Minnesota is getting its star catcher back for a shortened Big Ten season. Penn State might not be so lucky with its All-America linebacker.
Minnesota announced Wednesday that Rashod Bateman was authorized to play this season through the NCAA and Big Ten after his retirement in August. At Penn State, coach James Franklin closed the door to All-America supporter Micah Parsons returning to the Nittany Lions.
The Big Ten postponed its fall football season on August 11, then announced two weeks ago that he would play, after all, on the weekend of October 23.
“I need to thank the NCAA, Big Ten and our compliance for their cooperation and solution that restores Rashod’s eligibility and allows him to play this fall,” Minnesota coach P. J. Fleck said.
Bateman put in 60 passes for 1,219 yards and 11 touchdowns last season. On his return, Bateman announced that he would wear the number 0 T-shirt for the Gophers, explaining, “Because there is 0 tolerance for racism in this culture, and there is no doubt what this show represents.
“The last few months have been dubious and challenging, challenging for me, this university and our society,” Bateman said in a video posted on his Instagram account. “Row the Boat culture repositioned my life forever. In difficult times, you have to keep paddling in the water, and I think the position to move forward is here at the University of Minnesota. We still have paintings to be made, as a team and as a company ».
Franklin told reporters that Parsons had an interest in returning to school football, but after arguing with the player and his family, that wasn’t going to happen.
“It had been so long that it made things a little more confusing to solve,” Franklin said.
Parsons hoped to be one of the most productive players in the country this season and most likely to be one of the best first-round picks in the NFL’s April Draft. He had 109 tackles and five catches at the time last year.
Other Big Ten have received stars.
Ohio State welcomes all-Americans Shaun Wade, a defensive half, and Wyatt Davis, a guard. Michigan confronts Jaylen Mayfield, who retired in August after the Big Ten were postponed, is eligible to play for the Wolverines. Moore, who retired early as Parsons and Bateman, authorized him to play for the Boilermakers last week.
In Pac-12, Oregon hit harder and it doesn’t look like the Ducks are getting one of their missing stars back. All-America offensive takes Penei Sewell with defensive back Deommodore Lenoir, Thomas Graham and Jevon Holland.
Southern California coach Clay Helton recently told reporters that he has not ruled out the return of Jay Tufele’s defensive take and offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker.
“These conversations are ongoing,” Helton said.
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