Your Usual Saturday Links To Gophers Stuff

Starting next week I'll be going over what I see as the positions of concern for your 2007 Gophers football team. I'll discuss the quarterback battle, the wideout position, the secondary, and perhaps more.

Until then, there has been an assortment of news to catch up on.

** In the best news I've read in months, the Pioneer Press' Charley Walters informs us that it is unlikely Glen Mason will call any Minnesota games for the Big Ten Network. Something tells me Mason will be lobbying to call as many games possible that include Ohio State.

** In Shooter's column, we also learn that Andrew Brommer, who verbally committed to Dan Monson's Gophers before rescinding when Tubby Smith took over, apparently has new offers. Monson's Long Beach State 49ers have offered and so have Colorodo State, Wisconsin-Green Bay, Valpariso and Dayton. The scuttlebutt on Brommer was that Tubby wanted to go in a different direction and that the Rosemount youngster could find a better situation elsewhere. With the schools that are in the mix for Brommer, it would seem Tubby made the right call ... that is if he can convince more talented kids to come to Minnesota.

** Gopher Nation unveiled earlier this week it's Top 16 recruits they'd like to see Tim Brewster land. I pretty much agree with what Tom at GN argues. I will add though, that it will be highly disappointing if Brewster fails to land Cretin Derham Hall wideout Michael Floyd and/or Eden Prairie standout Willie Mobley.

** In other Michael Floyd news, the Cretin wideout reportedly phoned the Star Tribune Friday to tell the newspaper the Gophers are in his final five. He also told the newspaper he would not be doing anymore interviews until after his senior season. Tim Brewster has his work cut out for him. Minnesota joins Florida, Notre Dame, Michigan and Ohio State in the wideout's final five.

** Mike Lucas of The Capital Times in Madison penned a thorough Minnesota football preview this week. He touches Brewster's energy (who knew?), the changes we'll see on offense and he mentions in passing that Glen Mason was always "patronizing" to Joe Paterno.

** Earlier this week the Star Tribune had a nice article about the start to college football practice. Chip Scoggins tells us a few things of interest: the Gophers are installing a new option play that Adam Weber at least thinks is "cool," the quarterback competition is on and no cell phones or computers are allowed as preseason practice continues.

** The St. Cloud Times has a good profile of defensive end Willie VanDeSteeg, who apparently has taken after Tim Brewster.

** The Dayton Daily News previews Brewster's squad here.

** Women's hockey coach Laura Halldorson reportedly resigned after 11 years and three national titles with the Gophers. She was 278-67-22 during her stint here.