Must Read: Cosgrove inspires (Minnesota Daily)

Heads were shaved, money and awareness were raised (GopherSports)

The long locks of Mike Rallis are gone (BTN.com)

Gophers shave heads for a good cause (FSN.com and UMN.edu) and there were many pictures (FSN.com)

VIDEO: Lots of heads were shaved (Star Tribune)

Mike Rallis: It's all about Connor (Pioneer Press) and raising awareness for pediatric cancer research (Fox 9)

Mia Tabberson shaved her head as well (WCCO) and looks fantastic (Minnesota Daily)

By Michael Molde
GopherSports.com

Minnesota true freshman quarterback Philip Nelson found his rhythm midway through the first quarter of Saturday's 44-28 win over Purdue. By halftime, the signal-caller making just his second career start and first at home may have had Purdue defenders looking spooked.

The Gophers fell behind 7-0 after the Boilermakers drove for a touchdown on their opening drive. On the ensuing possession, Minnesota answered with its first touchdown of the afternoon on a 34-yard pass from Nelson to redshirt junior wide receiver Derrick Engel with 6:06 left in the first quarter.

After a quick three-and-out by Purdue, Nelson was at it again, leading Minnesota on a five-play, 64-yard drive that took just over two minutes and was capped by a four-yard run by Rodrick Williams Jr. for the freshman running back's first career TD.

Just 2:37 later, Minnesota got the ball back again after another outstanding defensive effort. As the game moved into the second quarter, Nelson wasted no time stretching the Gophers' lead to 21-7, as he lofted a perfect 38-yard TD pass along the home sideline to junior wide receiver A.J. Barker to cap a three-play, 60-yard drive that took just 55 seconds.

With the TCF Bank Stadium crowd buzzing, Nelson gave the fans more to appreciate. This time, it took just two plays and 42 seconds for Minnesota to push its advantage to 28-7, as Nelson once again found Barker for a touchdown. Nelson's 63-yard pass play increased his totals at the time to 12-of-13 for 226 yards and three TDs - with 10:34 remaining in the half!

Nelson wrapped up the first half having led the Gophers to a 34-7 lead by completing 15-of-17 passes for 246 yards and the three touchdowns. In the second half, with Minnesota quickly getting a field goal and a defensive touchdown to extend the lead to 44-7, the Gophers utilized their running game to eat up time on the clock. As a result, Nelson threw just five incomplete passes after the break, but the game was well in hand.

Nelson credited his first-half barrage to the team's study of Purdue game film.

"In our preparation coming into this one, we noticed that Purdue's corners liked to bite on some short game stuff," Nelson said. "We put in some double routes and caught them jumping early."

Minnesota head coach Jerry Kill was among those impressed with Nelson's performance.

"He took step one last week, and he took another step here at home. I thought he played outstanding. We were able to move the chains and score touchdowns, and he was accurate on the deep ball. We actually dropped a couple, which was unfortunate or he would have had an even bigger day."

"There was good timing and, again, when your quarterback doesn't turn over the football, moves the chains, and puts points on the board, and he's a freshman, that's a good sign for the future."

Even on a day when Minnesota's true freshman quarterback made an impressive home debut, senior Michael Carter still garnered a lot of attention. The Golden Gopher cornerback tied a school record with six pass breakups and returned an interception for a touchdown in the Gophers' 44-28 win over Purdue.

Carter looked good early in the game, but the bulk of his highlights came during a single series in the third quarter. During Purdue's first drive of the half, Carter broke up a Caleb TerBush pass intended for Gary Bush on second down. After the Boilermakers ran for first down on the next play, Carter again disrupted a passing play to Bush. On the very next play, he ran in from the side to swat down yet another one.

	Carter starred for the Gophers on defense.

As if he was tired of simply knocking down the ball, Carter intercepted the next pass and ran it 43 yards down the left side for a touchdown in front of a cheering student section. It was the first "pick-six" for Minnesota since Traye Simmons had one against Northwestern in 2008. It was also Carter's first career touchdown.

"I saw the fans," Carter said. "I just ran that way. All I saw was daylight and the fans cheering."

His total of six pass breakups tied Michael Lehan's single-game record, set against Michigan State in 2001. Carter nearly doubled his season total, which sits at 13 after today.

