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Minnesota Gopher WR Makes 2025 CFB Freaks List
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- Minnesota Gopher WR Makes 2025 CFB Freaks List
Matt Krohn-Imagn Images Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
P.J. Fleck has had his team working towards their August 28 season opener against the Buffalo Bulls. Drake Lindsey is set to take over as the starting quarterback in place of since departed Max Brosmer .
This season sets up well for the Minnesota Gophers. They could be a surprising threat in the Big Ten if they can hold serve outside of tough road contests against the Buckeyes and Oregon Ducks.
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There is a buzz around this team because they have talent that should show up on the national radar. Award lists have placed plenty Gophers in preseason watch territory and the steam will only continue.
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Le'Meke Brockington getting his flowers for MN Gophers
Plenty of excitement surrounds Koi Perich this season. The former top in-state recruit is going to try replicating Travis Hunter's excitement while playing on both sides of the ball. Le'Meke Brockington is hoping to absorb Daniel Jackson's target share, and Bruce Feldman named him among his "Freaks" at The Athletic.
"Last year, he started 11 games and made 18 catches for 282 yards and one touchdown. This offseason, the 6-0, 195-pounder, who has made a remarkable recovery from a broken leg in 2023, squatted a Gophers wide receiver record 664 pounds, breaking his own record from a year ago by 50 pounds. Brockington vertical jumped 42 inches, broad jumped 11-4 1/4 (an improvement of five inches from last year), ran a 4.19 shuttle time and had a 10-yard split of 1.43. His numbers, particularly his jumping and strength ones, are truly amazing."
Ranked 28th on the list of 101 total players. Brockington is entering his fourth season with the Gophers. His 18 receptions last season were a career-high, but he still scored just a single touchdown. There should be plenty of opportunity for him to expand on his role this season.
This is just RIDICULOUS out of Lemeke Brockington. 🤯 pic.twitter.com/MU9rvSGWJn
— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) September 22, 2024
The level of chemistry that Brockington can develop and display with Lindsey will be key. Despite being an established star, Jackson showed that off with Brosmer last season. Brockington and Lindsey have the benefit of having worked together as backups previously, and now they will be called upon to take things to the next level.
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Transfers Logan Loya and Javon Tracy should also compete for starting reps. Christian Driver is back after transferring in from Penn State prior to last season. Of course Perich will also factor into the offense as well.
Related: Koi Perich Leaving Gophers for Vikings ASAP
While defensive lineman Jide Abasiri is not playing for the Minnesota Gophers, he is a native. The USC standout was a true freshman last season and Feldman had him 38th on his "Freaks" list.
"As a true freshman last year, the former four-star recruit appeared in 10 games and made seven tackles. The 6-5, 295-pounder from Minnesota has intriguing athleticism, having clocked 19.22 mph at nearly 300 pounds. More impressively, Abasiri's 10-yard split was 1.60, which would be a good time for an edge rusher. He's squatted 700 pounds."
Although Abasiri didn't stay home, it's certainly nice to see the state of Minnesota getting some love for the physical abilities of their up and coming talents.
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Minnesota will continue to look for their next iteration to land on the "Freaks" list. If they emerge out of nowhere this season, the team will be better off for it.
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