In our “Race to MAHturity” series, we will be highlighting Gopher football players who are expected to step up and take on a bigger role for Minnesota next season (whenever that may be).
Antoine Winfield Jr. is gone, headed to Tampa Bay for the start of what we hope is a long and decorated career in the NFL. How do you replace an All-American? It’s easier said than done, especially for a program like Minnesota that isn’t bringing in four- and five-star recruits year in and year out. The Gophers will certainly ask more of third-year starter Jordan Howden, but I know a lot of eyes will be on sophomore Tyler Nubin, who is the favorite to step in for Winfield as the other starting safety after seeing action on special teams and in late-game relief as a freshman.