."