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2021 NFL Draft: WR Rashod Bateman opts out of 2020 CFB season

ByNicholas McGee|
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - AUGUST 29: Rashod Bateman #13 of the Minnesota Gophers carries the ball against the South Dakota State Jackrabbits during the game on August 29, 2018 at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Gophers defeated the Jackrabbits 28-21. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - AUGUST 29: Rashod Bateman #13 of the Minnesota Gophers carries the ball against the South Dakota State Jackrabbits during the game on August 29, 2018 at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Gophers defeated the Jackrabbits 28-21. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)

Rashod Bateman has opted out of the season to prepare for the 2021 NFL Draft

Rashod Bateman, one of the top wide receiver prospects in the 2021 NFL Draft, has opted to skip the 2020 college football season. Bateman’s decision follows that of Caleb Farley, the Virginia Tech cornerback who also elected to forego the 2020 campaign to focus on his preparations for the draft.

The Minnesota receiver is considered to be in the mix with the likes of Ja’Marr Chase, Devonta Smith, and Jaylen Waddle to be the first wideout off the board next April. He could have used the 2020 season, in which the Big Ten will play a conference-only schedule amid the pandemic, to try to separate himself and secure his status as the top receiver in the class.

However, Bateman announced on Tuesday that he has elected to stand on his tape from the 2018 and 2019 seasons. Bateman had wanted to deliver a Big Ten title to Minnesota but, in announcing his decision in a video on his Twitter page, he said:

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"“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 (Bateman via Twitter)."

The 2019 season was a spectacular one for Bateman, who racked up 1,219 yards and 11 touchdowns on 60 catches, averaging 20.3 yards per reception.

While Chase and Smith have seen their success come as a result of creating separation as route runners, Bateman’s calling card is his ability to dominate at the catch point. Bateman also has the versatility to play on the boundary or as the big slot, a role that is becoming increasingly popular in the modern NFL.

He should already have plenty of admirers in NFL front offices and it will be interesting to see if his decision leads to the likes of Chase and Smith, who have elite production at the SEC level, to do the same and shift their focus to the draft.

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