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University of Minnesota Athletics
Leidner, Wolitarsky Build Chemistry
9/12/2016 12:00:00 AM | Football
By Daniel Kobren
Athletic Communications Student Assistant
Last season, KJ Maye caught 73 passes for 773 yards and five touchdowns. His 73 catches were the most ever for a Gopher senior and ranked second in a single-season behind Eric Decker's 84 in 2008. Maye's 773 yards were the most for a Gopher since Decker had 1,074 in 2008.
A legitimate question entering this season for Minnesota was who would step up and replace the highly productive Maye. Through two games, the Gophers seem to have found their playmaker in senior Drew Wolitarsky.
"No doubt I'm ready," Wolitarsky said of taking over the go-to receiver role. "I've been working this whole off-season to be this guy, I can't say it was easy, but you know, here I am and I'm ready."
Wolitarsky has proved that he a number one receiver thus far, putting up solid numbers through the first two games of the season. The California native has caught 12 passes for 178 yards (14.8 average) and has scored two touchdowns.
Wolitarsky developed chemistry with quarterback Mitch Leidner was on display in Minnesota's 58-28 victory against Indiana State last Saturday. The duo was effective early and often, as they had connected seven times for 115 yards and two scores in the first half.
Overall, Leidner was a perfect 8-8 when throwing to the reliable receiver. Wolitarsky ended the game with eight catches for 125 yards and two touchdowns. The 125 yards and two scores were both career highs.
"We've been able to grow together, we've learned a lot," Leidner said of Wolitarsky. "For us to be able to come out here as seniors and lay it all on the line and really take control of the offense, it's been a lot of fun."
Leidner led the Gophers' aerial attack with 295 yards on 20-30 passing. The senior connected with three different wide receivers for scores, which marked the first time that three different Gopher wide receivers caught a touchdown pass since Sept. 11, 2010. Leidner passed for four touchdowns against Indiana State, which tied his career high.
