Minnesota is gearing up for a tough test in the Outback Bowl with another key defender announcing his decision for the game recently.

The Gophers already know they will be without their second-leading tackler in Kamal Martin. He has already confirmed that he will not participate in the bowl game as he prepares for the NFL Draft.

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On Friday, star defensive back Antoine Winfield Jr. shared his decision for the bowl. For Winfield, his focus is on playing against Auburn on New Year’s Day.

Megan Ryan with the Star Tribune shared Winfield’s comments:

“Yeah, I knew I was going to play in the bowl game,” the safety said Friday. “So I’m just excited to get out there and play, play one more with my boys.”

“It’s just crazy to see how far we’ve come and where we’ve come from,” Winfield said. “And just playing in this final game is going to be an amazing experience. Just one last time with all the seniors.”

Winfield leads the team this season with 83 total tackles and seven interceptions. He was also selected as an All-American.

Winfield is technically listed as a fourth-year sophomore after having his 2017 and 2018 seasons cut short by injury. He is eligible for the 2020 NFL Draft, but he has not revealed a decision on next season yet. Winfield has 172 total tackles and nine interceptions in his Minnesota career that began in 2016.