Gophers star Rashod Bateman opts out this season, citing pandemic – Minneapolis Star Tribune

Bateman was called the Big Tens top receiver and a third-team All-America last season as a sophomore with 1,219 getting backyards and 11 goals.

” Unfortunately,” Bateman said, “in light of the uncertainty around health and security in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, I have to set my desires aside for the health of my household, neighborhood and beyond.”

Bateman, the Gophers will likewise be without large receiver Tyler Johnson, who was and graduated drafted in the fifth round this year by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

” I am now making the hardest choice that I have ever needed to make in my life,” Bateman said in the video.

” Minnesota, you have my heart forever,” Bateman stated in the video.” … Thanks to my fantastic colleagues. … Thanks to Coach Fleck and the rest of the Gophers staff for the unending support and assistance I have actually gotten through the years.”

Bateman stated he d provide anything to be able to play for coach P.J. Fleck once again and win a Big Ten champion with his colleagues.

Rashod Bateman, a star receiver for the Gophers, has actually decided out for this season due to the fact that of the pandemic and declared for the 2021 NFL Draft, according to his social networks accounts.

RandBall: Dont be shocked if flood of college players follow Bateman

Our program will always support a colleague who makes a choice that he feels is best for him and his family. I like Rashod and will always be there for him.”

At the end of his video, Bateman added: “Minnesota will forever be a place I am lucky enough to call house. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, I enjoy you all. Bateman out.”

” This morning, Rashod notified the group that he and his family made the decision to forgo his remaining eligibility and focus on training for the 2021 NFL Draft,” Fleck wrote on Twitter.

At the end of his video, Bateman added: “Minnesota will permanently be a place I am lucky enough to call house. Bateman out.”

” Rashod played a pivotal role in assisting mold the University of Minnesota into an elite Big Ten program,” Fleck added. We might not be more proud of Rashods all-american and historic profession at Minnesota.

” Rashod played an essential role in helping mold the University of Minnesota into an elite Big Ten program,” Fleck added. He was a pleasure to coach and has actually turned into an NFL caliber of player. We could not be more happy with Rashods historical and All-American career at Minnesota.