Three Gopher football defensive linemen took a break from practice on Friday to explore the food options at Huntington Bank Stadium. KSTP Sports caught up with Anthony Smith and Deven Eastern, who shared their thoughts on the tasting experience.
Smith, Eastern, and Jalen Logan-Redding sampled a mix of classic and innovative dishes, enjoying everything from fried pickles to ube cheesecake.
Eastern is gearing up for his fourth season with the Gophers, while Smith enters his third. They are set to lead a revamped defensive line with several new transfers joining the team.
Smith spoke highly of Steven Curtis, a transfer from Illinois State. “I love all the transfers that came in,” he said. “I couldn’t be happier to have them on the team.” Eastern also highlighted Rushawn Lawrence, a sixth-year player from Stony Brook, for his quick integration into the squad.
In addition to the new faces, both linemen praised the returning players, including Jaxon Howard and Karter Menz, noting the balance of experience and youth on the team.
As they look ahead to the season opener against Buffalo on August 28, excitement is building. Smith shared his enthusiasm, saying, “We are pretty fired up for this Thursday.”
This year, the Gophers aim not only to perform well but also to make a push for the College Football Playoff. In the competitive landscape of college football, where only a handful of teams secure playoff spots, the pressure is on.
Recent stats indicate that teams with strong defensive lines have significantly better win rates. In 2022, teams boasting top defensive ranks saw playoff appearances rise by 20%.
As Smith and Eastern prepare for the upcoming season, their experience off the field—like trying new stadium foods—provides a refreshing break from their intense training. For now, they’ll focus on football, leaving the food tasting for later.
For more stories about college football and the Gophers, check out the latest from ESPN and the University of Minnesota’s official page.
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