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PJ Fleck discusses development of Athan Kaliakmanis, how staff is easing him into Minnesota offense
By Sydney Hunte
Published:
P.J. Fleck and Minnesota are preparing to face Syracuse in the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium. One lingering question mark is the status of quarterback Tanner Morgan as the 6th-year player hasn’t appeared in a game since suffering an injury against Nebraska on Nov. 5.
Morgan’s absence could mean that redshirt freshman Athan Kaliakmanis may get the call behind center for the Golden Gophers in the Bronx. The former 4-star recruit had a decent showing in the regular-season finale at Wisconsin, completing 19 of his 29 passes for 319 yards and 2 touchdowns versus no interceptions. But his 1st collegiate start came in hostile territory against Penn State, a game the Gophers lost 45-17 as he was just 9-of-22 for 175 yards and 1 touchdown while throwing an interception.
Fleck brought up that game during his media availability on Wednesday ahead of Thursday’s game.
“Yeah, for Penn State it was as much as he could handle,” he said. “I think that’s been the biggest question for him is what can he handle? Not giving him too much too soon, but still giving him enough to be able to go and win football games. Giving him enough tools in the toolbox.”
As a result, the Minnesota staff has been deliberate with how they integrate Kaliakmanis into the offense.
“I think Kirk Ciarrocca has done a really good job of that,” Fleck said. “There have been times where he is, like, we can’t give that to him yet. He is not ready for that piece yet.”
Kickoff from Yankee Stadium is set for 2 p.m. Thursday on ESPN.
(h/t ASAP Sports)