Gophers Offensive Line Philosophy Changing

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The transition in head coaches at Minnesota from Jerry Kill to Tracy Claeys has been subtle, save for a contrast in personality and size.

Claeys had one big target for change, though. The offensive line needed to be restored as a power. "Road graders" was the label he used to describe the type of players desired up front.

Jonah Pirsig and the rest of the returners received the message after their 6-7 season a year ago.

"Offensive linemen have just really bought into the fact that we need to be bigger and we need to be stronger to kind of change the culture," the senior right tackle said, adding: "We're only going to see good things from that."

With junior college transfers Vincent Calhoun and Garrison Wright joining Pirsig in the starting five, the Gophers will be bigger. Obsessive work in the weight room over the winter and spring has drawn rave reviews, so the group is stronger. Will it be better?

"There's no question that they've made a lot of progress," Claeys said.

The Gophers host Oregon State on September 1st, their now-annual Thursday night lid-lifter.  Gopher games can be heard on 1340 KROC AM