Head coach Jerry Kill has lauded Carter for the improvements he has made over the past year. The influence of Carter's cousin, former Gopher All-American and Jim Thorpe Award recipient Tyrone Carter, has played a role in his development. Tyrone has spent a lot of time around the Gopher program, particularly his cousin Michael, this season.

"I am more mature," Michael Carter said of the difference between last year and this year. "I am not just thinking about football. I am thinking more about school and football. This year I am just more focused."

Carter's improvement has been noticeable throughout his senior season, no more so than today.

"I have coached 30 years and I don't know if I have ever seen a corner have things go like that," Kill said. "They kept throwing over there and the third time he jumped it and made a big play. I was happy for Michael. He has been through a lot and I am happy for his success."

	MarQueis Gray has rushed, cuaght and passed for touchdowns during his Minnesota career.

By Justine Buerkle

On a Golden Gopher football game day, it would be tough to find a section of TCF Bank Stadium without fans wearing No. 5 jerseys for MarQueis Gray.

"It's like I'm a fan out there watching when he plays, to see what he's going to do next," wide receiver and fellow senior Brandon Green said.

Gray has excited teammates and fans alike with his playmaking ability. Throughout his Gopher career, his coaches have found him too talented to keep off the field. But the road Gray travels has taken many twists and turns. At first positional depth, and now injuries, have made it more difficult for him to stay in the game. His career has been a long journey, and the route is changing constantly.

The future looked bright when Gray enrolled at Minnesota in 2008 as one of the nation's top-ranked dual-threat quarterback prospects out of Ben Davis High School in Indianapolis. Then an early obstacle appeared in his path. After an entire summer of workouts on campus, Gray found out that the NCAA was questioning his ACT score and he would need to take it again to become eligible. This news hurt, but he did not let it keep him down for long. It was still his goal to wear the Maroon and Gold on the gridiron.

"I fell in love with the school, the stadium, the people. ...I still had in my mind that this was my home," he said. "I felt like this was where my heart was."

Gray moved back to Indianapolis during the fall, got a job, studied to retake the ACT, and worked out with his old high school team. He enrolled at Minnesota again in January 2009 and re-joined the football team.

More challenges awaited him. Starting quarterback Adam Weber had two years of eligibility left when Gray arrived. Still, then-coach Tim Brewster felt that Gray had too much talent to keep on the bench.

So Gray took another detour--a more pleasant one this time that allowed him to stay in the action. For his first two seasons, Gray spent more time at wide receiver than his primary position.

"I have older brothers who played receiver and corner, so when we were in the backyard, I got to switch around," he said. "But I never thought I'd play receiver in an actual college game or any type of game. Either way, I got a chance to be on the field, and I was happy with it."

Gray had success as a receiver, starting in seven games and hauling in 42 catches, including five touchdowns, as a sophomore. He had chances to take a few snaps, too.

Gray's time to take over the huddle finally came in 2011. Due to Minnesota's coaching change, this was no ordinary transition. Jerry Kill's staff and the Gopher players had to get used to each other and implement a new system. But the new head coach already knew enough about Gray to feel good about his future as the starter.

"We've had a lot of confidence in him from the day I walked in the door," Kill said. "He's accepted coaching, he's absorbed information, and he's done what we've asked him to do."

Seeing his name at the top of the quarterback depth chart validated Gray's dedication and decision to stick with Minnesota.

"It was something I worked for since I'd been here," he said. "To actually get that shot was an eye opener and it kept me hungry to not give up that spot."

For Gray, regaining his normal throwing motion was the most difficult part of transitioning back from wide receiver. The quarterback part of his mind--wanting to lead and to know what everyone else on the field is doing--had never switched off.

It still was not easy street for Gray. He had to learn a new offense for the third time in his career, and he was now the signal caller on a full-time basis.

Gray grew into the role of starting quarterback as his junior season progressed. As he became more comfortable, he put together some impressive performances. He set the school's single-season (966) and single-game (174) records for rushing yards by a quarterback. He threw for a career-best 295 yards and three touchdown passes at Michigan State in November.

After last season, Gray could say that, during his career, he had posted 100-yard games in all three offensive categories: receiving, rushing, and passing.

"It'd be even better if I got to do all that in one game," Gray said. "That's a good stat to have, but the only thing that really matters is wins and losses. This year I'm trying to improve in the winning category."

