Gophers wide receiver Rashod Bateman opts out of 2020 season

A projected first-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Minnesota wide receiver Rashod Bateman has opted out of the 2020 college football season.

NFL players are opting out of the 2020 season due to concerns over COVID-19, and college football players seem sure to follow suit in similar droves. On Tuesday morning, Minnesota Golden Gophers wide receiver Rashod Bateman announced he will opt out of the 2020 college football season.

Here’s part of the statement Bateman wrote in concert with a video announcing his decision.

“I am now making the hardest decision, that I have ever had to make in my life. I first, want to express my thanks to God, my family, coaches, academic advisors and my peers for their continued support during this uncertain time.

Unfortunately, in light of the uncertainty around health and safety in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, I have to set my wishes aside for the wellness of my family, community and beyond. Because of this, I have decided to opt-out of the 2020 college football season. I will be taking the next steps in my journey by declaring for the 2021 NFL Draft.”

Rashod Bateman looks like a 2021 first-round pick

Bateman set Minnesota freshman records in 2018 with 51 receptions for 704 yards, and his six touchdowns tied for the most from a Golden Gopher freshman. Then he had a breakout season as a sophomore last year, with 60 catches for 1,219 yard and 11 touchdowns. With Tyler Johnson gone to the NFL as a draft pick of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in April, Bateman was in line to be Minnesota’s No. 1 wide receiver as a junior. In what looks to be another loaded class at the position in 2021, he has been regarded as a first-round prospect.

The NFL comps put out there for Bateman have included Michael Thomas and Keenan Allen. He is similar in size to both guys, with the comparisons especially rooted in precision and savvy as a route runner.

Bateman is the second high-profile college player to opt-out of the 2020 season, joining Virginia Tech cornerback Caleb Farley. The list of names we know is sure to grow, as top players choose to set their sights on the NFL in 2021 rather than play whatever a 2020 college season looks like, at a higher than normal risk, for free.