STrib: Desmond Gant plans to stay at the U and compete in track

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BleedGopher

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per Joe:

Former Gophers wide receiver Desmond Gant said today that he's planning to stay at the university to continue his education and compete in track.

Gant left the football program last week after dealing with concussion issues this season as a redshirt freshman. He played in eight games, mostly on special teams and recorded no statistics.

At 6-3, 214 pounds with terrific speed and leaping ability, Gant was one of the Gophers' more intriguing recruits coming out of East Aurora (Ill.) High School in 2014.

Gant said he suffered one concussion before coming to Minnesota and two more with the Gophers. The last one came against Michigan on Oct. 31, and he was out for the rest of the season.

"I didn't love the game of football," Gant said, though he hasn't completely closed the door on someday returning to the sport. "I always loved track more."

"While I was on the football team, they treated me first class," Gant said. "The coaching staff treated me very well. I wish them the best of luck, but I've got to do what's best for me."

http://www.startribune.com/gant-plans-to-stay-at-the-u-and-compete-in-track/364152701/

Go Gophers!!
 

Glad he's continuing his education.


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So that makes 2 Gopher FB players converting to track full-time (Gant and Edwards)?
 

I don't know how this stuff works, but does he still keep his athletic scholarship even though he's now not playing football?
 

jonnyganas said:
So that makes 2 Gopher FB players converting to track full-time (Gant and Edwards)?
Click to expand...
Didn't Devin Crawford-Tufts switch to track full-time a couple years ago too?

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I don't think this is all that unusual. Speed guy recruited for that reason and he ends up with both injuries and maybe a little down on the depth chart. I commend him for the decision to stay at Minnesota and compete in track and field along with getting his education.
 

year of the gopher said:
I don't think this is all that unusual. Speed guy recruited for that reason and he ends up with both injuries and maybe a little down on the depth chart. I commend him for the decision to stay at Minnesota and compete in track and field along with getting his education.
Click to expand...

I wouldn't be surprised to see this trend continue to grow some in the years to come. Guys that have other options might decide the injury risk of football just isn't worth it once they realize that the NFL is not in their future. Instead of taking the beating associated with playing football, switch to something like track where you still get the competition but maybe avoid some of the potential long term damage that can come from football. For those guys that just don't love football (as Gant indicates is the case for him) this route makes a lot of sense.

The unfortunate thing for the football program is it means it was a wasted scholarship for a program that can't afford to miss much in recruiting but hopefully it works out for everyone involved in the long run.
 

MNVCGUY said:
The unfortunate thing for the football program is it means it was a wasted scholarship for a program that can't afford to miss much in recruiting but hopefully it works out for everyone involved in the long run.
Click to expand...

What are the scholarship implications, for both him and the U?
 

zman said:
What are the scholarship implications, for both him and the U?
Click to expand...

I believe he would then be on a track scholarship. However, if he ever returned to football at all, he would immediately count against football's 85 again. That goes for any multi sport athlete - if they participate in football they count against the 85 no matter what sport granted their scholarship.
 



Interesting news. Does anyone know what event(s) he will be competing in?
 

Bummer, but I'm glad it had nothing to do with the coaching change. All the rumors of mass transfers by malcontents turned out to be pretty much unfounded...which is a relief.

Regarding Gant, the staff was VERY high on him during camp if I recall correctly. Sounds like it wasn't meant to be however, and between the injuries and his lack of passion about football it's better if he moves on. WR's sure drop like flies around here, though...
 

Schools typically don't pull scholarships for players that get injured as a result of playing the sport. I could be wrong, but I think Gant keeps his scholarship but it doesn't count against the 85. I don't think the track team has to pick it up either.
 

MNGoldenGophers1 said:
Schools typically don't pull scholarships for players that get injured as a result of playing the sport. I could be wrong, but I think Gant keeps his scholarship but it doesn't count against the 85. I don't think the track team has to pick it up either.
Click to expand...

Think that is true in the case of career ending injuries however this would be a different case as he is quitting football to pursue track.
 





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