A second Minnesota football player has decided to end the collegiate portion of his playing career prematurely.
On Instagram Tuesday, Blake Cashman announced that, “after a lot of thought and discussions with people close to me,” he has decided he will not play in Minnesota’s Quick Lane Bowl matchup with Georgia Tech Dec. 26. “This was a very a hard decision for me, but I feel in my heart that getting a jump start on training will give me the best opportunity at the next level,” the linebacker wrote.
This season serves as the senior’s final year of eligibility.
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I’ve been putting this off for sometime now, but after a lot of thought and discussions with people close to me I have decided to forego the remainder of my eligibility. I’m so grateful for everything the University of Minnesota, the Minnesota Football program, and Coach Fleck and his staff have done for me to help put me in the position I’m in today. This was a very hard decision for me, but I feel in my heart that getting a jump start on training will give me the best opportunity at the next level. I’m very excited and look forward to the journey ahead. Minnesota, my teammates, and coaches will always have a special place in my heart. #SkiUMah #RTB
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Cashman currently leads the Gophers in tackles with 104 and is tied for the team lead in tackles for loss with 15. His 2½ sacks are second on the team, while his five pass breakups are good for third.
Earlier this month, teammate and starting offensive tackle Donnell Greene also used Instagram to announce that he has signed with an agent and will not play in the Gophers’ bowl game. Greene and Cashman are two of at least a baker’s dozen players who have sidelined themselves for their respective team’s bowl game.
- West Virginia offensive tackle Yodny Cajuste (HERE)
- Iowa tight end Noah Fant (HERE)
- Michigan defensive lineman Rashan Gary
- West Virginia quarterback Will Grier (HERE)
- NC State wide receiver Kelvin Harmon (HERE)
- Arizona State wide receiver N’Keal Harry (HERE)
- Oklahoma State running back Justice Hill (HERE)
- Houston defensive lineman Ed Oliver (HERE)
- NC State linebacker Germaine Pratt (HERE)
- South Carolina wide receiver Deebo Samuel (HERE)
- LSU cornerback Greedy Williams (HERE)