When it comes to spring football practice, coach PJ Fleck kept the 2024 version of the Gophers on the down low. There were no spring games and only two practices were open to the public, one of which was attended only by members of the Dinkytown athletic group.
But that lack of name recognition doesn't mean there was a lack of interest in spring practice. With the Gophers coming off a 6-7 season, Fleck and his staff had a lot to work on, and they did so during a practice that ended on April 24th, with hopes of an immediate upgrade to the 18-team Big Ten. He responded by entering the transfer portal. This fall.
From starting quarterbacks to defensive anchors to huge blockers up front, here are seven transfers who could make a big impact in 2024.
Max Brosmer, quarterback
Frankly, the University of Minnesota's quarterback play wasn't nearly good enough in 2023. The Gophers ranked 126th in the nation in passing offense (143.4 yards per game) with Ahsan Kaliakmanis, who has since transferred to Rutgers, starting. Fleck acquired New Hampshire transfer Brosmer, a prolific QB who has rushed for 8,713 yards and 70 touchdowns in 36 career games. A finalist for the Walter Payton Award, given to the top player at the FCS level, Brosmer quickly impressed the coaching staff and teammates with his leadership and work ethic.
In spring practice sessions open to the media, Brosmer showed off a lively and accurate arm, but he wasn't perfect as he was learning coordinator Greg Harbaugh Jr.'s offense. Fleck's goal was to get even more productive throughout the spring and take on a new quarterback.
“He's improving himself,” Fleck said. “He's closing the gap. He didn't do well yesterday, but he's doing well today.”
Running backs Shi Bangura and Marcus Major
Darius Taylor, who averaged 27.4 carries and 159.2 yards in five games as the primary running back as a true freshman in 2023, remains the Gophers' featured runner. History has shown it's wise to have several options in the backfield, and Fleck dug a portal for depth in Bangla and Major.
The 6-0, 200-pound Bangura showed his versatility with nearly 2,000 yards and 22 TDs and 50 receptions in three seasons at Ohio University. Major, 6-0, 225, is a former four-star prospect out of Oklahoma and threw for 883 yards and eight TDs in his career. There were limits during spring practice.
Running backs coach Nick McKissick-Luke said what impressed him about Bangla and Major was “the size, the speed, the experience of having success at the Division I level.” “They're really good players and good kids.”
Tyler Williams, wide receiver
The wide receivers were developing during spring practice, and primary pass catcher Daniel Jackson saw limited snaps. On April 23, Fleck acquired an interesting prospect from the portal in Williams, who transferred from Georgia to Minnesota. Williams, 6-3, 205, is a four-star recruit from Lakeland, Fla., who had one reception in limited time with the Bulldogs last year.
Alma Nkele, offensive tackle
The Gophers moved Quinn Carroll from right tackle to right guard during spring practice, but they hope to keep him there. That will require the continued development of Phillip Daniels and Martez Ruiz, his potential successors at right tackle. Fleck added another addition on April 27 when Nkele, a 6-6, 355-pounder, transferred to Minnesota from Texas-El Paso. Nkele started five games and played in 10 games for the Minors last season.
Jackson Howard, edge rusher
The Gophers received a jolt of energy from the portal on April 19 when former Robbinsdale Cooper star Howard announced his transfer from LSU to Minnesota. Howard, Minnesota's top-ranked prep recruit in the 2023 class, joins a pass-rushing group that includes rising star Anthony Smith in addition to top prospects Jah Joyner and Danny Strigow.
Ethan Robinson, Cornerback
Robinson, a transfer from Bucknell, stood out during spring practice and provided stability as a third-year starter. The 6-0, 180-pounder had five interceptions and 25 pass breakups for the Bison. “Ethan is a true playmaker,” Gophers cornerbacks coach Nick Monroe said. “He was able to understand everything right away.”
