Anyone who has watched this team play over the last few seasons knows that the Gophers are a team that can put a slew of points up on the scoreboard -- but they are also a squad that has just has much trouble stopping their opponents from scoring.

Last year, Minnesota was 75th in overall defense and 109th in pass defense. As a result, Minnesota head coach Glen Mason wanted to concentrate much of his recruiting efforts on showing some defensive improvement.

Mason had one particular stud in mind as recruiting season reached its height. He wanted DT Walker Ashley, a 6-5, 278-pound behemoth from Eden Prairie, Minnesota. While it would have been nice to keep the No. 8 rated defensive tackle at home, the Gophers lost him to USC.

However, Mason was not crying about losing Ashley -- at least not publicly. He did manage to sign a blue-chip prospect -- LB Alex Daniels of Columbus (Ohio) Brookhaven.

"I feel really good about [the class]," Mason told the Minneapolis Star. "When I evaluate these kids and I'm around these kids I think they will fit into our program nicely. I don't know any coach that is totally happy because you want to get them all. But we did all right."

Daniels, a four-star prospect, is rated the 11th-best athlete nationally by Rivals.com and the 16th-best linebacker.

The Gophers stayed at Daniels High and also picked up Dominic Jones and Keith Massey. Jones, who was ranked 45th nationally among cornerbacks, holds the school record for career interceptions (28) and was named Ohio's Division II defensive player of the year. Massey, who can play anywhere in the secondary, also caught the eye of several Big Ten schools as the 62nd-best athlete in the Rivals.com rankings.

In addition to losing Ashley, Iowa grabbed OL Rafael Eubanks from under the Gophers' collective noses. With the team's dependence on the running game, Eubanks would have been a great get for Minnesota.

LB Alex Daniels, Columbus -- While the Gophers could not get DT Walker Ashley or OL Rafael Eubanks from their home state, they pried Daniels away from Ohio State. Daniels is a great athlete who may be able to make a sizable contribution as a freshman.

DB Dominic Jones, Columbus -- The Gophers were able to stay at the same high school to land Jones and Keith Massey. Jones has great hands and picked off 28 during his high school career. That's quite a bit for a team that has had a hard time holding on to potential picks in the past.

TE Troy Reilly, Stevens Point, Wis. -- With a running game that features the explosive Laurence Maroney, a good tight end can really take the pressure off a good ground game. If the 6-7 Reilly can go up the seam and hold on to the ball, Maroney will be very pleased.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "We're working our tails off, I can tell you that. In some regards we're having success. And in some regards we're having disappointments. I don't know a state any place that keeps all their players. You're going to lose some. I think when you come from a state that has a limited number of Division I players it becomes more of a focus than other places that have more players." -- Minnesota head coach Glen Mason.

GLANCE AT 2005: There is no doubt that the Gophers are a talented team, but they have been very shaky from a mental standpoint. They had fourth-quarter leads against Michigan each of the last two years and ended up getting beaten. They have not been able to overcome those defeats. Look for RB Laurence Maroney to become a huge factor and possibly the best running back in the Big Ten.

PRO POTENTIAL: RB Marion Barber -- After deciding to forego his college eligibility, Barber looks like a third- or fourth-round pick in this year's draft. Barber can run outside, but he is better when he runs between the tackles and takes advantages of the cracks provided by the offensive line.

OT Rian Melander -- He has the range and arm span to have an impact, but he could be stronger. Melander moves well, but at 290 pounds could put on even more weight. Melander appears to be a seventh-round pick or a free agent.

INJURY IMPACT: Leading receiver Mark Philmore (sprained knee) should be healthy for spring football.