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Minnesota Golden Gophers senior linebacker Blake Cashman has announced via Instagram that he will not be participating in the Quick Lane Bowl, effectively ending his college career to begin preparing for a chance to play in the NFL.
This is a tough blow for the Gophers’ defense, as Cashman led the team in total tackles (105) this season and tied with Carter Coughlin for the lead in tackles for loss (15). Expect senior linebacker Julian Huff to step in and take over for Cashman, as he did when Cashman was ejected for targeting in the Gophers’ final regular season game against Wisconsin. The Minnesota defensive front will have their hands full trying to stop the Yellow Jackets’ top-ranked rushing offense and will now need to do so without one of their leaders.
Cashman is the second Minnesota senior this month to opt out of participating in the Gophers’ postseason trip to Detroit. Starting left tackle Donnell Greene also decided to forgo the bowl game in favor of signing with an agent ahead of a potential NFL career.