Ad Disclosure
P.J. Fleck talks about Minnesota’s young roster at opening press conference
Published:
Minnesota held its season opening press conference on Tuesday, just a week after B1G Media Days. Head coach P.J. Fleck had plenty to say about the upcoming season.
There were several topics of interest when Fleck addressed the media as he heads into his second year with the Golden Gophers.
The team’s youth, the quarterback situation, and the maturation process were all discussed on Tuesday as the team prepares for the 2018 campaign. Here are some of the things Fleck had to say during his time at the podium.
On improving this season:
"I think when you talk specifically our team needs to take a huge jump situationally." @Coach_Fleck, on where improvements need to be made this season.
— Minnesota Football (@GopherFootball) July 31, 2018
On the quarterback situation:
"Whoever wins the team. Consistency, decisiveness- who owns the mistakes they make." HC Fleck, on how the starting QB spot will be decided.
— Minnesota Football (@GopherFootball) July 31, 2018
On having a younger team:
"That's not where you want to be, but that's exciting when you're in year two…that's what's exciting about building this thing." HC Fleck, on the youthful but talented roster being 126 out of 128 for experience.
— Minnesota Football (@GopherFootball) July 31, 2018
"You want to have that maturation process happen naturally. We're putting all that pressure on them right now." HC Fleck, on how immediate playing time will prepare freshmen.
— Minnesota Football (@GopherFootball) July 31, 2018
"The older guys we have, have to set the tone. As coaches, we have to put them in a place to be successful." HC Fleck, on cultural sustainability for the future.
— Minnesota Football (@GopherFootball) July 31, 2018
Fleck and the Golden Gophers are coming off of a 5-7, winning just two B1G games in 2017. They open the 2018 season on Thursday, Aug. 30 at home against New Mexico State.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB