Minnesota's Fleck Makes Clear Arkansas Missing Out on Lindsey

Gophers coach gushes over former Fayetteville quarterback, much like Nutt did months earlier

Freshman Minnesota quarterback Drake Lindsey poses for his recruiting photo. Early praise from Gophers coach PJ Fleck echo former Arkansas coach Houston Nutt, which means Hogs may have missed out on Fayetteville quarterback. / (Minnesota Golden Gophers Athletics)

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Fear of missing out, commonly referred to as FOMO, is a real thing for Arkansas fans, especially when it comes to home grown talent.

That's why when it comes to the success former Fayetteville quarterback Drake Lindsey after just a few days in Minnesota, Razorbacks fans are probably left wondering whether they should have heeded the warning of former coach Houston Nutt.

"We're only two practices in, but you can tell," Minnesota coach PJ Fleck said last week. "I mean, you can tell how hard the guy wants it. Do they want what they say they want? Are they as good as advertised? Where do they need to work? And Drake's exactly what we thought he was."

To hear Fleck tell it, Lindsey is the most advanced freshman to ever step onto the Minnesota campus. This has to make Arkansas fans a little nervous considering he grew into a championship level quarterback within walking distance of Razorback Stadium under the guidance of former Hogs' quarterback Casey Dick.

"His work ethic is through the roof," Fleck said. "But, I think pairing him with a guy like [Gophers quarterback Max Brosmer] is just accelerating his growth. Anytime you can be around somebody who's played football and is a senior, and have played a ton of football in his career, and you're a young player, I mean, you're like a sponge. There's people who will say that they do those things like 'Yeah, I'm a sponge,' but they're really not. He is. What he's been able to handle in two practices and the install that Max is getting. He's getting the same thing and executing it at the same level Max is. I haven't seen that before from a true freshmen. I haven't seen that."

Nutt tried to let everyone know what was about to get away. He went on 103.7 The Buzz back in early November and did the best he could to explain the virtues of Lindsey and how valuable he was at the time as a recruit.

"Drake Lindsey is 6-foot-5, he's thrown for almost 3,000 yards," Nutt said as the excitement rose in his voice."Here's what I love – 40 touchdowns, one interception. This ball comes out of his hands now. I mean, quick release, he's so accurate." 

However, it was the strength Lindsey displayed while throwing in difficult situations that really jumped off the page for him.

"This deep ball the night I watched him, the wind's blowing gusts up to 20, 25 miles an hour," Nutt said. "There's one ball, he's throwing against the wind, went 65 to 68 yards and dropped it in the bucket for a deep ball. He can make every throw. Big Ten quarterback, committed to Minnesota. This guy is talented man."

Nutt even described specific character traits, in particular his ability to build relationships with his linemen, as a key factor in his future success. This may have been purposeful in trying to sell him since, at that time, word was getting out that a suspected relationship issue between then Arkansas quarterback KJ Jefferson and his offensive line was at the heart of a lot of problems for the team.

"Here's what you love about him," Nutt said. "I've been around him when he was nine and 10 years old and all the sudden you look and he's a senior in high school.'Yes sir and no sir. His teammates follow him. He goes and eats with the offensive linemen on Thursday nights."

Nutt then made one last plea to the state of Arkansas. He wanted the light bulb to click that Lindsey is going to be special and there is a strong possibility of regret if he went and had all of his success in another jersey.

"He's one of those guys," Nutt said. "I'm telling you, he's big time." 

And Fleck would agree. The joy on his face as he gushed over Lindsey, accompanied by the words that flowed out showed clearly that Arkansas may have missed out on a really good one.

"Boy is he fun to coach," Fleck said. "He is fun. You can tell kid's won a state championship and the kid's had all the pressure and expectation on him since he was a little kid. I mean you're Gatorade Player of the Year in your state of Arkansas, but he's got an unbelievable family. And he's very talented, I should say very skillful. He's a great leader. So the talent, the heart, and spirit that go match that. It's just going to come down to now reps and experience and, you know, gaining that stuff as he keeps getting better."

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