All-American Antonie Winfield Jr. announced Wednesday that he would not be returning to the Gophers and instead will declare for the 2020 NFL Draft.

The safety has overcome two-injury shorten seasons with the Gophers, but after turning in an All-American season in 2019, the red-shirt sophomore will forgo his final two years of eligibility to enter the draft.

According to a release from the team, Winfield started all 13 games for Minnesota in 2019. He led the Gophers with 88 tackles and 62 solo tackles, was named Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year and All-Big Ten First Team. Winfield also made 3.5 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, seven interceptions, and two forced fumbles. His seven interceptions tied a school single-season record.

Winfield was also one of five finalists for the Bronko Nagurski Award, which is awarded to the best defensive player in the nation every season.

The Woodlands, Texas, native was a three-time Academic All-Big honoree and was also named Academic All-District this year.

The Gophers finished their season with a record of 11-2 after beating Auburn in the Outback Bowl 31-24 on New Years Day.

 

 

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