Wednesday was a big signing day for recruits and the Gopher football team received written commitments from 19 future players, but the student-athlete rated the highest of everyone expected to sign on to play for coach P.J. Fleck backed out at the last moment, writing on Twitter that he’s not ready to make such a big decision.
“I would like to announce that I will not be signing along with my teammates. I am simply not ready to make a final decision that will impact my future as a student athlete,” tweeted Avante Dickerson, a four-star recruit who is the top-rated senior in Nebraska.
Wednesday only represents the early signing period, so Dickerson can still sign yet on National Signing Day on Feb. 3, 2021.
Dickerson is a top cornerback recruit from Omaha and is the second highest-rated recruit to commit to the Gophers since 247Sports started creating rankings, per Steve Wiltfong. Dickerson verbally committed to the Gophers over a bunch of teams, including his home state Nebraska Cornhuskers.
Husker247 notes that the Cornhuskers have maintained a solid recruiting effort in an attempt to convince Dickerson to stay home.
Of the 19 signees Wednesday, three are from Minnesota:
- Logan Purcell, OL, Annandale
- Eli Mau, LB, Chanhassen
- Deven Eastern, DL, Shakopee
Perhaps the most anticipated recruit to sign is four-star quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis, whom is rated as the 16th quarterback nationally in the Class of 2021.