Entering his senior season in 2012, Gray's path looked straighter than ever before. For the first time in his four years, he did not have to learn a whole new offense, and he now had a year as the starting quarterback under his belt.

Because he wanted to improve in the winning category, Gray knew he could not set the cruise control for the final leg of his college football journey. In addition to working on the technical aspects of the game, he also improved his vocal leadership.

"I'm not usually a guy to do much speaking or trying to hype up the guys," Gray said. "But I took that role on this summer once spring ball started. It's been a good job for me so far."

His goofy personality has always helped teammates feel welcome. Sophomore Marcus Jones said that Gray helped make his transition to college easier last year.

"He does a great job helping the freshmen, joking around with them, making sure they're comfortable here at the university and making sure they want to be here," Jones said.

Gray still keeps a positive, loose vibe on the sidelines, but he has also learned how to take charge and how to talk his teammates through game situations. One of his roles as a senior leader is to help ready the younger quarterbacks for when their time comes.

Unfortunately for Gray, a nagging injury has necessitated a youth takeover already. An ankle sprain forced him out of the Gophers' win against Western Michigan. Sophomore Max Shortell stepped in during the second quarter and led Minnesota to victory, while Gray watched on crutches from the sidelines.

Gray returned to the field a few games later, coming off the bench against Northwestern. He caught one pass, threw several of his own, and ran for a 25-yard touchdown before reinjuring his ankle. Gray was back again at Wisconsin, but played only at receiver.

"It's painful not being out there, not being 100 percent like I was in the first game," he said. "But that's the game of football. I have to keep doing my rehab and hopefully continue to get better."

Meanwhile, Kill's decision to start Philip Nelson against Wisconsin seems to have determined Gray's role for the rest of the year. Now that the opportunity to redshirt Nelson is gone, the true freshman will likely start the remaining games. Gray may still take some snaps, but wide receiver will once again be his main focus. Despite his love for the quarterback position, this change could be a blessing in disguise. The Gopher receiving corps has been plagued by injuries lately. Plus, many believe that playing receiver gives Gray the best shot at playing professionally.

"Anywhere I have a chance to play NFL games, that's the thing I'm going to do," he said. "I have a family to look after, and if I'm a receiver at the next level, then that's what I'm going to play."

His aforementioned family has been a constant through all the ups and downs on the gridiron. Gray's fiancée, step-daughter, and 11-month-old twin sons have added another dimension to his life.

"I've grown as a leader, a brother to my teammates, a father to my kids at home, and just overall being a more mature player and a father each year I've been up here," he said.

Even though he is not currently the starting quarterback, Gray can still be that same mature leader. He can still give pointers to Nelson. He can still wow fans with great plays as a receiver.

Gray is on the final leg of his college journey. Future stops, possibly including the NFL, have yet to be determined. Wherever his road takes him from here, Gray will go there knowing that he did whatever his team needed, and that his family and teammates will always have his back.

When the Gophers take the field prior to a home game they traditionally have players lead the team out onto the field while carrying an American flag and a flag representing the University of Minnesota.

This Saturday, Minnesota will shift from protocol, as 1st Lt. Trey Van Wyhe of the United States Army (story here), will lead the team out onto the field carrying the American flag that he sent to coach Jerry Kill as a gift earlier this year. The flag has flown in Afghanistan where Van Wyhe, who is a lifelong Gopher fan from Hills., Minn., was recently deployed as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Van Wyhe, who is representing the 2nd Battalion 35th Infantry Regiment, "Cacti", 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, and his platoon carried the flag with them when they conducted air assault missions as a good luck charm.

Upon receiving the gift, coach Kill told Van Wyhe via email that if he was ever in town for a football game that he would be honored to have him lead the Gophers onto the field. Van Wyhe, who is stationed in Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, is only in town for this weekend and he is preparing for another deployment to Afghanistan next year.

