For openers

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The first spring practice is in the books. First thought: the practice turf, now in its second year, was one of the most valuable purchases by the athletic department in the last few years. Without it, the Bison wouldn’t be practicing unless they brought in helicopters to dry off the grass practice fields. Other thoughts:

  • Tackle Billy Turner’s size is bordering on something to marvel at. Would it be out of line to call the sophomore the best player on the team?
  • Freshman quarterback Esley Thorton throws a nice ball, tight spiral with some zip, and it’s obvious why the coaches want to give him a good look.
  • JC cornerback Aireal Boyd has nice size at 6-foot-1 and around 190 pounds, and looks like he can match up with the 6-4 receiver out there. We’ll see how quickly he picks up the NDSU defensive scheme.
  • Freshman linebacker Travis Beck was working in with the No. 1 defense, but it was in Brandon Jemison’s spot. Jemison is out until fall with a hip injury. If it were a regular season game, you might see somebody like Grant Olson move over from the No. 2 middle linebacker, or maybe they like Beck and are giving him a good look.
  • Sophomore Ryan Smith is making a smooth transition from running back to receiver.
  • This is the second spring ball for defensive tackle Justin Juckem and receiver Cooper Wahlo, two of the more heralded recruits from the 2009 signing day class. It’s time for those two to take a step or two forward in these 15 practices.
  • A possible starting offensive line: Turner at LT, Austin Richard at LG, Jesse Hinz at C, Paul Cornick at RG and Jeff Jerve at RT.

13 thoughts on “For openers”

  1. Turner was our best Olinemen last year and will be in the league when he is finished absolutely dominating at NDSU. It is not out of line at all to call him our best player on our team.

  2. Thanks for the updates, Jeff! They are much appreciated. With the strong finish for the Herd last year, it only adds to the anticipation for this fall.

  3. I been pimpin turner and Mwill for 2 years now. These 2 will be stars of course.

    Crockett, Juckem, Ojuri, LittlejohnVraa, Gebhardt are the 5 kids that could make NDSU even better, can’t even imagine how good this team could be.

    and we haven’t even mentioned a true freshman, 1-2 of them could make an impact.

    • Lakes, no need to convince me. I think you’re right on the money as to how good this team can be over the next few years and beyond. I must say I have never liked Northern Iowa and now I want to be them more than ever. I hope this is the year the Bison break through as a real power in the MVC and FCS football. I love spending summer at the Detroit Lakes but I can hardly wait for Bison football this fall!

  4. Lakes, 1-2 true freshmen WILL make an imediate impact. This team is built to win it all for the next 3-4 years, easy. Why do you think other coaches in our conference are so concerned about us?

    • According to the Bison’s updated spring roster he is 6′-6″ and 297 lbs. Then you have to consider he didn’t even redshirt he should really be a redshirt freshman this year. Go Bison!

  6. wow Billy’s dad was a pro football player also, Vikes, Packers , Jets

  7. if wahlo and juckem could somehow step up and be viable options depth wise it would do wonders for this team. this team has a lot of talent and experience. the depth is amazing. 2011 could really be a special year

  8. Please stay healthy. I know that’s obvious but consistency is very important.
    If we have that, we’ll do well.

  9. Travis Beck? A class B boy, good! He will need to get bigger though to be effective over a season. After a single season of weight training and only 203 is curious.

    I think the fact the coaches moved Gimmestad to OL means they believe Juckem is ready to contribute big time. No worries.

    Bison03, I think it is fair to say you don’t have a clue what the MVFC coaches think about NDSU, much less know they are “concerned about us”.

  10. I caution all the Bison homers to just stay cautious. Be wary of this team until a true, competent QB emerges.

    Remember 2008? Bison picked first place in MVFC pre-season? 8 players go to NFL camps? They didn’t have a QB = 6 win season, lost a chance at the playoffs by losing to SDSU final game of the year.

    In football, if you don’t have a QB you ain’t gonna beat good teams. Simple as that.

    Also, why are/were people viewing Gimmestad as the next Fairbairn at NG? Has Gimmestad done a single thing for the team at DL? Seems closer to George Danilkowicz – who transferred to SIU and now playing OL.