The 2010 season was one of turmoil, losing and change.

It's up to new head coach Jerry Kill to get the program back on its feet, which won't be easy considering how far the Gophers fell last season.

Kill was hired in December to turn around a team that finished 3-9 and had problems in every area of the game. After winning its opener over Middle Tennessee, Minnesota lost nine in a row, several by lopsided margins.

Coach Tim Brewster was fired in midseason and replaced on an interim basis by offensive coordinator Jeff Horton. The Gophers salvaged some pride by upsetting Illinois and Iowa in the final two games, but it's going to take Kill some time to get the team headed in the right direction.

Replacing record-setting quarterback Adam Weber and shoring up a porous defense will be Kill's two biggest issues going into spring ball.

Kill had three successful seasons at Northern Illinois, leading the Huskies to a Mid-American Conference West Division title and two bowl appearances. Although he has a 127-73 career record that includes eight seasons at Southern Illinois, his hiring wasn't well-received by some Minnesota fans, who wanted a coach with a higher profile.

Minnesota starts next season with a visit to Southern California. The Gophers play Nebraska, Wisconsin, Iowa and Michigan State in conference games. The one piece of good news is Ohio State and Penn State aren't on the schedule.

TOP OF THE CLASS

OL Tommy Olson (Mahtomedi High, Mahtomedi, Minn.) -- A three-star recruit according to Rivals.com, he played guard in high school. Olson, who gave a verbal commitment to Minnesota two years ago, should compete for a starting job as a freshman. His father, Ed, is a former Gophers captain and center, while his brother, Eddie, plays on Minnesota's offensive line.

QB Max Shortell (Bishop Miege High School, Shawnee Mission, Kan.) -- Confidence certainly isn't an issue for Shortell, who chose the Gophers over Michigan. He says he plans on challenging MarQueis Gray for the starting job. At 6-foot-6 and 225 pounds, Shortell is rated as a three-star recruit by Rivals.

WR Ge'Shun Harris (Arizona Western College, Yuma, Ariz.) -- Recruited for an area where the Gophers need help immediately, Harris could step in and play right away. The fact he has the experience of playing two years at a junior college will help his chances.

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