Despite having strong family ties with the University of Arkansas, Gophers quarterback Drake Lindsey chose the maroon and gold. 

Six of Lindsey’s family members played for the Razorbacks. His sister, Loren Lindsey, is a current member of the Arkansas women’s basketball team. 

Lindsey’s dad, uncle, cousin and grandfather all played football at the University of Arkansas. However, his grandfather, Jim Lindsey, played for the Minnesota Vikings for seven years. 

Lindsey said his grandfather’s journey helped draw him to the University of Minnesota. 

“It just seemed like destiny with my grandfather playing here,” Lindsey said. “It just seemed like something was calling me here.” 

Lindsey said it was clear the love the recruitment team had for him. He said they wanted him to come in and make an impact on the team. 

Last year, Lindsey worked under former quarterback Max Brosmer, spending the year learning from the fifth-year quarterback. The two players communicated constantly with each other.

Lindsey and Brosmer were roommates in the hotel when traveling and spent a lot of time together outside of classes. Lindsey said the two would sit and watch films together and have conversations about the games.

One of the biggest things Lindsey learned from Brosmer was the constant preparation it takes to be a starting quarterback. 

“It was really great for me to see the preparation there,” Lindsey said. “I genuinely don’t think there is anyone in the country who prepared like Max.” 

In January, Lindsey entered his new leadership role. He said that initially he tried to imitate Brosmer’s leadership style, but it changed over time. 

He was able to develop his own style that worked best for both him and the team. It is clear that his teammates agree. 

Gophers running back Darius Taylor talked about how Lindsey is able to command the field. 

“He does a great job facilitating on the field,” Taylor said. 

Taylor added he is excited about the new leadership, and it has been one of the biggest changes from last year to this year. He said the way the team talks to each other and the way they do things on the field are different, but that is a good thing. 

Defensive lineman Anthony Smith said it is fun to be around Lindsey both on and off the field. 

“Off the field, I think he is an amazing dude, on the field I think he is an awesome leader,” Smith said. “He has really stepped his game up.” 

It is clear that his teammates and coaches have faith in his ability to take over Brosmer’s role on the team. 

Lindsey saw brief action in three games last year, all of which the Gophers held a large lead in. On August 28, Lindsey will put his leadership skills to the test against Buffalo for the first game of the 2025 season.