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University of Minnesota Athletics
Camp Blog: Captains Corner
8/13/2010 12:00:00 AM | Football
GopherSports.com will provide a daily blog from the beginning of preseason traiing camp until the week of the season-opener at Middle Tennessee State, set for Sept. 2. Check back here often for updates from throughout preseason camp. Associate Athletic Communications Director Andy Seeley and other staff members will be covering camp. If you would like to ask a question about preseason camp, have a request for something you'd like to see in the blog or just a comment on the blog, feel free to send an e-mail to aseeley@umn.edu.
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From walk-on safety to senior captain, Jon Hoese has had quite a ride throughout his Golden Gophers career. Minnesota's starting fullback begins his senior campaign on Sept. 2 when the Gophers open on the road against Middle Tennessee State.
The road to Minnesota started early for Hoese, who was a standout at Glencoe-Silver Lake High School and grew up a few years behind former Gophers defensive lineman Willie Van DeSteeg. "Willie was a big influence in helping me make my decision," Hoese said. "Watching him grow up and go through high school and come to the 'U' and be successful made it a dream for me too."
Hoese joined Van DeSteeg and the Gophers as a walk-on safety before the 2007 season but converted to fullback the following year. As a sophomore, Hoese earned most of his playing time on special teams but caught fire in the Insight Bowl against Kansas when he scored two touchdowns on his first three career carries. He kept his production up last year with over 100 yards on 29 carries including one touchdown run. He added another scoring tally through the air - one of his 11 passes for 87 yards in the Gophers backfield.
Now a senior in 2010, Hoese was tabbed as one of four Minnesota captains for this season along with Adam Weber, Kim Royston and Brandon Kirksey. It's the ultimate compliment for a former walk-on who wanted to stay home and play at Minnesota and was willing to put in the work to make it happen.
"(Being named captain is) something that truly is an honor," Hoese said. "(Coming to Minnesota) was the best decision of my life. Great campus, great people. I can't say enough good things."
