Skip to content

Ad Disclosure

Chris Autman-Bell ready to be Minnesota’s No. 1 receiver, P.J. Fleck says

Dustin Schutte

By Dustin Schutte

Published:

Replacing Rashod Bateman is not an easy task, but Chris Autman-Bell is up for the challenge.

Speaking with Pro Football Focus in a recent interview, Minnesota head coach P.J. Fleck said that Autman-Bell is prepared to be the next No. 1 target for the Golden Gophers in the passing attack. He’ll have some big shoes to fill.

“He’s ready for the challenge to be the next No. 1 receiver,” Fleck said of Autman-Bell.

Autman-Bell has already made some big catches in his time in Minnesota. In 2019, he hauled in a game-tying touchdown grab in the corner of the end zone against Fresno State, one of the most memorable plays of the 11-2. His remarkable catch helped lead the Gophers to an overtime victory on the road.

Last season, Autman-Bell caught 22 passes for 430 yards and a touchdown while appearing in all seven games for the Gophers. In his career, the receiver has tallied 1,250 yards and 6 touchdowns on 78 catches.

In the spring game, Autman-Bell looked like a receiver ready to make the next big leap in his career. Still, with predecessors like Tyler Johnson and Bateman setting the standard in Minnesota, it’s going to be a tough challenge for the senior receiver.

Minnesota opens its 2021 campaign with a big-time showdown against Ohio State at TCF Bank Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 2.

Dustin Schutte

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