Joe Bjorklund

Rutgers

Sep 27 (Sat)

11:00 AM

Class:
Freshman
Position:
Offensive Lineman
Hometown:
Rosemount, Minn.
High School:
Rosemount HS

2015 • SENIOR SEASON: Played in all 13 games and started nine while battling injuries during the season • helped Minnesota pass for 2,793 yards and 15 touchdowns and rush for 1,873 yards and 17 scores. Game-by-Game: Saw action as a reserve on the offensive line against TCU and also played on special teams • played extensively at Colorado State and protected for an offense that passed for 233 yards and rushed for 180 yards • made his first start of the season against Kent State and protected for an offense that gained 288 yards • protected for an offense that generated 468 total yards (204 rushing and 264 passing) against Ohio • started at Northwestern • started at Purdue and blocked for an offense that rushed for 326 yards, which was the most in a Big Ten game for Minnesota since it rushed for 327 yards on Nov. 12, 2005, against Michigan State • competed as a reserve against Nebraska and helped provide protection for an offense that passed for 301 yards • started against Michigan and protected for an offense that passed for 317 yards, which was the most by the Gophers since they passed for 373 yards against Northern Illinois in 2010 • saw action as a reserve guard at Ohio State and provided protection for Minnesota to pass for 281 yards and two touchdowns • started at right guard at Iowa and his protection helped Minnesota pass for 301 yards and two touchdowns and rush for 133 yards and three scores against the the No. 12 defense in the nation • blocked for an offense that rushed for 255 yards and three touchdowns and passed for a score against Illinois • started against Wisconsin • started against Central Michigan and protected for an offense that passed for 223 yards and rushed for 158 yards.

2014 • JUNIOR SEASON: Played in 11 games and started seven at right guard • protected for an offense that rushed for 2,801 yards and 32 touchdowns • Academic All-Big Ten. Game-by-Game: Competed against Eastern Illinois and against San Jose State • saw extensive action in a reserve role at Michigan and helped the Gpphers rush for 206 yards and pass for 167 yards • made his first career start against Northwestern and protected for an offense that averaged 5.1 yards per play • started against Purdue and helped protect for an offense that scored 39 points, rushed for 285 yards and passed for 165 yards • started his third straight game and protected for an offense that passed for 240 yards and rushed for 171 yards at Illinois • protected for an offense that rushed for 291 yards and three touchdowns and passed for 131 yards and four touchdowns against Iowa • helped Minnesota rush for 218 yards against Ohio State • blocked for an offense that rushed for 281 yards and four touchdowns at Nebraska • started at Wisconsin as team rushed for 177 yards • saw action as a reserve against Missouri.

2013 • SOPHOMORE SEASON: Played in four games. Game-by-Game: Saw action against UNLV and helped protect for an offense that rushed for 221 yards • played against San Jose State • saw extensive action at Michigan State and helped Minnesota become the second team to rush for more than 100 yards (124 yards) against the Spartans • saw action against Syracuse • named Academic All-Big Ten.

2012 • FRESHMAN SEASON: Saw action in five games • named Academic All-Big Ten. Game-by-Game: Made his Minnesota and collegiate debut vs. New Hampshire and helped pave the way for the Gophers to rush for a season-high 240 yards • saw action vs. Iowa • blocked for Minnesota's offense as it rushed for 231 yards at Illinois • played vs. Michigan State • blocked for the Gophers as they rushed for 222 yards vs. Texas Tech.

2011: Redshirted.

HIGH SCHOOL: A 2011 graduate of Rosemount High School • earned Associated Press All-State honors • also received all-state recognition from the Pioneer Press and the Minnesota Vikings • helped lead the Irish to a 12-1 record during his senior season • team advanced to the Class 5A Prep Bowl • named to the Star-Tribune and KARE-11 all-metro teams • team went 7-4 during his junior season, advancing to the section finals • coached by Jeff Erdman.

PERSONAL: Born May 10, 1993 • son of Carol Ames.