Source tells me that #Gophers offensive lineman Curtis Dunlap has entered the NCAA Transfer Portal.

Dunlap has played in every game for Minnesota this season at guard.

— Ryan Burns (@RyanBurnsMN) October 12, 2021

Dunlap wasn’t considered a starter but was being rotated in on the regular 7-man rotation that Minnesota’s been using at offensive line. Like much of the o-line in 2021, Dunlap has had his good and bad moments, but he was certainly considered an important part of the team’s future.

The IMG Academy standout committed at the tail-end of Fleck’s 2018 recruiting class, alongside his massive friend, Daniel Faalele. Both 4-star recruits sat on top of that year’s class and projected as future NFL talent. Faalele is still seen in that same light but Dunlap has fallen a bit off the radar.

Not Dunlap’s first Transfer Portal rodeo

Curtis has been in the transfer portal before. He entered the portal in 2020, as the Big Ten was reinstating their cancelled season, just to pull his name back out days later. I wouldn’t expect that to happen again.

Due to injury, Dunlap never saw the field in 2020 after the Big Ten resumed football activities. As previously mentioned, he was getting regular playing time in 2021. The bye week changes people…

If anything else breaks on this subject, it’ll be added to this blog.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

Just one day after entering his name into the NCAA transfer portal, Curtis Dunlap has reportedly pulled his name out. We still don’t know exactly what prompted Dunlap to enter his name, but this is a massive development for PJ Fleck and the Minnesota Gophers.

Update: A day after entering the transfer portal, Dunlap has withdrawn his name @rivalsmike @RivalsWoody @MinnesotaRivals https://t.co/I1LB23WQHR

— NCAA Transfer Portal (@RivalsPortal) September 2, 2020

Well. A source confirms what @RivalsPortal had first.

Dunlap has now withdrawn his name from the NCAA Transfer Portal. https://t.co/PG5BzG1BAh

— Ryan Burns (@RyanBurnsMN) September 2, 2020

I haven’t looked into anything at all and some might call it irresponsible journalism to say this, but since nobody else cares about that these days, neither do I.

HOPEFULLY, Dunlap was on his out of town because he wants to play football in 2020 and HOPEFULLY, PJ Fleck was able to give him inside information about a pending fall Big Ten season, that talked him off the ledge…. HOPEFULLY

There were some rumors floating about other guys dissenting too. We can all cross our fingers and pray that Dunlap’s “recommitment” will calm those waters. As of now, the Gophers go back to returning their entire 2019 offensive line, should a 2020 season be played.

Both IMG Academy O-lineman currently on roster, Curtis Dunlap Jr. and Daniel Faalele, have NFL aspirations. Dunlap, especially, blossomed as a Sophomore. What happens next, regarding Dunlap or when Minnesota will take the football field again, is anyone’s guess.

But this is a victory we will gladly take.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

Everyday is weird in 2020 but Tuesday, September 1 had a few extra twists. First, we woke up to Donald Trump tweeting about secret meetings with Kevin Warren over October Big Ten football. That got the blood pumping.

Had a very productive conversation with Kevin Warren, Commissioner of the Big Ten Conference, about immediately starting up Big Ten football. Would be good (great!) for everyone – Players, Fans, Country. On the one yard line!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 1, 2020

Throughout the day, we had all sorts of reports about how early fall football could really start, if the Big Ten decided to walk back their postponement. “Sources” were leaking start dates to sports media members that ranged from October 10th, all the way back into November.

The most credible report came from The Dan Patrick Show and had the season starting on October 10. That was later debunked by the Nebraska AD, of all people. Nonetheless, 247Sports reported that these talks have been going on in Big Ten circles for weeks, lending to the seriousness.

So… we still sit in wait, after all the dust settled Tuesday evening. I’d say we sit closer to fall football, than we do spring football… Playing two seasons that close together (2021 winter or spring + 2021 fall) seems like too much, if this whole thing is about player safety (it’s not).

Curtis Dunlap Defects

This one came out of the blue and smacked Minnesota Gopher football fans in the face. (LG) Curtis Dunlap Jr, one of two IMG Academy commits (Daniel Faalele being the other) who came over after Zack Annexstad committed in 2018 as a preferred walk-on, has entered the transfer portal.

Thank you for giving me a place to call home… pic.twitter.com/O4pd1r4oiA

— Curtis B. Dunlap Jr. (@Curtis39710342) September 1, 2020

Dunlap was the highest-rated recruit of that class and he started all of 2019, as a Redshirt Sophomore. I’ve searched high and wide all day, for what made Dunlap put his name in the transfer portal, and haven’t found anything.

