Donnell Kirkwood has more experience with the Gophers football team than any other tailback, but the sophomore isn't sure that makes him the No. 1 ballcarrier. He doesn't know if anyone is, for that matter.
"It seems like we're going to split it up. That's what we've been doing so far," said Kirkwood, who collected 107 yards in four games during a 2010 freshman year that turned into an injury redshirt, then added 229 more yards last season. "I don't think they would practice it that way and then not do it."
His coach confirmed that preliminary plan. "There are some combinations that we'll use" at the position, Jerry Kill said.
James Gillum, who rushed for 2,339 yards in two seasons at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, also figures to carry the ball, Kill said, along with sophomore Devon Wright and freshman K.J. Maye.
"I think it'll be like practice, using everybody to keep us all fresh," Kirkwood said. "All of us have to be prepared either way, and I think all of us are."
Kill notably didn't mention sophomore David Cobb, though it's unclear whether he will see action. Kill said Cobb needed additional practice on his blocking duties, and was getting extra work on it this weekend.
That's a responsibility Kirkwood was careful to focus on during camp. "That's something I knew I had to improve upon this summer, and it's something I think I did improve upon," said the 20-year-old from Delray Beach, Fla. "One thing I've learned with this coaching staff is, you have to just play your part. You let the big plays happen. Whatever happens, happens. If you try too hard, try to make an 80-yard run, that's when you start missing little things. And little things are what make plays break down."
Fluid situation The temperature in Los Angeles was 72 degrees at kickoff last Sept. 3 for the Gophers' season opener at Southern California, hot enough that quarterback MarQueis Gray had to leave the game during the second half because of cramps in his arms.
