Bateman opts out of 2020 college football season

Fargo, ND, USA / The Mighty 790 KFGO | KFGO

Aug 4, 2020 | 9:14 AM

In this Dec. 26, 2018, file photo, Minnesota wide receiver Rashod Bateman (13) is chased by Georgia Tech defensive back Lamont Simmons during the first half of the Quick Lane Bowl NCAA college football game in Detroit. Tyler Johnson has the most polished credentials for Minnesota, but Bateman has quickly emerged from a deep group of wide receivers as more than just a sidekick. The Gophers play Georgia Southern this week, a school about three hours from Bateman's hometown. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio, File)

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – University of Minnesota wide receiver Rashod Bateman is opting out of the 2020 college football season due to COVID-19.

Wishing well pic.twitter.com/fxV1FI7r7o

– Rashod Bateman (@R_bateman2) August 4, 2020

Bateman was set to begin his junior year with the Gophers, after been named All-Big Ten First Team in 2019. He finished with 1,219 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns last year.

Minnesota head coach P.J. Fleck endorsed Bateman’s decision on Twitter.