Story about Kill at SIU: "Was probably one of the few guys in the nation that would have accepted the SIU job." (The Southern)

Depth chart, injury report for Saturday's game (GopherSports)

Know Thy Opponent: Purdue (GopherSports)

Kill, Limegrover were on KFAN yesterday (KFAN)

Two teams enter, one leaves with a win (The Exponent and FSN)

Big TE Plsek likes to hit (Star Tribune)

Graduation rates continue to rise (KARE)

Gray back at receiver (Minnesota Daily)

Minnesota moving forward with frosh QB (AP)

Mike Rallis is shaving his head for to raise funds for pediatric cancer research. Support him here and help him reach his goal (St. Baldrick's)

Derrick Engel Q&A (GopherSports)

Football banquet set for Nov. 25 (GopherSports)

Minnesota welcomes Purdue to TCF Bank Stadium for a Saturday afternoon game this weekend. We chatted with Mike Carmin who covers the Boilermakers for the Lafayette Journal and Courier to learn about Purdue. You can follow Mike on Twitter @carminjc.

GopherSports: Can you give us a brief scouting report on Purdue? They entered the season with a lot of hype, but have been handed some close defeats this year by Notre Dame and Ohio State. What is the team's mindset entering the game at Minnesota?

Mike Carmin: I think after last week's game at Ohio State it is changing a little bit. It is heading upward. That game went to overtime and was a game that they felt they should have won. But their performance was a lot better than against Michigan and Wisconsin where they were beaten soundly at home. So it was a step in the right direction. The key now for them is to continue to move forward. They are also getting into the part of the schedule that is not as difficult as it was the first three games, so they to take advantage of these last five games and get themselves in a situation where they can get back to another bowl game.

After the Ohio State game you would think things were coming around, but coming into this year there was a lot expected from Purdue. They thought with the situation in the Leaders Division that they had a shot to get to Indianapolis and play in the Big Ten title game. That does not look like it is going to be the case unless there is a monumental collapse by Wisconsin. And Purdue would have to win out. I feel like Minnesota and Purdue both have a similar approach in that they both feel like they can win this game. They both feel like they need to win this game to continue on the paths that they have set out

GS: Purdue like Minnesota has played three quarterbacks this season. Who can we expect to see on Saturday?

MC: Caleb TerBush is going to start and it should be similar to last week at Ohio State where he took 99.9 percent of the snaps. They did put Rob Henry back there a couple of times to take a couple of snaps in a pseudo-wildcat situation, but TerBush played almost the entire game. I expect him to take the majority of the snaps unless there is an injury or the game gets out of hand one way or another. Purdue had been rotating quarterbacks most of the year. Robert Marve got hurt against Notre Dame. He is playing on a torn ACL, which is his third one. He looked good one game and then did not look good one game, but I think they just decided to go with TerBush for now.

GS: Coach Kill talked this week about how good the Purdue defensive front is. Can you talk about them? Their plan has to be to try and rattle freshman quarterback Philip Nelson, right?

MC: I would be surprised if that is not their plan. If you watched Purdue's defensive front against Michigan and Wisconsin you would be like, "What is all the hype about?" because Purdue gave up 467 yards on the ground to Wisconsin. But they kind of redeemed themselves last week by keeping Braxton Miller in check. Carlos Hyde had a couple of big gains, but not like Montee Ball and Denard Robinson had in the two weeks before. They feel like that is their strength and they have not wavered from that. I believe that is the strength of their defense. They just need them to play better and maybe last week straightened that out. I would anticipate that they will do everything they can to get pressure on the freshman quarterback. Whether they can or not remains to be seen. The two defensive tackles are for real in Kawann Short and Bruce Gaston. They are solid, solid players. Ryan Russell at defensive end has come a long way and continues to get better so they have a pretty good defensive front.

GS: Who is an under-the-radar player Minnesota fans should pay attention to on Saturday?

MC: Safety Landon Feichter. I guess the bad news is that he has led the team in tackles the last two weeks and you never want your safeties to lead your team in tackles because you are not getting production from up front. He is a walk-on and still does not have a scholarship, but he has come up with some plays. He has four interceptions this year and returned one for a touchdown. He seems to be in the mix of things and is making plays on defense and disrupting things. They would like for him to not lead the team in tackles, but the plus side is that he is active and he is involved.

GS: What is the key to Purdue winning this game?

MC: I think they really need to establish a running game. If you look at the numbers Minnesota is one of the top pass defense teams in the country. You can look at that in two ways. Is their secondary strong and are they getting pressure on the quarterback and teams are not able to throw effectively? Or are teams choosing to run against them and having success running against them? But based on the numbers, Purdue is going to have to establish a running game to be successful against Minnesota.

