Pro Football Focus praises Gophers blockers

The website's college analysts break down every team, player and game, and assign grades each week. Though the Gophers are 6-4, their big guys are getting some love from PFF.

November 18, 2021 at 6:20PM
Gophers offensive linemen Daniel Faalele (78) and JJ Guedet (50) (Aaron Lavinsky, Star Tribune/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

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Three Pro Football Focus rankings for the Gophers

Their offensive line is ranked No. 1

PFF released its ratings through Week 11, and it ranks the Gophers offensive line as the top line in the nation. John Michael Schmitz is the No. 2-ranked center, Blaise Andries the No. 6 guard, Conner Olson the No. 32 guard, and Daniel Faalele the No. 41 tackle.

Kieft is the top-ranked Power Five tight end

Ko Kieft, a 6-5, 265-pound sixth-year senior, has been a blocking force all season, stacking more pancakes than IHOP. He's also become a sneaky receiving threat. Against Iowa, he caught a 27-yard TD pass on a fourth-and-two play, and earlier he was open for what could have been another TD catch.

Gophers graded at No. 19 overall

The methods that PFF analysts use often differ from the internal grades that coaches give their teams, nor do they mirror national statistical rankings. PFF has the Gophers graded at No. 19 overall, their offense No. 6, their defense tied for No. 65 and their special teams 39th.

about the writer

about the writer

Randy Johnson

College football reporter

Randy Johnson covers University of Minnesota football and college football for the Star Tribune, along with Gophers hockey and the Wild.

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