Zack Annexstad handed the ball to Daniel Faalele at the 6-yard line. Faalele took his first hit three steps later. Then another. And another. Nearly the entire defense launched their combined body weight at Faalele, but he still trudged his way across the line.
Maybe the Gophers should change Faalele's position on the roster from RT to RB.
The 6-9, 400-pound offensive lineman, the Gophers' biggest player, scored the Maroon team's second touchdown in the spring game Saturday at Athletes Village, helping his side to a 38-20 victory against the Gold squad.
Coach P.J. Fleck said he didn't have a name for that play just yet, but it will likely be something Australian after Faalele's home country. Too bad "The Refrigerator" is already taken.
"It was unbelievable," Fleck said. "I thought he was getting tackled. Then he just kept moving his feet. And 400 pounds later, he's in the end zone."
Redshirt sophomore running back Mohamed Ibrahim said he didn't think anyone could take Faalele down one-on-one. Senior defensive lineman Carter Coughlin said he was relieved he wasn't playing that series, as Faalele is the size of three grown men and it would take at least that to stop him.
"I was on the sideline, and when the defense got back on the sideline I told them, like, 'There was nothing you could do right there,' " senior receiver Tyler Johnson said.
Faalele wasn't the only surprise at running back, a position that has been limited because of injuries this spring, including redshirt seniors Rodney Smith and Shannon Brooks. Redshirt sophomore quarterback Jon Santaga took nine carries 67 yards.