Shunned by hometown Razorbacks, redshirt-freshman Drake Lindsey set to lead Minnesota offense
His grandfather, Jim, played football at Arkansas before being drafted by the Minnesota Vikings. His uncle played tight end for the Razorbacks, his dad was a wide receiver for them, his cousin played quarterback for the Hogs, and another uncle also played quarterback. In addition, his sister recently finished playing basketball in Fayetteville, while another cousin runs track there.
So, after finishing his high school career with a state championship and throwing for nearly 4,000 yards and 54 touchdowns with only three interceptions in his senior season, it seemed like a no-brainer he'd be lighting up Razorback Stadium.
But his hometown college never made him an offer.
'I think in the beginning of my high school career, because I was playing really well, I was just wondering if it was going to happen,' Lindsey said. 'Growing up, you don't really think about playing anywhere else. You grow up going to Arkansas games.'
This year, he's ready to prove Arkansas' loss was Minnesota coach P.J. Fleck's gain.
'I think it was a blessing in disguise,' Lindsey told The Associated Press at Big Ten media days. 'I got to meet a lot of good people, and I'm with the best coach in the country as a human being and as a coach. I don't think there's another coach in the country that's like coach Fleck as a person and as a coach. I'm super fortunate to have him as my head coach.
'So, wouldn't change it for the world.'
The 2024 Arkansas Gatorade Player of the Year saw playing time in three games last season and completed 4-of-5 attempts for 50 yards and a touchdown while being mentored by Max Brosmer, who signed with the Vikings as an undrafted free agent in April.
Now, the 6-foot-5, 230-pound quarterback is set to take over an offense that finished 107th in the nation with 337.8 yards per game, including the 76th-ranked passing attack that averaged 222.2 yards per outing.
Lindsey spoke confidently about turning things around, pointing out the importance of improving the unit's balance after last year's rushing attack gained just 115.6 yards per game (109th nationally). And while he was complimentary of the running backs room, he seemingly knows who'll butter his bread, as he used an impeccable scouting report to break down the strengths of each offensive linemen.
'I've had some lunches and stuff set up with O-line this summer,' he said. 'And then this season, we'll do something every week, and get that thing rolling.'
Fleck said he's confident he's got the right guy under center.
'(Drake) really studied Max Brosmer constantly,' Fleck said. 'Really was his right-hand man. Learned how to lead an entire football team at a very young age. You know how hard it is to find a freshman quarterback that you can have for those four years. We feel we have a really good quarterback in Drake Lindsey.'
___
AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/college-football
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
22 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Through foundation, Hornets' Brandon Miller hosts 1st Charlotte youth camp
Young athletes by the dozen had help honing their basketball skills at Queens University of Charlotte, with guidance from NBA coaches, players, and a Hornets legend. Hornets star Brandon Miller set to host basketball camp in Charlotte for first time The 'BMill Skills Factory' is a two-day camp designed for children ages 9-14, courtesy of the Team Miller Foundation, a nonprofit founded by Hornets forward Brandon Miller alongside his family. Team Miller also hosts the event annually at his alma mater in Nashville. 'I wasn't thinking it would be like this,' Brandon Miller said of the turnout. 'Me being here in the kid's presence, I think it's a blessing for the kids, just to learn new stuff about the game and learn new things about life.' Hornets legend Muggsy Bogues was among volunteers, along with Hornets head coach Charles Lee, and Miller's college teammate Noah Clowney. 'We're going to make them accountable, focused, but more importantly, have some fun,' Bogues said. 'One of the biggest qualities that Brandon has is his work ethic, and that's what we want,' said Miller's father, Darrell Miller. 'We only have them for two days here, but this goes on for 365 days.' 'This is just not an experience the kids have for now. They're going to remember this for a lifetime,' added Yolanda Miller, Miller's mother. The two recalled how their son was once a young camper, himself, and now among the NBA's rising stars. 'Charlotte is our second home now,' Brandon Miller said. 'Just to see kids show up in another city, another state just to support the foundation, it excites us. It brings us joy.' VIDEO: Hornets star Brandon Miller set to host basketball camp in Charlotte for first time
Yahoo
22 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Indiana Fever vs. Chicago Sky: Will Caitlin Clark play this weekend?
The Indiana Fever will visit the United Center for a nationally broadcast game against the Chicago Sky this Sunday. The afternoon game will air on ABC and will stream live on ESPN+ with a 3 p.m. ET tipoff. While fans might be anxious to see a showdown between two of the league's most popular players, Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark, Clark has been dealing with a groin injury for the past week and the team revealed Thursday that there is no timetable for her return. Reese has also been dealing with an injury and is also not confirmed for Sunday (yet). Here's what you need to know about how to watch the Chicago Sky vs. Indiana Fever game, and find out how to watch every other WNBA game this season, too. How to watch the Indiana Fever vs. Chicago Sky: Dates: Sunday, July 27, 2025 Time: 3 p.m. ET Location: United Center, Chicago, IL TV channel: ABC Streaming: ESPN+, Fubo, DirecTV, Hulu + Live TV, and more What channel will the Sky vs. Fever game be on? The Sky vs. Fever game will be broadcast nationally on ABC. Where to watch the Fever vs. Sky game without cable: You can stream the Sky vs. Fever game on ABC which is available on Fubo, DirecTV, and Hulu with Live TV. The game will also stream on ESPN+, and it will be available on WNBA League Pass after it concludes. 2025 WNBA season schedule: You can check out the full WNBA season schedule (complete with which channel every game is airing on) here. More ways to watch the Sky vs. Fever game :
Yahoo
22 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Rock Hill High School football team gives back with free youth camp
The Rock Hill High School football team is hosting a free youth camp Saturday, aimed at giving back to the community and fostering a positive culture within the team. Rock Hill High School names new head football coach The camp will take place near District 3 Stadium and is open to more than 100 elementary and middle school kids interested in playing football. This initiative comes after the team faced culture concerns last year, leading to the appointment of a new head coach, Leon Boulware. 'The culture has changed and shifted. The kids are working really hard for it,' said Boulware. He's been helping the teens unite after parents complained about the program and the culture. 'I noticed the kids didn't know each other well, so I took them to the team camp for three days and got away from Rock Hill,' the coach said. The team has a new bond and is giving back Saturday with a free football camp for more than 100 elementary and middle school kids who want to play football. 'These camps are expensive it costs a lot of money and parents don't have money to send kids to these camps,' said parent Brad Basselman. 'On my staff alone, I have three former NFL players,' Boulware said. 'It's important to see they're right here in this area they came from the same background.' The team is expecting changes on the field. 'The goal is to always win,' Boulware said. 'We are going to take it one week at a time.' The camp will be held between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. before it gets too hot.
