Return of linebacker Cody Lindenberg serves as jolt for stretch run – Twin Cities

When linebacker Cody Lindenberg sustained a leg injury at the end of training camp in August, Gophers coordinator Joe Rossi anticipated a “void” in the middle of the defense at the start of the season.

Maverick Baranowski and Devon Williams had zero starts between them prior to the season. Baranowski, a redshirt freshman, had never played in a collegiate game, while Williams, a redshirt sophomore, had limited playing time as a backup last season.

However, as the season progressed, Baranowski and Williams became more comfortable and assertive in their roles. Their performances improved, particularly for Williams in the 12-10 rivalry win over Iowa on Oct. 21.

Last Saturday, Lindenberg made his season debut in a 27-12 victory over Michigan State. The native of Ramsey, Minn., started the game and recorded three tackles in just 39 snaps.

“What I found cool is that these (younger) guys have been working for a couple of months and have become more confident in their abilities,” Rossi said on Wednesday. “Then you add Cody back into the mix, and it’s different. Because those guys have grown and it’s better. It was great to see. It was great to have him back.”

Lindenberg is expected to have a more significant role when Minnesota (5-3, 3-2 Big Ten) faces Illinois (3-5, 1-4) at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday at Huntington Bank Stadium.

Rossi explained that the return of Lindenberg provides a boost for the team in the final stretch of the season for two primary reasons:

Firstly, Lindenberg is an all-Big Ten caliber player. “He is one of the best guys in the conference in his position,” Rossi said.

Secondly, as the middle linebacker, Lindenberg plays a crucial role in communicating the calls and checks for the rest of the defense. “He helps us with his football IQ,” Rossi added. “If we had a Madden video game, his awareness rating would be in the high 90s.”

Lindenberg suffered his leg injury right before the Gophers’ season opener against Nebraska on Aug. 31. There appeared to be a setback in his recovery afterward. He did warm up before the loss against North Carolina on Sept. 16 but remained questionable for the next month.

“It was tough to understand that this was going to take longer,” Lindenberg said. “I wasn’t going to be able to get back out there as quickly as I had hoped. But I just kept my head down, kept working, and supported the other guys.”

Lindenberg sought guidance from head coach P.J. Fleck, Rossi, and Mariano Sori-Marin, a former U linebacker turned defensive analyst.

When he wasn’t in the training room, Lindenberg mentally prepared as if he were going to play each week so that he could be there for Baranowski and Williams when they came off the field during games. He would ask the younger linebackers about what they had observed on the field during the previous series.

“I take pride in being prepared and understanding the game plan,” Lindenberg said. “I try to see what I’m able to see out there and provide answers for them if they need it in that moment.”

Lindenberg witnessed the resilience of Baranowski and Williams as they faced challenges early in the season.

“The toughest part is when you hit that low point and you have a choice of whether or not you’re going to bounce back and give your 100% every day,” Lindenberg said. “… Those guys never quit. I couldn’t be prouder of how they’ve grown throughout this entire year. You can see them getting better and better.”

After his playing career, Lindenberg, who has a legitimate shot at the NFL, hopes to remain involved in sports. Coaching is a potential path for him given his recent experience.

Rossi has noticed a significant difference in Lindenberg’s leadership compared to others.

“Some people hold others accountable in a way that creates resentment, while others do it in a way that is well-received,” Rossi explained. “Cody falls into the latter category. He doesn’t cause resentment when he calls someone out.”

Lindenberg is set to graduate in the spring with a kinesiology degree. His plan is to pursue graduate school and study sports medicine, a decision influenced by his own experiences with injuries.

“After going through surgery and spending a lot of time with the training staff and assistant athletic trainer Joe Wisniewski, I developed a passion for it and for our program as a whole,” Lindenberg said. “It’s about giving back to others.”