I did find out from GopherIllustrated.com, that Dunlop hasn’t been attending practices or been on campus, so this isn’t surprising to those who have sources close to the team. There are some other players who haven’t been around the team either, so we could see more movement, too.

I’m not panicking yet. It’s difficult to panic when we know so little about what is going on around college football right now. We have guys opting out and we have campuses opening and closing, not to mention some seasons being canceled and some seasons being played.

It’s going to be a rollercoaster few months so buckle up.

Athletic Department Releases COVID-19 Testing Results (Kind Of)

#Gophers Athletics just released updated COVID testing numbers.

Since June, there have been 43 total positives out of 1,406 tests conducted. pic.twitter.com/8jwJ808KZs

— Hobie Artigue (@HobieFOX9) September 1, 2020

The stats released to media today reveal a possible 3% infection rate among student athletes being tested since June, but we didn’t get any context with the numbers. We don’t know how many of those positives were recorded by the same people, who had already tested positive one time.

We also do not know how many of these positives were captured upon intake and how many acquired the virus after already being on campus. I’ve requested more information. I’ll update this post if/when I hear back.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

I don’t think a bigger boat will suffice. We’re probably going to need a fleet of yachts. The oars will look weird as hell, but who cares.

ESPN on #Gophers recruiting: “Minnesota has never signed top-25 class since ESPN began ranking. In fact, Gophers havent even come close. In past 4 yrs, avg class rank was 58. That makes the work of Fleck & staff otherworldly, with Minnesota sitting at 23” https://t.co/tx80fTkrkl pic.twitter.com/EJ8XaQ34BL

— GopherHole.com (@GopherHole) December 19, 2017

The above information was from the eve of National Signing Day. According to GopherHole.com, Minnesota ended up closing Wednesday with the twenty-seventh best class in country.

P.J. Fleck and staff now OFFICIALLY have the highest recruiting class in the history of Gopher football (recruiting rankings started during Internet era). On Wednesday, twenty-six young men signed their letters to play pigskin for the Maroon and Gold. Here are the individuals that comprise the #eLITe18 class:

Offense:

Defense:

Prior to this year, either the 2008 or 2016 class were considered the best rated in the program’s history. With 2018’s National Signing day in the books, both of those can take a back seat.

According to 247Sports.com, the 2008 group finished with an average player rating of .8553. As for 2016, they closed with .8391. P.J. Flecks inaugural recruiting class set the new standard with .8609.

Top 5 Rated Signees:

1. Curtis Dunlap Jr. (.9220 rating) – OL
2. Rashod Bateman (.8921 rating) – WR
3. Daniel Faalele (.8858 rating) – OL
4. Victor Viramontes (.8851 rating) – QB
5. Alex Reigelsperger (.8810 rating) – DL

Including the handful above, the 2018’s signees contain 17 players rated higher than a .8500. For comparison purposes, the 2016 class only had 6. Also, a friendly reminder that 2019 version is expected to be even better.

An ELITE & historic day for @GopherFootball!! The #HYPRR culture starts with the PEOPLE!! So excited about our future!! #RTB #SkiUMah pic.twitter.com/n8NoTSaleF

— P.J. Fleck (@Coach_Fleck) December 20, 2017

If he wasn’t on such a heater, I’d advise coach to set the coffee down. Screw that. Toss another espresso shot in there.

In the event football doesn’t work out (which it will) for P.J. Fleck, he’d put all inspirational speakers out of business. Highland Park Senior, Josh Aune, is one of the twenty-six Gophers that signed on Wednesday. He seems to get plenty of motivation from his new coach. Aune talked about how every time Coach Fleck talks he wants “to run through a brick wall.“

Same here, Josh, Same here.

If you were a professional boxer, what would be your walk-out music?

Crank up the volume and listen to Victor Viramontes’ anthem:

We wrap up #NSDeLITe18 with an elite QB from California. @VicViramontes10, you’re officially part of the #Gophers family! 〽️ pic.twitter.com/3wBSEMoHdG

— Minnesota Football (@GopherFootball) December 20, 2017

If you didn’t like the song, that’s fair. He’s here to play QB, not be a DJ at dance parties.

Anywho, the official Gophers Football Twitter account did those videos for each signee. In the grand scheme of things, it’s a small gesture. However, those small gestures add up. Little differences could ultimately be the deciding factor between a player choosing another program over Minnesota.

Speaking of another program, Wednesday was another “L” for Wisconsin. Earlier in the week the Packers were eliminated from Playoff contention and now the Gophers out recruited Bucky. To be more precise, Minnesota out recruited the entire Big Ten West.