Then they will also have to rattle the freshman quarterback. That has to be the plan. If you can get him out of rhythm, and I am not sure he has played long enough to know what his rhythm is yet. But if they can disrupt him a little bit, which will then disrupt their offense then I think Purdue should be in good shape.

GS: You talked about establishing the run. Can Gopher fans expect to see Akeem Shavers carrying the ball or who will get a lot of reps?

MC: I think Akeem Shavers will start. I think Ralph Bolden will also play. Bolden is coming off his third ACL surgery. He played two weeks ago against Wisconsin and he got more snaps last week. He was their leading rusher last year and was their leading rusher in 2009. I expect him to be more involved in the game plan during these last five games. Shavers will start, but I would expect to see Shavers and Bolden in the backfield a lot on Saturday.

GS: Mike, thanks for your time. We will see you on Saturday.

OFFENSE
Left Tackle
74 - Marek Lenkiewicz    6-5    281    R-So.    Tinley Park, Ill. (Victor J. Andrew)
53 - Tommy Olson    6-4    298    So.     Mahtomedi, Minn. (Mahtomedi)
Left Guard
52 - Zac Epping    6-2    306    R-So.     Kenosha, Wis. (Tremper)
73 - Joe Bjorklund    6-5    293    R-Fr.     Rosemount, Minn. (Rosemount)
Center
63 - Jon Christenson    6-4    288    R-Fr.     Minnetonka, Minn. (Minnetonka)
OR
62 - Zach Mottla    6-2    287    R-Jr.     Edina, Minn. (Cretin-Derham Hall)
Right Guard
64 - Caleb Bak    6-3    294    R-So.     Columbia Heights, Minn. (Concordia Academy)
75 - Ernie Heifort     6-5    273    R-Fr.     Bemidji, Minn. (Bemidji)
Right Tackle
65 - Josh Campion    6-5    309    R-Fr.     Fergus Falls, Minn. (Fork Union Military Academy)
77 - Foster Bush    6-5    303    R-Fr.     Menasha, Wis. (Menasha HS)
Quarterback
9 - Philip Nelson    6-2    222    Fr.     Mankato, Minn. (West)
11 - Max Shortell     6-6    237    So.     Shawnee Mission, Kan. (Bishop Miege)
Tailback
20 - Donnell Kirkwood    5-10    219    R-So.     Delray Beach, Fla. (Atlantic)
35 - Rodrick Williams Jr.     5-11    228    Fr.    Lewisville, Texas (Lewisville)
H-Back/Fullback
81 - John Rabe    6-4    258    Sr.     Iowa Falls, Iowa (Ellsworth CC)
30 - Mike Henry    6-1    238    R-Jr.     Mahtomedi, Minn. (Mahtomedi)
Y
83 - Drew Goodger    6-5    255    So.     Shawnee Mission, Kan. (Northwest)
47 - Alex Bisch    6-6    249    R-So.     Northfield, Minn. (Northfield)
Z
14 - Isaac Fruechte     6-3    205    So.     Caledonia, Minn. (Rochester CTC)
OR
82 - A.J. Barker    6-1    191    R-Jr.     St. Paul, Minn. (De La Salle)
1 - Brandon Green    6-0    189    R-Sr.     Chicago, Ill. (Robeson)
X
5 - MarQueis Gray    6-5    250    Sr.    Indianapolis, Ind. (Ben Davis)
80 - Devin Crawford-Tufts    6-2    194    So.     Edina, Minn. (Edina)
OR
12 - Andre McDonald    6-2    200    Fr.     Minnetonka, Minn. (Hopkins)
H
15 - Marcus Jones    5-8    172    So.     Wake Forest, N.C. (Wake Forest-Rolesville)
18 - Derrick Engel    6-2    182    R-Jr.     Chaska, Minn. (Winona State)

