A Gophers team with big questions at wide receiver lost one potential answer Monday, when Devin Crawford-Tufts quit the football team to focus on track.
Crawford-Tufts started eight games last season as a sophomore, catching 16 passes for 189 yards and one touchdown. He had the ability to stretch the field but fought injuries and struggled for consistency.
He was a state champion sprinter at Edina High School, and after joining the Gophers track team last winter, he finished fourth at the Big Ten Championships in the 400 meters.
"Devin and I have met multiple times over the past couple of months," Gophers coach Jerry Kill said in the news release. "… Devin is a fine young man. We wish him well and will be rooting for him."
With preseason camp set to start Friday, the Gophers' top returning receivers are Isaac Fruechte (19 catches, 256 yards last season), Derrick Engel (18, 375), KJ Maye (11, 49) and Andre McDonald (10, 121).
Jamal Harbison is back from knee surgery, and incoming freshmen Eric Carter, Drew Wolitarsky, Donovahn Jones and Chris Streveler also could be factors at receiver.
JOE CHRISTENSEN
