Minnesota’s Tai’yon Devers destroys Oregon State QB Darell Garretson (video)

Minnesota Golden Gophers linebacker Tai’yon Devers had a big night on Thursday, which included this punishing hit on Darell Garretson.

The Minnesota Golden Gophers opened up their 2016 season on Thursday, as the Oregon State Beavers came to town in Week 1. The Golden Gophers got down early, after a Darell Garretson touchdown pass to Noah Togiai made the score 7-0. Garretson, who transferred from Utah State, was making his Beavers’ debut.

The score remained 7-0 until the second quarter, when Minnesota’s defense made the play of the first half. The play was a vicious blow by a true freshman, who could be one of the best freshman defensive talents in the Big Ten.

On the first play of the second quarter, with his team down 7-0, Tai’yon Devers made his presence known. Devers rushed Garretson and crushed him, causing Garretson to lose control of the ball. Minnesota would recover the ball, and all the moment swung in the Golden Gophers’ favor.

After the hit, Minnesota went on to score two unanswered touchdowns, taking a 14-7 lead with 5:37 left in the first half. Garretson shook off the early hit, tossing a touchdown to Victor Boldin Jr. with a little over a minute left in the half. The two teams headed into the locker room with Minnesota up 17-14.

For Devers, he ended the first half with two strip sacks. It was pretty nice first half for the freshman, who came to Minnesota as a three-star prospect. He has great size and quickness, and should be able to give Big Ten offenses fits in 2016.

With that kind of speed and size (6’4”), Devers could be playing on Sundays in a few years. For now, he will keep his focus on Garretson, who has played well under pressure so far.

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The hit was one of those where you can feel it as a fan. It was also another glorious sign that college football is back.