MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – One sport that doesn't have to worry about a lockout is college football, and there isn't a man in Minnesota more excited to get practice off and running than new Gopher football coach Jerry Kill.

The Gophers open their fall practice sessions on Monday at the Bierman facility on the University of Minnesota campus. Kill has vowed since coming to the Gophers to reach out to his fan base, and he's showing it by making practices open to the public.

Kill also has a refreshing attitude after the Tim Brewster area that was filled with empty promises of going to the Rose Bowl. Kill isn't making any promises or predictions of winning a Big Ten championship, especially with the new setup of the Legends and Leaders Divisions.

What Kill does promise is that his players will have to earn the spots they get and practice a strong work ethic before they can go anywhere when it comes to winning.

"We've got a big job ahead of us. In one month, we've got to get a group of guys and new people and bring them all together. And we've got to get ready to play. The NFL is finding that out right now," Kill said.

Kill is apparently winning over local recruits also. He recently got a verbal commitment from Jonah Pirsig from Blue Earth, one of the top offensive linemen in the state. Kill could have commitments from the top six players in Minnesota before recruiting for the 2012 class is done.

The Gophers open their season at USC Sept. 3, then host New Mexico State Sept. 10 for their home opener.