DEFENSE
End
98 - Michael Amaefula    6-2    242    So.    Arlington, Texas (Bowie)
93 - Ben Perry    6-5    243    R-So.    Southlake, Texas (Carroll)
Tackle
46 - Cameron Botticelli    6-5    284    R-So.    Milwaukee, Wis. (Marquette University HS)
92 - Roland Johnson    6-1    295    Jr.    Camden, S.C. (Butler County CC)
Nose
99 - Ra'Shede Hageman    6-6    301    R-Jr.    Minneapolis, Minn. (Washburn)
97 - Scott Ekpe    6-4    286    Fr.    Lewisville, Texas (Lewisville)
End
95 - D.L. Wilhite    6-3    244    Sr.    Lexington, Ky. (Bryan Station)
55 - Theiren Cockran    6-6    237    R-Fr.    Homestead, Fla. (Homestead)
Strongside Linebacker
57 - Aaron Hill    6-2    228    R-Jr.    St. Charles, Mo. (Lutheran)
OR
32 - Lamonte Edwards    6-2    212    R-So.    Woodbury, Minn. (Woodbury)
8 - Spencer Reeves    6-2    234    Sr.    Dallas, Texas (Skyline)
Middle Linebacker
26 - Mike Rallis    6-2    245    R-Sr.    Edina, Minn. (Edina)
1 - Brendan Beal    6-3    249    R-Jr.    Bangor, Pa. (Florida)
Weakside Linebacker
4 - Keanon Cooper    6-0    220    R-Sr.    Dallas, Texas (Skyline)
9 - James Manuel     6-2    210    Jr.    Indianapolis, Ind. (Warren Central)
Cornerback
2 - Troy Stoudermire    5-10    195    Sr.    Dallas, Texas (Skyline)
22 - Jeremy Baltazar    6-0    196    Jr.    Corona, Calif. (Blinn College)
Safety
13 - Derrick Wells    6-0    198    So.    Lehigh Acres, Fla. (Lehigh)
7 - Damarius Travis    6-2    205    Fr.     Pensacola, Fla. (Pensacola)
Safety
27 - Cedric Thompson    5-10    199    So.    Calipatria, Calif. (Calipatria)
OR
21 - Brock Vereen    6-0    201    Jr.    Valencia, Calif. (Valencia)
6 - Grayson Levine    5-11    202    So.    Eden Prairie, Minn. (Eden Prairie)
Cornerback
23 - Michael Carter    5-11    189    Sr.    Pompano Beach, Fla. (Ely)
3 - Martez Shabazz     5-11    168    Jr.    DeSoto, Texas (Trinity Valley CC)

SPECIAL TEAMS
Kicker
39 - Jordan Wettstein    5-11    180    Sr.    De Pere, Wis. (De Pere)
36 - Chris Hawthorne    6-6    198    Jr.    Raleigh, N.C. (North Carolina State)
Punter
38 - Christian Eldred    6-3    190    So.    Melbourne, Australia (Monash University)
Long Snapper
48 - Jake Filkins    6-2    236    Jr.    Prescott, Wis. (Prescott)
96 - Dave Ramlet    6-2    237    R-So.    Appleton, Wis. (Xavier)
Holder
38 - David Schwerman    6-0    195    Sr.    Kettle Moraine, Wis. (Kettle Moraine)
Kick Returner
2 - Troy Stoudermire    5-10    195    Sr.    Dallas, Texas (Skyline)
15 - Marcus Jones    5-8    172    So.    Wake Forest, N.C. (Wake Forest-Rolesville)
4 - KJ Maye    5-10    190    Fr.    Mobile, Ala. (Murphy)
Punt Returner
82 - A.J. Barker    6-1    191    R-Jr.    St. Paul, Minn. (De La Salle)

INJURY REPORT 
Roland Johnson, Questionable
Derrick Wells, Questionable
Ed Olson, Out
Jamel Harbison, Out for the 2012 season

Under the Helmet with Derrick Engel (GopherSports)

Nelson era continues with home start (Minnesota Daily)

Everything you need to know about Saturday's game (GopherSports)

Still time to support Gophers before they shave their heads (GopherSports)

Two teams looks for a win (Fort Wayne Journal)

Saturday is a big game (1500 ESPN)

Moving to WR might have a long-term benefit for Gray (Pioneer Press)

Register now for Nov. 1 Buttonhook Social (GopherSports)

Green has battled injuries, looking to end career on high note (Star Tribune)

Back to the future for Gray (Star Tribune)

Follow Golden Gopher Football:

Follow @GopherFootball

	Derrick Engel has seven catches this year for 136 yards.

