Gopher Football: Depth Chart, Injury Report versus UNLV

Sophomore Philip Nelson was named the University of Minnesota starting quarterback more than a week ago. On Tuesday, the Golden Gophers released their depth chart and injury report for their season opener against UNLV and the five offensive lineman in-front of Nelson are still up for debate.

Head coach Jerry Kill and the rest of the coaching staff released their proposed offensive and defensive depth chart for the first game with only a few question marks. Offensive coordinator Matt Limegrover has yet to name his starting left tackle and center. At left tackle, redshirt junior Marek Lenkiewicz looks to be the starter, but redshirt senior Ed Olson is in the mix to play in game No. 1 as he comes off ankle surgery.

At center, the position battle between redshirt sophomore Jon Christenson and junior offensive lineman Tommy Olson is still to be determined. Tommy is the younger brother of Ed.

Ruled out of the game officially are freshmen running back Berkley Edwards as well as tight end Alex Bisch and defensive lineman Jordan Hinojosa. Edwards would have brought speed to a power rushing game and fans will need to monitor his status to see if he will even play at all this season. If his high ankle sprain is still not healthy by the end of the non-conference schedule, then it would be wise to look at shutting him down for the year.

Another key player that is listed on the injury report is standout junior cornerback Derrick Wells, who is limited with shoulder and hamstring injuries. Sophomore Eric Murray was named one of the starters, with junior Briean Boddy-Calhoun likely getting the start in Wells’ place.

With warm temperatures expected for the game against the Runnin’ Rebels, it is likely that we see multiple units take reps in the game. If Minnesota is able to get out to a comfortable lead, then it is entirely possible that players not listed on the depth chart see the field. Though coach Kill will likely want to see how some of his younger players handle the pressure of holding a lead early in the season.

In Other News…

• Women’s basketball head coach Pam Borton looks to lead her Golden Gophers squad to a winning season in the Big Ten this year. With the help of players including Rachel Banham, Shayne Mullaney, and Micaella Riche the Maroon and Gold will open their 2013-14 campaign on the road against Northern Iowa. The team released their upcoming season schedule on Tuesday. The regular season opener at Northern Iowa is set for Saturday, Nov. 9 with their home opener coming on Wednesday, Nov. 13 against the University of North Carolina-Charlotte.
• Men’s hockey head coach Don Lucia will lace up his marathon shoes to help out a charity this October. Lucia will enter the 2013 Twin Cities Marathon on Sunday, Oct. 6 to help raise money for Defending the Blue Line. The organization helps provide hockey equipment for children of military families. Recently, DTBL held a charity hockey game at Mariucci Arena featuring several alumni and NHL players.

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