The University of Minnesota has successfully secured a commitment from Division II defensive back Parker Knutson, surpassing competition from Iowa and James Madison. The announcement came on Monday, marking a significant addition to the Gophers” roster.
Knutson, who stands at 6 feet 1 inch and weighs 190 pounds, hails from Sartell, Minnesota, and previously played at Southwest Minnesota State University. With two years of eligibility remaining, he is expected to make an immediate impact at the Division I level.
In his last season, Knutson demonstrated his defensive prowess by recording eight interceptions along with 39 tackles across 11 games. His performance in the previous year was equally impressive, with five interceptions and another 39 tackles in the same number of games. He also appeared in three games as a true freshman for the Mustangs.
His remarkable ball skills have been highlighted as a key factor in his decision to transition to the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). As spring practice approaches, the coaching staff will begin to determine how Knutson will fit within the Gophers” secondary.
This commitment marks the seventh player to join the Gophers this week, indicating a strong recruiting push as the program looks to enhance its roster ahead of the upcoming season.
In addition to Knutson, the Gophers have also welcomed other transfers, including defensive tackle Naquan Crowder from Marshall, linebacker Andrew Marshall from Eastern Michigan, and offensive lineman Bennett Warren from Tennessee. Furthermore, quarterback Michael Merdinger has also committed through the transfer portal.
With these new additions, Minnesota aims to bolster its competitive edge in the upcoming season, reflecting a proactive approach in the ever-evolving landscape of college football.
