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Report: Minnesota WR ‘wants to play’ for Gophers in 2020
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Despite a report from the Pioneer Press on Thursday suggesting Minnesota wide receiver Rashod Bateman can’t return to college for the 2020 season, the Golden Gophers star is apparently interested in playing this fall.
Yahoo’s Pete Thamel reported on Friday morning that Bateman “wants to play” for Minnesota in 2020 after the B1G reinstated the fall football season, set to begin on Oct. 23-24. Bateman did sign with an agent, but because of the unique circumstances the offseason presented, he may be able to receive a waiver from the NCAA.
Bateman opted out of the season on Aug. 4, a week before the B1G postponed the college football season. Now that there appears to be more certainty with the football season, it appears the star receiver has serious interest in returning.
Source: Minnesota star WR Rashod Bateman wants to play for Gophers in 2020. He’s back on campus and enrolled as a full-time student. He’s signed with agent and finds himself in the same scenario as other high-profile players around the country.
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) September 18, 2020
Many NFL Draft analysts consider Bateman to be one of the top receivers in the 2021 class. He’s projected as first-round selection, but could improve his stock even more with a big year in 2020.
Bateman was considered one of the top receivers in the conference, and the country, heading into the 2020 season. He finished his sophomore season in 2019 with 1,219 yards and 11 touchdowns as the Gophers posted an 11-2 record, one of the best marks in program history.
If he returns, it would be a significant boost for the Golden Gopher offense.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB