Kill praises Leidner and Thompson's leadership

While the Gophers have yet to name captains, Coach Jerry Kill said Mitch Leidner and Cedric Thompson are "obvious" choices.

July 29, 2014 at 1:58AM
Minnesota Gophers head football coach Jerry Kill
Minnesota Gophers head football coach Jerry Kill (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

CHICAGO -- Gophers coach Jerry Kill said Monday that the team won't officially name captains until after two-a-day practices are finished, but Kill made it clear quarterback Mitch Leidner and safety Cedric Thompson are logical choices.

"I think it's pretty obvious with what those two kids have done," Kill said after leaving the podium at Big Ten Media Days. "I don't know if we need any more leadership. Those two kids have done an unbelievable job in the summer.

"Mitch has been incredible. And really, I give kudos to Cedric, because he came in and said, 'Hey, I want the responsibility. I don't care what anybody thinks of me, I want to win and do it now.' So that excites me a whole bunch."

Last year, the Gophers had four captains -- Josh Campion, Aaron Hill, Brock Vereen and Ra'Shede Hageman. Campion, a junior offensive tackle, is the only one of the four who returns this fall.

I'll have much more from Chicago in tonight's first editions.

about the writer

about the writer

joecstrib

More from Sports

See More
card image
Alex Kormann/The Minnesota Star Tribune

Basketball Across Minnesota: Meet Maple Grove's Jack Thelen, who over the years has embraced his size and become a top center in the state.

card image
card image