LOOK: Minnesota to start absolutely massive 6-9 OL against Ohio State
Minnesota’s offensive line is in dire straights after it’s given up 13 sacks in five games. Now the Golden Gophers travel to Ohio State this week and plan to turn to a freshman to help fix the problem.
But he’s not just any freshman. Daniel Faalele is listed at 6-foot-9 and 400 pounds. Faalele arrived in Minnesota from Australia by way of IMG Academy. A 4-star recruit, Faalele has already played in two games this season, but this will be his first start.
“Daniel (Faalele) is a guy that can handle a lot … I feel like at this point, he can play,” coach P.J. Fleck said at a press conference.
The Daily Gopher reported that Faalele is still acclimating to football after he didn’t even play in games as a high school junior. Minnesota reportedly hoped to save Faalele’s redshirt, but it appears those plans have gone by the wayside.
To no one's surprise, @Coach_Fleck says on @KFAN1003 with @MikeGrimm3 that true freshman @DanielFaalele_'s redshirt "is off".
Looks like Faalele will be starting at RT for the next seven games.
— Ryan Burns (@RyanBurnsMN) October 9, 2018
This is what 6’9” 400 lbs looks like. True frosh Aussie Daniel Faalele pic.twitter.com/K63zGCVfsp
— Dave Revsine (@BTNDaveRevsine) August 16, 2018