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Chaos, hits and misses in the transfer portal for Gophers
Roughly one-third of Minnesota’s 20 winter transfer additions have become major contributors, while two-thirds have offered little early impact.
Minnesota brought in 20 players via the transfer portal last winter, with roughly one-third becoming impactful starters or significant contributors for the Gophers before Saturday's conference home opener against Michigan.
Operating with roughly $20 million in roster spending ranked approximately 16th in the Big Ten per The Athletic, the program returned to the portal for offensive line help after previous transfers disappointed last year.
Defensive back Aydan West from Michigan State earned an 81.7 coverage grade per Pro Football Focus, while receiver Noah Jennings leads with 32 targets and 275 receiving yards; kicker Luke Drzewiecki went 6 for 6 on field goals, including a 51-yarder in the 27-24 win at Washington on Saturday.
Conversely, offensive tackle Bennett Warren from Tennessee lost his position battle with sophomore Daniel Shipp and didn't see the field on offense last week against the Huskies, with two-thirds of new players contributing little.
Defensive end TJ Bush from California recorded 17 tackles and seven pressures per Pro Football Focus, while head coach P.J. Fleck told the Pioneer Press, "You're never perfect, but I truly love how these players fit and the production that they're having.