It has been long speculated in the Gopher fan base that Gopher rising junior linebacker Blake Cashman deserved a scholarship after the way he ended the 2016 season, and Wednesday night Gopher Coach PJ Fleck made it official that the former walk-on from Eden Prairie would now be on scholarship.
Cashman had a great 2016 season and ended the year on fire. He played in all 13 games starting the year on special teams, and ended the season starting at linebacker. He recorded 45 tackles with a team leading 7.5 sacks and one forced fumble. Cashman made three tackles in the non-conference portion of the schedule before beginning to pick up steam.