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5 things we learned from Saturday's spring practice

1. Seeing some of the 3-4 defense

Minnesota did line up in the 3-4 formation on a few plays. The unit on the field at the time of formation included of defensive linemen Andrew Stetler, Gary Moore and Scott Ekpe, linebackers Nick Rallis, Jack Lynn, Cody Poock and Jonathan Celestin and defensive backs Ray Buford, Damarius Travis, Adekunle Ayinde and Antonio Shenault.

2. Offensive line units taking form.

On Saturday, the first team offensive line consisted of Chad Fahning at left tackle, Connor Mayes at left guard, Tyler Moore at center, Vincent Calhoun at right guard and Jonah Pirsig at right tackle. The second team featured Garrison Wright at left tackle, Jared Weyler at left guard, Matt Leidner at center, Bronson Dovich at right guard and Nick Connelly at right tackle.

3. Slimmed down Mitch Leidner

Leidner said he's lost between 15-18 pounds since the bowl game. He said he weighed close to 250 pounds during the bowl game, but decided to lose weight knowing it would make his post-surgery rehabilitation easier. Though he said he's physically capable of participating in 11-on-11 drills, Tracy Claeys doesn't want to take any chances.

4. Freshman quarterback Seth Green looking more comfortable in the pocket.

During 11-on-11s, Green led a long drive and seemed calm and collected in the pocket. He made a nice throw on the run to tight end Bryce Witham and scrambled for a few yards on more than one occasion. One of the highlighted plays of the morning practice was a one-handed catch by Matt Morse off a pass from Green.

"I thought Seth green did a couple of nice things today," Claeys said.

5. Rashad Still continues to standout

Still, who caught 18 passes for 194 yards and three touchdowns last season, continues to standout in practice. He's also made an impression on Claeys.

The 6-foot-5 sophomore has made a few highlight catches during the open practices and on Saturday, who Still caught a touchdown pass in the corner on a fade route from Demry Croft that sent the offense into a frenzy.

"Rashad is a lot better than he was last fall," Claeys said.

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