Jonah Pirsig just had finished a one-on-one blocking drill Tuesday, when Gophers offensive coordinator Matt Limegrover gave a shout that echoed inside the football complex.
"What has happened to you?" Limegrover said. "Whatever it is, keep growing the hair!"
At 6-9, Pirsig was an imposing figure from the moment he stepped on campus in 2012 as a highly touted recruit from Blue Earth, Minn. But after overcoming a knee injury and recent wrist surgery, Pirsig has filled out that frame and now has long, shaggy hair extending beneath his helmet. Watching Pirsig in that drill, Limegrover loved what he saw.
Pirsig came off the bench to play in seven games last year. He lined up at right tackle with the second team offensive line on the first day of spring practice. The Gophers have redshirt junior Josh Campion back with the first team at right tackle and redshirt sophomore Ben Lauer at left tackle. But depth is always critical on the line, and Pirsig looks like he's ready to make a serious push.
"He's a huge man," coach Jerry Kill said. "Even with the cast on, he's made some big jumps [with his strength]."
Gridiron Gold: startribune.com/gophers
