MJ Anderson, a three-star defensive end from Missouri who verbally committed to the Gophers in August, announced Thursday on Twitter that he has withdrawn his commitment from Minnesota and has opened his recruiting.
"After long thought and consideration, I will be de-committing from the University of Minnesota,'' Anderson tweeted. "I want thank Minnesota for their love and support. But I have to do what's best for me and my family. That being said my recruitment is 100% open.''
Anderson, a 6-3, 270-pound senior, helped Christian Brothers College High School of St. Louis win the Missouri Class 6 state championship on Saturday, posting two sacks and five tackles for loss in a 45-21 win over Rockhurst. He is listed as the 18th-ranked recruit in Missouri and the No. 57 strong-side defensive end nationally by the 247Sports.com composite ratings of major recruiting services.
Anderson is the second defensive end from the recruiting Class of 2019 who verbally committed to the Gophers but won't end up at Minnesota. In October, the Gophers backed away from their recruitment of Jason Bargy, a four-star Illinois defensive end who in mid-November was charged with domestic battery to his girlfriend.
The Gophers have 22 players verbally committed to the Class of 2019. Coach P.J. Fleck and his staff took to the road on Sunday to recruit. The early national signing day is Dec. 19.
