Minnesota Gophers Football Preseason Buzz As Summer Heats Up

Summer is in full swing. We’re coming off an extremely hot weekend where most of us were seeking air conditioning and indoor activities. If you’ve not been on vacation, odds are you’re looking forward to some sort of getaway soon.

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We have a lot of things on our minds, like the aforementioned vacation plan, using sunscreen, maybe being able to spend more time with family and friends, or at least spending time away from work.

But, for college football fans, this is the quiet before the storm. Yes, we’re doing all the things listed above, but we’re also in the midst of a countdown until the kick-off of football season.

For the Minnesota Golden Gophers, they’re celebrating some preseason love that has come their way from the “Godfather” of college football, Phil Steele. For over 30 years, Phil has put together the most comprehensive college football preview. I’ve been reading this for years including the fact I took advantage of an MVP offer that Phil had last month. This year's preview has over 350 pages of stats, insight, and predictions.

Phil Steele also puts a spotlight on players he expects to have standout seasons. And that’s what the Golden Gophers presented on their “X” page late last week. Five players were named to preseason teams, starting with the outstanding sophomore safety Koi Perich, who was named as an All American and named to the Phil Steele Preseason 2nd team.

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Perich had 46 tackles, two and a half tackles for loss, forced a fumble, broke up three passes and produced five interceptions. All of that while playing in all 13 games but only starting 3.

The other players to see their name attached to a preseason honor from Phil Steele were: Defensive Tackle Deven Eastern who was named to the preseason 3rd team Running Back Darius Taylor named to the 4th team Long Snapper Alan Soukup- 4th team Defensive End Anthony Smith was also named to the 4th team.

While you’re focused on your vacation plans, the Gophers are working on squeezing in another break before they return for preseason camp and preparations for the August 28th season opener against the Buffalo Bulls. That’s just 66 days away.