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University of Minnesota Athletics
Homegrown in Minnesota
9/18/2006 12:00:00 AM | Football
Homegrown in Minnesota
The 2006 Golden Gopher roster features 42 homegrown Minnesotans. Since arriving in December of 1996, head coach Glen Mason has put a premium on keeping Minnesota kids at home. In his first eight recruiting classes at Minnesota, more than 30 percent of the players who have signed with the Golden Gophers have been from the state. Minnesota student-athletes have been the building block of Golden Gopher Football. From Rochester's Darrell Thompson - the school's all-time leading rusher - to Hutchinson's Cory Sauter - the school's all-time leading passer - the state of Minnesota has produced many great current and former Golden Gophers.
TONY BRINKHAUSBloomington, Minn. • Current Center"Being born and raised in Minnesota, playing football at the U of M is something that I dreamed about since I was a kid. The University represents everything great about the state and Coach Mason instills in us what it means to wear Maroon and Gold and play for our state's instituion." | |
MATT SPAETHSt. Michael, Minn. • Current Tight End"The best part about playing for Minnesota is my family. I come from a big family and beating able to have them come to our games and see me play is really special. It is nice to be able to see them and talk to them following games and to be able to share my collegiate experience with them." | |
BEN UTECHTHastings, Minn. • Tight End, Indianapolis Colts"Playing for Minnesota has filled me with the comfort and privilege of playing in front of my family. It is also an honor playing for coaches who encourage you to be successful both in life and in football. Finally, football is all about heart. Your heart is a muscle that inspires and motivates you towards greatness." | |
RIAN MELANDERShoreview, Minn. • OT, Minnesota Vikings "Having the opportunity to play at the U and follow in the footsteps of my uncle (Jon Melander) mean a great deal to me and my family. Having a chance to be a part of the great success we had during my career and playing in four bowl games is something I will never forget." | |
DARRELL THOMPSONRochester, Minn. • Former NFL running back"The decision to stay at home, attend Minnesota and play football for the Golden Gophers provided me with a number of opportunities, both academically and athletically. It's a great environment, and I truly enjoyed my college experience. After graduation, the Twin Cities area is a wonderful place to live with lots of job opportunities. That's why so many former Golden Gophers decide to make this their home when their college football days are over." | |
THOMAS TAPEHSt. Paul, Minn. • Fullback, Philadelphia Eagles"I chose to stay close to home where my family is and because everything I needed was here. Coach Mason and the program have made me a smarter player since arriving at the college level. I have gained a great amount of knowledge athletically that I never knew, and there is still more to learn. The University of Minnesota has broadened my horizons. Courses offered things I never knew I was interested in before. The academics were great and I had a fun time learning." | |
MICHAEL LEHANHopkins, Minn. • Defensive Back, Miami Dolphins"Being on the football team has opened doors to volunteer opportunities that I enjoy immensely, proving that there's more to the University of Minnesota student-athletes than athletics alone. I was in Coach Mason's first recruiting class and I have no regrets on coming to the University of Minnesota. I enjoyed being a part of the turnaround the coaches and the team made during my career and I look forward to the future of Gopher football." | |
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Gopher Football at the Pav
Wednesday, March 11
Film Room: Anthony Smith
Tuesday, March 10
Winter Agility Testing
Wednesday, March 04
Gopher Football at the Barn
Wednesday, February 18