Tracy Claeys’ first spring practice as Minnesota’s head coach begins in a week, and it’ll probably take place without his starting quarterback.
Claeys told the Minneapolis Star-Tribune that Mitch Leidner “hopes” to return from the foot surgery he underwent after the Gophers’ Quick Lane Bowl victory over Central Michigan, but noted he won’t take any chances. The head Gopher said the most important check point for spring practice would be to learn new offensive coordinator Jay Johnson‘s offense, which can be done on the field or the sideline.
Leidner, a rising senior, completed 242-of-407 throws for 2,701 yards with 16 touchdowns against 11 interceptions a year ago. He was the Big Ten’s 10th-rated passer last season. Should Leidner not take part in spring ball, sophomore Demry Croft is the most experienced returning signal caller with 17 attempts in 2015.
Elsewhere on the roster, offensive lineman Alex Mayes will retire and receive a medical waiver, Moose Hall will move from defensive tackle to offensive tackle, Blake Cashman will move from defensive back to linebacker, JuCo transfer Garrison Wright could move from guard to tackle, and walk-on Justin Carr will leave Minnesota to pursue playing time elsewhere.
