College football is just around the corner -- we're less than 12 weeks away from the Gophers' season opener against New Mexico State on Aug. 30. So, with that in mind, I'll be examining some story lines, players and trends to watch over the next few weeks. Here's today's installment:
Five players to watch on the Gophers' nonconference schedule
Marcus McMaryion, quarterback, Fresno State
vs. Gophers on Sept. 8 at TCF Bank Stadium
The skinny: If McMaryion's name rings a bell, here's why: He started the final six games of the 2016 season for Oregon State and had the inside track to be the Beavers' starter in 2017 before junior college transfer Jake Luton beat him out for the job during training camp – and started against the Gophers. McMaryion, who already had graduated from Oregon State, transferred to Fresno State and was immediately eligible for the Bulldogs. That worked out well, because he won the starting job by the fourth week of the season and went 9-2 as the Bulldogs completed a turnaround from 1-11 in 2016 to 10-4 with a Hawaii Bowl win over Houston last year. McMaryion completed 218 of 351 passes (62.1 percent) for 2,726 yards and 14 touchdowns with five interceptions, and he can build on that in his senior season.
KeeSean Johnson, wide receiver, Fresno State
vs. Gophers on Sept. 8 at TCF Bank Stadium
The skinny: Johnson – no relation to former USC star wideout Keyshawn Johnson – was McMaryion's favorite target last year and should be again this fall. He caught 77 passes for 1,013 yards and eight touchdowns, following up stats of 66-773-6 as sophomore. The 6-2, 202-pounder's highlight in 2017 came in the regular-season victory over Boise State, in which he caught six passes for 19 yards and two TDs.
