Gophers linebacker coach Sherels hospitalized

University of Minnesota linebacker coach Mike Sherels was hospitalized for an unexpected surgery on Tuesday.

The nature of the procedure was not disclosed.

"Mike is Minnesota football," coach Tracy Claeys said in a statement. "There are few things that are more important to him than this university and this football program. We ask that you respect his privacy and that of his family during this time."

Originally hired by then-coach Jerry Kill in 2011, Sherels was named the Gophers' linebacker coach in 2014, and is the brother of Minnesota Vikings cornerback Marcus Sherels.

A linebacker for the Gophers from 2004-07, Sherels is the only walk-on to be named a two-time team captain.

He started in 30 games, racking up 219 tackles.