Gophers football: Which true freshmen stood out in recent practices?

Before Mo Ibrahim became the Gophers all-time leading rusher in 2022, he showed what he might become while tallying zero yards during the 2017 season.

For his work behind the scenes, Ibrahim was named the offensive scout team player of the year during that true freshman season. For the Baltimore native, that team award was a harbinger of the 4,688 yards he would rack up in his career through 2022.

While it’s certainly not a guarantee of future success, how true freshman grow behind the scenes during their first fall on campus can be a leading indication of how their careers might pan out at Minnesota.

For instance, tight end Brevyn Spann-Ford won offensive scout team player of the year in 2018. The St. Cloud native turned into a U standout and now a rookie on the Dallas Cowboys.

Also in 2017, Gophers head coach P.J. Fleck routinely raved about what Esezi Otomewo was doing behind the scenes that fall, even mentioning his NFL upside. The Indianapolis defensive lineman is now with the Jacksonville Jaguars after starting his pro career with the Vikings.

The Pioneer Press asked Fleck on Monday which current true freshman were catching eyes with their performances in practices during the bye week. His comments provide one snapshot of who is standing out at one point during what can be a long, grueling season for former high schoolers still getting used to the physicality and speed of the college ball.

On offense, Fleck mentioned Fame Ijeboi, a 6-foot, 210-pound running back from Folcroft, Pa.

“As a true freshman, he has shown rapid improvement and rapid growth for such a young player at that position, he’s one of the hardest workers on the team, period, and not only the freshman class, but on the team,” Fleck said. “And I think that he’s earned ton of respect from everybody very quickly.”

On defense, Fleck noted Riley Sunram, a 6-foot-4, 300-pound defensive lineman from Kindred, N.D.

“I thought he had a really good week,” Fleck said. “It’s hard to come in as a true freshman and make an impact on the defensive line. But I thought Riley really showed what he could do on the defensive side.”

Fleck also mentioned Drake Lindsey, the 6-foot-5, 230-pound quarterback from Fayetteville, Ark.

“I thought Drake Lindsay had a really good week, letting (starter Max Brosmer) be able to rest his arm a little bit,” Fleck said. “Drake and Dylan (Wittke) took over the week. I thought they did a really good job of leading the offense. They were able to practice, three, four days, including (Sunday), but really, three days on their own to really expedite their growth. And I thought Drake did a really good job.”

Lindsey is the heir apparent to Brosmer in 2025. Lindsey has been able to get a taste in games, filling in during two nonconference contests — Nevada and Rhode Island in September. He didn’t attempt a pass against Nevada, but went 3 for 4 for 35 yards and one touchdown toss against FCS-level Rhode Island.

‘Honest mistake’

Going into the Gophers-UCLA game on Oct. 5, the Big Ten published the exact same list of 27 Bruins players to be out and questionable to play against Minnesota at Rose Bowl Stadium.

Receiver Titus Mokiao-Atimalala was listed as out, but he played, totaling three receptions for 24 yards against the Gophers. Some catches came on Bruin scoring drives.

The Big Ten told the Pioneer Press on Oct. 5 that the conference was looking into the matter. On Monday, a spokesman shared: “We determined it was a series of unfortunate, explainable missteps that led to an honest mistake.”

Briefly

The Gophers are a 3.5-point betting favorite against Maryland on Saturday. The Terrapins staked a 15-point comeback to beat USC in College Park, Md., on Saturday. … Minnesota’s road game at Illinois on Nov. 2 has been flexed, meaning the kickoff time won’t be known until this weekend. It might be morning, afternoon or night.