Post-practice Thursday

Greetings.

Coach Tim Brewster had his guys in shells Thursday afternoon, the day's only practice. They will go hard in pads Friday morning, have a no-pads practice that afternoon and be set for Saturday's scrimmage at TCF Bank Stadium.

Here are some notes from our post-practice talk with Brewster:

--As is usually the case, Brewster has had some officials work his practices. It gives the players to get a feel for how things are going to be -- especially the young players. It also gives the players a chance to get a heads-up on what the NCAA will be looking for in the upcoming season.

Here's one: This season intentional blows to the head will mean suspension from a game. "They're trying to take care of players, which is a good thing," Brewster said. "Particularly the quarterback. We have to do a great job of protecting the quarterback, but also a good job of protecting all players when they're in a vulnerable position."

That would include receivers getting hammered by safeties. Brewster said he has talked to his secondary players about that issue, about not leading with the crown of the helmet.

As an aside on this issue, I have noticed that many of the Gophers' players wear Riddell's Revolution helmet. It is designed with added padding on the sides of the helmet. The protective shell of helmet is larger, allowing for more padding.

Anyway, to move on:

--Another rules change will make it a penalty to line up five players in the backfield. Brewster said this would not affect the Gophers.

I'll be writing more on Saturday's scrimmage for Saturday's paper, but here's a quick version: it will be held like a spring game, with very vanilla offense and defense; Brewster doesn't want to give any secrets away. It will be a great opportunity for the players to get over the wow factor of playing in the new building in front of so many fans.

Meanwhile, Center Ryan Wynn recently visited the doctor about his sore back, but Brewster said a final diagnosis has not yet been made. Brewster said he still expects Wynn to try to play this season.

Here's a couple final items: According to GopherIllustrated.com, the Gophers have gotten another verbal committment. It comes out of New Orleans. Speedy outside linebacker Dwayne Mitchell, from Edna Karr High School, becomes the 12th player on the Gophers' list for 2010.