Connor Mayes announces plan to transfer from Gophers

Connor Mayes, who started six games at guard for the Gophers last season, said via Twitter that he has met with coach P.J. Fleck and asked for his release.

By Joe Christensen Star Tribune

March 10, 2017 — 2:25pm

Gophers offensive lineman Connor Mayes announced Friday that he has requested his release to transfer from the program.

A senior this fall, Mayes played in all 13 games last season at guard, starting six. Without him, the Gophers will be thinner along the line. Center Tyler Moore transferred to Oklahoma State, and Jonah Pirsig has graduated.

Other returning starters for next season include Jared Weyler, Vincent Calhoun, Garrison Wright and Donnell Greene. Mayes said he met with new coach P.J. Fleck to request his release.

"Coach Fleck is an amazing man and coach," Mayes tweeted. "I am fully confident that the University of Minnesota football program will be elite. My Golden Gophers teammates are some of the most incredible people in the world. I wish them all the best."

Joe Christensen, a Star Tribune sports team leader, graduated from the University of Minnesota and spent 15 years covering Major League Baseball, including stops at the Riverside Press-Enterprise and Baltimore Sun. He joined the Star Tribune in 2005 and spent four years covering Gophers football.

Joe.Christensen@StarTribune.com 612-673-7844

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