Redshirt junior wide receiver Derrick Engel has seven catches this year for 136 yards. His 19.4 yards per catch average leads the team. Engel has long wanted to be a Gopher, but his route to wearing the Maroon and Gold took some twists and turns before he ended up at Minnesota. We caught up with the son of two former collegiate All-Americans to learn a little bit more about him.

GopherSports: You took a pretty interesting route to become a Gopher. Can you tell us about it?

Derrick Engel: I was offered a preferred walk-on spot here out of high school, but I got wait-listed. I really wanted to come here and walk-on, but I was also recruited at numerous division two schools so I ended up getting a scholarship to Winona State. I really liked the school there and the coaches. I did not get accepted to Minnesota right away, so I decided to take the scholarship on signing day. I got a lot of playing time in my two years there and do not regret that at all. With coach Kill coming in there was an opportunity to come to Minnesota. The timing was right and I have done well here. I have a 3.5 GPA, so it has been a good decision both athletically and academically.

GS: You have seen significant playing time this year. Is that what you expected?

DE: I do not know if I expected it, but that has been my goal the entire time. I did not have any doubts in my mind that I could get to that point, but I knew I had to work really hard and prove to the coaches every day that I belong here and can play here. I know nothing is given to me and I have to earn everything I get.

GS: Tell us about your first catch as a Gopher. It was a 33-yard gain and came in the season-opener at UNLV.

DE: At the moment it was definitely a relief just to make the catch and know that I did not let my teammates down on that play. As far as that play, it was called during a TV timeout so I knew the play for about three minutes and knew I would probably get the ball. It ended up working out well for me and I made the catch. I have built off that and am trying to keep getting better every day.

GS: Do you remember how many fans you played in front of at Winona?

DE: I think the most at our home field at Winona was 6,000. In high school I played in front of more people than that, so it is quite a difference this year. You get out there and you do not really see anything. You just see the field and it is normal football. You can definitely feel the intensity from the crowd and hear the noise, but when you are out there you are focused and block everything out except for the game.

GS: What do you like to do off the field?

DE: I am definitely into all sports. I like basketball, football, hockey and baseball. I played basketball in high school up until my junior year and ended up quitting so I could focus on football. I was trying to put on some more weight for college. I did track one year and did not really like it, but I was fast. I have a long stride, so people do not really see me until I go running by them.

GS: How much weight have you put on from high school until now?

DE: My junior year in high school I weighed 149 pounds and then I weighed 160 pounds my senior year. In college I weighed 164 pounds in my freshman year and 168 pounds as a sophomore. Last year, when I got here I weighed 176 pounds and now I am about 184 pounds. I have gotten bigger every year.

GS: You live with A.J. Barker. You two have a similar story. What is it like living with him?

DE: We talk about everything and are pretty close. I think we play well together on the field as well because we know one another so well.

GS: Is there competition between the two of you off the field? There any trash talking going on?

DE: There is competition every day, but not necessarily trash talking. He is a pretty confident guy. I have to try to beat him at stuff to make sure he knows he is not the best at everything.

GS: You guys play basketball, who is winning that game?

DE: He would beat me in basketball without a doubt. He has that jump shot, but I think I would beat him in track especially at a longer distance. I would pull away at the end.

GS: We hear you are pretty big video game player. What is your favorite game?

DE: I like all the EA games, especially NBA 2k13. I am pretty average, but can compete with everyone on the team. I don't get blown out by anyone. I have heard Brandon Green is pretty good, but have never played him. I should probably give him a matchup and see how good he is.

GS: So where does all your athleticism come from?  

DE: Both my parents went to Augsburg and were All-Americans. They are both in the Augsburg Hall of Fame. My dad was a basketball player and my mom ran hurdles. I kind of meshed the two together and got both the athleticism and the speed from both.

GS: Tell us about your brother and sister.

DE: I have a sister Kaylee and a brother Sean. Kaylee is a senior in high school. She does really well in school and is still deciding on her college choices. Sean is in ninth grade and looks like he might be a pretty good athlete. He has grown probably close to a foot in the last year and is now taller than me. He plays receiver and safety in football and plays basketball too.

GS: Might be nice for him to have a college receiver as an older brother. You help him out?

DE: Definitely. I have shown him a lot of things that kids his age have no idea about. He is using them well.