It's hot out, and it feels like the football drought will never end. But don't worry. We're here to spice up your summer doldrums with a burst of excitement from the Big Ten football front.

We're taking a look at the most exciting player on each of the league's teams, a guy who is either so talented or productive (or both) that it's hard to take your eyes off of him during a game.

Up next in the series is Minnesota ...

Most exciting player: WR KJ Maye

Let's be honest here. "Exciting" is not anywhere near the top of the list of adjectives that come to mind when describing Gophers football. Hard-nosed, yes. Fundamentally sound, definitely. Old-school, perhaps.

But Minnesota's style is designed more to wear you down and win the game than it is to make you leap out of your seat. That's what happens when you combine a run-focused offense with minimal passing and a tough-minded defense.

Tight end Maxx Williams would likely have earned this nod had he not leaped to the NFL. Quarterback Mitch Leidner has the potential to be an exciting player if his passing ability can catch up with his running skills.

We're going with Maye here because, even though he doesn't touch the ball a lot, good things usually happen when he does. He had only 16 catches last season, but he averaged 18.6 yards per reception, tops among returning Gophers. He also averaged 6.3 yards per rush (granted, on only 23 carries).

Maye is only 5-foot-10 but has the breakaway speed that's been lacking from Minnesota's other receivers. Whether it's by putting him in the slot or in the backfield or wherever, the Gophers would be wise to get him the ball a little more this season and see what excitement he can create.