Quick Hitters

Charley Walters of the Pioneer Press has a couple quick tidbits in his column of tidbits today on Gophers sports.

** As I discussed below in a profile of Everett Withers, the new defensive coordinator is known for coaching an attacking-style of defense. Walters writes: "Look for the Gophers football team to blitz more next season than it has the past five years."

** Another topic that has been discussed here at length is the Gophers football schedule. Walters suggests that when the U's contract with North Dakota State runs out at the end of the year, the Gophers would like to add Nebraska or UCLA to the schedule. Joel Maturi might not like that, however.

The Star Tribune's own wacky columnist--Sid Hartman--has information on Brewster's football camp.

** For rabid Gophers fans, it isn't news that a slew of talent was in Minneapolis this weekend. The coaching staff hasn't been able to secure any commitments, but Hartman believes some blue-chippers will commit. The top in-state talent was on hand--including Cretin-Derham Hall's Michael Floyd, among others--as well as some outstanding talent from aroud the country. Rivals.com, which on a daily basis provides the best coverage of Gophers recruiting, suggests that dual-threat quarterback Matt Scott of California may be close to committing. In a subscription only article, Rivals explains that Scott and his family were enamored with Minnesota. Scott, a three-star QB who is ranked #8 in the country as a dual-threat QB, has offers from Minnesota, California, Arizona and Boise State. He's off to Boise State next to check out that sweet blue turf.

** Other national recruits were also in town according to Sid. He provides the following list: Brandon Green and quarterbacks Jonny Johnson and Alex Haan from Chicago; safety Craig Loston and quarterback Darron Thomas from Texas; tight end Kaleb Ramsey of Pennsylvania.

Green, a four-star wide receiver, has also talkled highly of the Gophers. Landing Floyd and Green would be a coup for Brewster and offensive coordinator Mike Dunbar's spread offense.

** If you're in the mood for a fluff piece on Saul Smith and his father Tubby Smith on Father's Day, Marcus Fuller of the Pioneer Press has what you're looking for.