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Minnesota DB duo reveals plans for 2021

Scott Schultz

By Scott Schultz

Published:

Shortly after Minnesota announced they were opting out of any 2020 bowl games, the Gophers had their first player come forward with news they wouldn’t be returning, along with one opting to stay.

Gophers cornerback Benjamin St.-Juste declared for the NFL Draft in an announcement on Sunday on Twitter, while fellow CB Coney Durr sent word he would be staying in Minneapolis another season.

St.-Juste played in five games this season for the Gophers, with 14 tackles and three pass breakups. He did miss two games with COVID-19. He was all-Big Ten honorable mention for Minnesota in 2019 with 45 tackles and 10 pass breakups.

“Thank you Minnesota,” St-Juste wrote in a message on Twitter. “I will forever be grateful for the opportunity to represent The University of Minnesota,” “Thank you Coach (P.J.) Fleck for giving me a chance to reach my dreams on and off the field.

“Thank you to every single coach and staff member that pushed me to become a better player and man. Huge Thank you to the state of Minnesota and Gopher fans for the incredible memories. Last but not least, thank you to my teammates that I now call brothers for life!”

Durr, a senior in 2020, will use the additional year of eligibility granted by the NCAA to play another season for the Gophers.

A two-time all-Big Ten honorable mention honoree, Durr had 29 tackles and five pass breakups with an interception in 2020, after posting 33 tackles and 10 breakups in 2019.

“While the NFL is my ultimate goal, I’m not ready to leave Minnesota just yet,” Durr said. “We have unfinished business. I want to thank Coach Fleck for allowing me the opportunity to return, and I look forward to another year at Minnesota with all my brothers.”

After tearing his ACL at the end of his freshman year, Durr missed most of the 2017 season and was given a medical hardship waiver. He has played in all 33 games since the start of 2018.

Scott Schultz

Scott Schultz covers Michigan State Football, along with Breaking News for B1G Football & Basketball for Saturday Tradition. He also serves as an Automotive News Editor & Writer, and Softball Writer elsewhere on the web. Follow him on Twitter @SRSchultz.