The Gophers have had a tumultuous special teams history under P.J. Fleck, but that might be changing under new special teams coordinator Daniel Da Prato. On Eastern Illinois’ second punt of the game, Gophers’ wide receiver Javon Tracy returned it 87 yards for Minnesota’s first punt return touchdown since 2018.
Despite numerous explosive players returning punts, Minnesota has struggled to find explosive plays on special teams under Fleck. Tracy’s punt return touchdown on Thursday night was the first of his college career, and Minnesota’s first since 2018. Da Prato was hired from New Mexico in the offseason, and his tenure with the Gophers has gotten off to a great start.
We are in the age of big media consolidation and content networks. But even with the proliferation of AI, nothing can beat the quality and inherent knowledge of local sports journalism. Our writing room consists of a Tommy, a Gopher, and even a Mustang. We know the Minnesota towns and the great names that played on its diamonds, courts, fields or rinks. Subscribe NOW to the new Bring Me The Sports newsletter. We would appreciate your readership and support!
This story was originally published by Bring Me The Sports on Sep 4, 2026, where it first appeared in the MN Gophers section. Add Bring Me The Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Read the full article here