Ex-Gopher Tommy Becker Shines At St. Thomas

Ex-Gopher Tommy Becker, a 6-foot-2, 250-pound middle linebacker from St. Thomas, has shined for the Tommies this season. Becker signed with the Gophers after leading Wayzata to the 2005 Minnesota Prep Bowl. He redshirted as a freshman, but left the team last October after playing in four of the first six games.

Tommy Becker helped lead Wayzata to a 13-1 record and state championship in his senior season as he was a 2005 Star Tribune and KARE-11 All-Metro choice. Becker redshirted in 2006 and played in four of six games last season at the fullback spot. He was recruited as a linebacker and moved to defensive end before switching to the offensive side of the field.

Becker has shined for the Tommies and has led them to a 5-3 start. He is second on the team with 58 tackles. Becker has 28 solo tackles and a team-high 30 assisted tackles. He has 6 1/2 tackles-for-loss for a total of 24 yards, and he has one sack for a 7-yard loss, one interception and four pass breakups.

St. Thomas has lost its three games by a combined 11 points, falling to St. Olaf 29-23, St. John's 12-9 and Augsburg 22-20.