Gopher Illustrated is reporting that Minnesota Golden Gophers defensive tackle Keonte Schad has entered the transfer portal. The former JUCO transfer finished last season with eight tackles in four games, having missed three due to COVID. He has one year of eligibility remaining.
It is something of a surprise to see Schad transfer, but his decision is understandable. With Micah Dew-Treadway, DeAngelo Carter, and Rashad Cheney all returning and the additions of Clemson transfer Nyles Pinckney and NC State transfer Val Martin, a feature role was not going to be in the cards for Schad. What was expected to be a six-man rotation at defensive line will drop down to a five-man rotation with Schad seeking opportunities elsewhere.
Schad is the latest departure for a team experiencing a roster crunch this offseason. With a wave of players transferring to Minnesota, the scholarship numbers were going to have to sort themselves out. Wide receiver Seth Green, linebacker Itayvion Brown, defensive end D’Vion Harris, and defensive tackles Noah Hickcox and Ali Saad have also transferred out.