Everett Williams recorded only two tackles in the Gophers' 51-14 trouncing of Iowa last November, but he said the benefits of starting a game as a true freshman were significant.
"It gave me experience and confidence that I needed to carry into this year," he said. "So when I got out there, it was not the big shocks and awes."
Williams' taste of Big Ten football gives him a slight edge over junior college transfer Cody Poock in their battle to replace departed middle linebacker Damien Wilson.
"You can't put a price tag on that experience," Gophers coach Jerry Kill said.