The Gophers passing game didn’t attempt many deep balls during Saturday’s open-to-fans practice at Huntington Bank Stadium.

That isn’t exactly a news flash when it comes to the U program in head coach P.J. Fleck’s seven seasons.

During one passing segment in the evening practice, quarterback Max Brosmer lofted a 40-yard connection to receiver Cristian Driver and another long, more-pinpoint throw to wideout Elijah Spencer, which was broken up by safety Aidan Gousby.

But Brosmer, a transfer from New Hampshire, threw the ball his fair share, including more short passes to running backs. Fleck’s offense plans to incorporate that aspect more this season, which kicks off against North Carolina in Minneapolis on Aug. 29.

“As long as we are consistent in catching the football, we can throw the ball to run the ball,” Fleck said. “We can move the ball just like a run through the air and our running backs have the ability to do that, our tight ends, our wide outs. The shorter passing game, at times, different play actions and (run-pass options). It gives us the ability to do that.”

Offensive coordinator Greg Harbaugh said they want to complete approximately 90 percent of its quick-game throws, and Fleck acknowledged they have gone away from that aspect of their offense when it has fallen short in previous seasons.

“It’s starting to become part of our DNA,” Fleck said Saturday. “They feel it is a part of the run game. That is what you want in the pass game.”

Harbaugh added they seek a completion percentage around 35 percent for deep throws.

“We have to be calculated in what shots you take,” he said Saturday. “That’s all it is: being efficient, staying in a rhythm.”

During a team portion of practice, Brosmer saw an unfamiliar coverage from new defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman, but he adjusted and threw a back-shoulder touchdown pass to Spencer.

“That is the encouraging thing with Max: I can call anything and he’s going to get us into the right protection, he might get us into the right route,” Harbaugh said. “I can’t say enough great things about him, just on the field and his command.”

Harbaugh also wants Brosmer to be aggressive, but that comes with inherent risk — such as when he threw into a tight window for receiver LeMeke Brockington on Saturday, but it was broken up by Gousby and intercepted by linebacker Tyler Stolsky.

Early on in Saturday’s practice, the Gophers offense had problems getting lined up correctly. But unlike last season under Athan Kaliakmanis, Brosmer got on his teammates for the mistake.

A Major development

After being limited in spring practices, Oklahoma transfer running back Marcus Major has emerged as a viable option behind starter Darius Taylor.

“He’s a really good player,” Fleck said. “… It’s one thing to be able to show it in the offseason. You think, ‘OK, I think he ’s pretty good. Then you let him out there and run. His first few days of practice, he has been awesome.”

Major’s biggest highlight during Saturday’s practice was making multiple defenders miss as he took a short pass for a big gain during a live segment.

Major averaged only 38 carries per season over his five years with the Sooners from 2019-23. He had career highs of 78 carries and 308 rushing yards in seven games last season. He added 12 receptions for 75 yards.

“His film checked out at Oklahoma and the film was exactly what I’m seeing here right now,” Harbaugh said.

Nubin No. 2

The final episode of the HBO show “Hard Knocks: Offseason with the New York Giants” revealed the team was seeking a cornerback in the second round of the NFL draft in April, but when their top targets came off the board, the show showed them happy Gophers safety Tyler Nubin was still available.

Giants general manager Joe Schoen and defensive coordinator Shane Bowen had a conversation about Nubin in the war room.

“Nubin is your No. 1 guy, right?” Schoen asked on the TV show.

“Yep,” Bowen replied, with Schoen listing some of Nubin’s attributes: “Ball hawk, leadership, communication — checks all the boxes.

“Come in and contribute Year One,” Bowen added.

The Giants selected Nubin with the 47th pick, and the Gophers all-time interception leader is competing for a starting spot in preseason camp.

Briefly

Defensive tackle Deven Eastern hurt his left shoulder during a live tackling drill, but came back to make a tackle for loss during a team period of practice. He got a shoutout from Fleck after the disruptive play. … Safety Darius Green was the most notable play to miss the entirety of Saturday’s practice. … The primary punt returners Saturday were top receiver Daniel Jackson, prized recruit in the 2024 class Koi Perich and Brockington. Minnesota returned only eight punts in 13 games last season. Quentin Redding had six; he is an option to return punts again this year. … Perich also had a pass-breakup during a seven-on-seven passing drill.

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