Here's what Minnesota coach P.J. Fleck said at his first fall camp press conference

Minnesota coach P.J. Fleck met with the media on Tuesday morning as the Gophers held their media day in preparation for fall camp.

Fleck addressed numerous topics, including Tanner Morgan’s leadership and how his team is preparing to face Ohio State in Week 1.

“He is the heartbeat of this football team,” Fleck said of Morgan. “He’s the leader of this team. Not just because of his play on the field but because of who he is … He’s got that competitive spirit and greatness in every area of his life.”

Morgan has thrown for over 6,000 yards and 46 touchdowns across three seasons during his Minnesota career. He’s expected to be Minnesota’s starting quarterback when the Gophers take on Ohio State on Sept. 2.

Ohio State will be playing with inexperienced players at several key positions vs. Minnesota in Week 1, but Fleck isn’t taking the challenge lightly.

“They’re one of the greatest teams in college football,” he told reporters on Tuesday. “They reload, they don’t rebuild … There’s nothing more you can ask for to start off college football.”

Here’s everything else Fleck said during the first press conference of the 2021 season:

P.J. Fleck says this is a "player-led team" and it's an "elite" team. Talks about Gophers being as experienced as they've ever been.

— Dustin Schutte (@SchutteCFB) August 3, 2021

P.J. Fleck on playing Ohio State: They're one of the greatest teams in college football.

They reload, they don't rebuild. …There's nothing more you can ask for to start off college football

— Dustin Schutte (@SchutteCFB) August 3, 2021

"In the Big Ten if you win upfront, you're going to win the game. Whether that's defense or offense."

Coach Fleck on the commitment to recruiting linemen.

— Minnesota Football (@GopherFootball) August 3, 2021

"They've embraced their past to create their future. This isn't a group that you have to find out about. You know all those things."

Coach Fleck on the veteran status of the team

— Minnesota Football (@GopherFootball) August 3, 2021

"He is the heartbeat of this football team. He's the leader of this team. Not just because of his play on the field but because of who he is… He's got that competitive spirit and greatness in every area of his life."

Coach Fleck on Tanner Morgan's leadership.

— Minnesota Football (@GopherFootball) August 3, 2021

"Be you. You're going to create your identity."

Coach Fleck on his message to his wide receivers.

— Minnesota Football (@GopherFootball) August 3, 2021

"We need to focus on us for a few weeks."

P.J. Fleck on the opener vs. Ohio State. Says Minnesota has done some work on teams dating back to spring.

— Dustin Schutte (@SchutteCFB) August 3, 2021

P.J. Fleck says a key word for players on the field is consistency. Didn't think last year's team was very consistent.

— Dustin Schutte (@SchutteCFB) August 3, 2021