University of Minnesota Goal Line Club

Robert Bruininks would have to be one of the school presidents to vote in favor of the Big Ten expansion. The University of Minnesota president said that at this point, there hasn't been any serious discussion among school presidents about expansion.

Besides wide receiver Eric Decker being drafted by the Broncos and linebacker Nate Triplett by the Vikings, six other Gophers signed free-agent contracts. This could be the biggest number in many years to get that opportunity. Tight end Nick Tow-Arnett went to Dallas, linebacker Simoni Lawrence to St. Louis, punter Blake Haudan to Carolina, cornerback Traye Simmons to San Diego, defensive tackle Garrett Brown to Kansas City and offensive lineman Matt Stommes to Denver. Jeff Tow-Arnett is going to get a tryout with Tampa Bay. And Gophers coach Tim Brewster reported that more than one team is talking about a contract with defensive back Marcus Sherels and linebacker Lee Campbell. Sherels is getting a tryout with the Vikings, but that deal doesn't include a contract yet.

The drafting of Decker and Triplett makes it the first time since 2006 that two Gophers have been selected in the same NFL draft. Triplett is the first Gophers player taken by the Vikings since Tyrone Carter in 2000.

The San Francisco 49ers signed safety Tramaine Brock, who played for the Gophers in 2008 but was academically ineligible for 2009. ... Alex Daniels, a Gophers fullback in 2006 who finished his college career as a defensive end with the Cincinnati Bearcats, signed with the Oakland Raiders.

Sid Hartman can be heard weekdays on WCCO AM-830 at 6:40, 7:40 and 8:40 a.m. • shartman@startribune.com