LAS VEGAS – Defensive end Anthony Smith, running back Darius Taylor and safety Koi Perich were the Gophers’ officially designated players for Big Ten football media days Wednesday, while quarterback Drake Lindsey came along for the ride and had some social media duties. All four went through media interviews and took in the sights and sounds of Las Vegas.
“I’ve never been to Vegas before,” Smith said. “I just turned 21. I haven’t been going crazy, but I’ve been enjoying Vegas.”
To the four Gophers, this trip offered a chance to hone their interviewing skills while representing the Minnesota program in an event that leads up to next week’s opening of training camp and the season opener Aug. 28 against Buffalo.
“We’re such a connected team,” Smith said. “I haven’t seen a team this connected in all my years. I’m really excited.”
Added Taylor: “Somebody else may not believe what we can do, but we believe that we can do anything.”
Wednesday gave the four Gophers a chance to show off their fashion sense. Each wore a suit with a variety of accessories. Perich, for example, forgot to pack a tie and wore a sparkling necklace with his pinstripe suit instead. Both Smith and Taylor said they had the best look, while Perich deferred to a couple of media members in attendance. Their verdict: Smith, wearing a black blazer with multicolored plaid pants, took the title.
“These were my backup pants,” Smith said. “I was wearing black pants, but at the last minute, I chose to wear these. I guess it worked out pretty well.”
Visit from a Gophers legend
The Gophers’ contingent in Las Vegas dined Tuesday night with former Minnesota center Greg Eslinger, a two-time All-America selection who won the Outland and Rimington trophies in 2005.
