Redshirt-senior tight end Ko Kieft is a name that many fans might not recognize, but he is the engine that makes the Gophers’ offense run.
The tight end position is one of the most versatile in football. Those who play it need the size and strength to block defensive linemen, but also the speed and skills to run routes as a pass catcher. Kieft, listed at 6 feet 5 inches, 265 pounds is one of the most unique athletes on the Gophers’ roster.
“He’s one of the toughest young people I have ever met,” Gophers head coach P.J. Fleck said. “He is very smart, very intelligent, very tough, loves his teammates, is just an incredible football player and knows his role. He’s the attitude of this team.”
Having recorded only six catches in his five-year college career, many watching the Gophers on TV don’t often hear Kieft’s name brought up on the broadcast. His success comes in the form of run-blocking, relying on his size and strength, typically used as an additional offensive lineman.
“That’s the offensive identity of our football team in general, our strength is in our O-line,” Kieft said. “Those guys are incredible and I think it would be a waste if we couldn’t get as many of those guys out on the field as possible.”
Those who watch Kieft on the field will often see a guy imposing his physical toughness upon his opponent in the run game. His dominant run-blocking has allowed the Gophers’ talented running back group to make plays down the field.
Kieft’s individual role among the Minnesota offensive line has resulted in the team ranking No. 24 nationally in rushing yards this season at 218.3 per-game.
Gophers quarterback Tanner Morgan is very thankful for Ko Kieft and what he brings to the team. He had only one word to describe the Sioux Center, Iowa native’s playing style on the field.
“Violent,” said Morgan. “That’s a guy who loves to play football. It’s not something that he does for himself, [it’s] something he does for the team and for the guys around him.”
The Gophers relied heavily on their running game against Colorado, attempting 53 runs compared to only 17 passes. The group’s “jumbo package” formation, which includes six offensive lineman along with Kieft as an extra run-blocker, was deployed early and often.
As a team, the Gophers totaled 277 yards and four touchdowns on 53 total carries, thanks to a dominant performance up front by the offensive line. All three totals are season highs against a Colorado run defense that ranked No. 13 in the country in rushing yards allowed before the game.
“That’s who we want to be as an offense, the most physical offensive unit in the country,” Kieft said.
The offensive line is a position group that often gets overlooked in the game of football; they do all of the dirty work and get none of the credit. Used predominantly as a run-blocking tight end, Kieft isn’t considered an offensive lineman, but he embodies the position in every sense of the word.
Kieft’s violent play style and veteran leadership among the Gophers’ roster has given this team an edge and confidence. You might not hear his name called on Saturdays, but he is one of the most important and well-respected players on this football team.
“I love Ko, he is somebody who will give his all for his brothers and for the team each and every single day,” Morgan said. “He’s consistent and he’s violent.”
