Gophers coach Fleck impressed with Clemson transfer Nyles Pinckney
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After giving up 415 yards per game last season, the Gophers defense is looking for improvements across the board. That includes bringing in a graduate transfer from perennial powerhouse Clemson.
Defensive lineman Nyles Pinckney played in 55 games for the Tigers from 2017 to 2020, but transferred to the University of Minnesota in the offseason.
"He’s a dominating player," Gophers head coach P.J. Fleck said about Pinckney following Minnesota’s practice on Monday. "And for how big he is he’s sneaky."
***Click the video box above to watch Fleck address the media after practice on Monday***
At 6-foot-1, 290 pounds, Pinckney has a chance to be a disrupter for opponents run games.
Minnesota Golden Gophers defensive lineman Nyles Pinckney stretches before their practice in Minneapolis.[KSTP/Jeff Brioschi]
"He’s got grown man strength," Fleck added. "He’s played a lot of football. He’s experienced. He’s very smart, very instinctual. He anticipates very well and he’s really good at the point of attack."
The Gophers open the season at home against 4th ranked Ohio State on Thursday, Sept. 2.