Zack Harden Rising for Gophers | Minnesota Golden Gophers Football News

Zack Harden, Minnesota’s second-year safety, is exploding onto the scene with a breakout performance against Eastern Illinois — racking up four tackles, 1.5 sacks, and three QB hurries while earning the highest defensive grade in the secondary from PFF. Despite not being a five-star recruit, he drew offers from Auburn and USC and is now proving his worth as a playmaker, stepping into multiple roles including slot corner. With the Gophers’ defense needing a spark after losing key players, Harden is emerging as the next big name in a storied tradition of elite safeties like Winfield Jr. and Nubin — and the coaching staff is giving him every chance to shine. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/bebe94099adeb119