FOXBORO -- Mitch Browning, the assistant football coach/offensive coordinator for the University of Minnesota, was sitting in his team's film room yesterday trying to figure out an effective way to produce first downs with his running game.

The Golden Gophers face Ohio State this weekend, and the game film from last season's matchup with the Buckeyes will provide at least one answer for the coach -- he'll be without running back Laurence Maroney.

The talented back left school after his junior year at Minnesota and was selected by Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots as their first-round pick (21st overall) in the 2006 NFL Draft. Maroney has been tremendous for the three-time Super Bowl champions this season, and because of his early success as both a running back and a kick-return specialist, he was named the AFC Special Teams Player of the Week on Tuesday.

"It doesn't surprise me one bit," said Browning. "He's a great kid and a great team player. He'll do anything for the team. Obviously, it's very exciting. I'm happy from the standpoint that he's happy. His best football is still ahead of him."

That's a profound, but very realistic statement from Maroney's former coach, especially since the rookie has put up solid numbers already for New England.

He helped the Patriots to a 28-6 victory over the Buffalo Bills last Sunday, during which he had a 74-yard kick return that set up New England's second touchdown. For the season, Maroney leads all rookies with a 27.9-yard kickoff-return average, which also is third-best overall in the league.

As a runner, he also leads all rookies with 361 rushing yards (on 86 carries) and is tied for the lead with three rushing touchdowns. More importantly, Maroney complements veteran power back Corey Dillon. The tandem has become a very viable option for the New England offense.

"Laurence has good speed," said Belichick. "That's never been an issue with him. Certainly, if you can get him out into open space you have a chance to turn some shorter plays into bigger plays because he can outrun the pursuit."

Back in Gopher land yesterday, Browning continued to view game film. Even though he was working on first-down efficiency, and would love to have Maroney back on his team, the coach realizes his former player his better off showcasing his skills in the NFL.

When asked what he remembers most about Maroney's talent, Browning chose to focus on the rookie's personality.

"His attitude is tremendous," Browning said. "He wants to do well and succeed. From a talent standpoint, he can hit that home run on any given play."

Maroney proved that during his three years at Minnesota, amassing 3,933 yards on 660 carries with 32 touchdowns for the Golden Gophers. During last season's game against Ohio State, he gained 133 yards on 25 carries and scored a touchdown but Minnesota lost. Overall in 2005, the Gophers recorded 167 first downs with him on the field, and with only four regular-season games remaining for Minnesota this season, the team has managed only 74.

As Browning stays in touch with Maroney and follows his pro career, the coach still can't believe it's been only four years since the talented player was playing public high school football in Normandy, Mo.

Maroney is happy to have this opportunity in New England.

"I'm just really glad even to get the time that I'm getting," he said. "I'm not in a position to complain about nothing. I'm just excited about the time they have been giving me; it's a chance to go out there and perform and showcase my talent. It's been a good year."

When the Patriots travel to Minnesota to face the Vikings on Monday night, it will be a homecoming for Maroney. The Golden Gophers play their home games at the Metrodome, and he said yesterday he hopes his family, friends and former coaches, including Browning, will be in the stands.

"It's just another game for me," said Maroney. "You have to work hard and go out there and play my game."

His game this season for the Patriots has been impressive so far. Belichick and the rest of the team won't allow the rookie to get too far ahead of himself, but he already has fit into the team's system nicely. Quietly, he has set some goals, including a possible shot at the Rookie of the Year award. Like Browning said earlier, Maroney's all about teamwork, and the rookie concurs.

"If I get it, I get it," he said of the award. "If I don't, I don't. I really don't think about it. If you're the rookie of the year, then okay, but you still have to go out the next year and get better."

jmcdonal@projo.com / (401) 277-7340