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."
