Gophers freshman running back Rodney Smith did not make a single mistake in the 46 snaps he took in Minnesota's 23-17 loss Thursday to Texas Christian, coach Jerry Kill said Tuesday.
"He's the only back I've had in a long time that played 46 plays and he graded out perfect, never made a mistake -- not in pass protection, not running the ball, no mental errors," Kill said. "So, I'd say he needs to play more."
Smith ran 16 times for 88 yards, averaging 5.5-yards a carry, and scored a touchdown. He had the most yards in a Gophers running back's debut since Amir Pinnix also had 88 yards and a TD in 2004.