“This is a sleeping giant and we’re going to wake it up.” — the closing line on Being PJ Fleck

— Kyle Goblirsch (@GobieMN) August 24, 2017

I’m not sure about you guys/gals, but I’m awake. This program has got me feeling more bright-eyed and bushy-tailed than ever.

Johnny Minnesota @TheJohnnyMN
Minnesota Sports Fan MinnesotaSportsFan.com

P.J. Fleck and his staff are out here playing chess, while their competition plays checkers. The Golden Gophers football program just made a HUGE (pun intended) splash in the recruiting world. The #eLITe18Palooza was most definitely LIT.

One of the best days ever with my next family ?〽️

— Alexander Reigelsperger (@reigelsperger_a) December 9, 2017

#eLITe18Palooza pic.twitter.com/SIbCPfM4ve

— Grant Norton (@Grantjnorton99) December 9, 2017

Yesterday’s Day 1 #eLITe18Palooza ! TCF, Fireseide Grill,Smaaash. Attention to every single detail is amazing! 26 commits + 9 recruits AND their families = largest official visit ever in NCAA and yet the personal attention is impeccable. pic.twitter.com/MRTSTyb6Vb

— Karen Beier (@beiers_mom) December 9, 2017

Nice food, bonding, and everyone involved seemed to have a good time. Minnesota Sports Fan is all for a good time. A pro-fun company, if you will. Especially when that good time produces value-raising results. That was exactly the case with the #eLITe18Palooza.

Prior to this weekend, WR Rashod Bateman was MN’s lone four-star commit for their 2018 class. Granted, Vic Viramontes, Alex Reigelsperger, and a plethora of others are just shy of “4-star status”. Either way, Bateman now has company.

Two additions totaling over 760 pounds made their #RTB future official on Saturday. OVER 760 POUNDS! That’s approximately 345 Kilograms for our Canadian readers.

Curtis Dunlap could be PJ’s biggest recruit for the 2018 season for multiple reasons, outside of Vic Verimontes because he plays QB. The Gopher offensive line was a big reason for the team’s struggles this season. We are thought to have one of the best running back combos in the nation, between Rodney Smith and Shannon Brooks. Yet, the running game struggled in 2017. So, Dunlap was much-needed. Not only that, but he had already committed to the University of Florida, before they switched coaches.

After wavering on the Gator commitment, he visited Arkansas before eventually decommitting, earlier this week. Dunlap came to town this weekend for #eLITe18Palooza, recently de-committed from one SEC school, and being pursued HARD by another. But, I’ve (Eric) said it before and I will say it again: When you are down for Fleck, when you BELIEVE in the culture, and when you are DOWN TO ROW, it doesn’t matter who is chasing you. When you are drawn to that mindset, Fleck reels you in like he’s throwing bacon-bait into a starving piranha pond. The type of kids who like Fleck have a HARD time saying no to him. It’s awesome. Oh, and also, you can watch him play at the UnderArmour All-American Game on January 4th.

That’s right. Another prospect that ranks in the top 3 of the 2018 Gopher recruiting class. Now, we aren’t sure what Faalele is going to be because he has only been playing football for two years. Yup, two years. He is a MONSTER, standing at 6’9″, and weighing 400 lbs… He had offers from huge schools as well, including Georgia, Alabama, and just about every other big SEC and ACC school. But, he wants to row. And, there’s only one place in the country where you row. MINNESOTA.

Like Dunlap, Faalele has been chosen to the UnderArmour All-Star game later this year. He will also be enrolling early and will be on campus for the Spring Term and the Spring Game. It’s starting to happen Gopher fans. This is where it starts. Recruiting.

.@Curtisdunlapjr joins the #Gophers OL class of @Grantjnorton99, @nathanboe1122, @BeierAustin, @DanielFaalele_ and @jackyork72. He is the highest rated OL commit for Minnesota in this decade.

Dunlap will also be participating in the UA @AllAmericaGame game.

— Ryan Burns (@RyanBurnsMN) December 10, 2017

Prior to this weekend, Minnesota ALREADY had the highest 2018 class in the Big Ten West. Now, the Gophers are knocking on the door of the Top 25, NATIONALLY. And, we are coming up on early signing day in less than two weeks.

Usually, schools are picking up the scraps of their recruiting classes right now. Not PJ. Why? Because, with these recruits, he had time that was more comparable to the coaches he was competing with. Remember, these coaches normally have relationships with players for multiple years before they commit, eventually. Most of the kids committing now haven’t decided on a school yet, for a reason. They may have decommitted from a school, after an early commitment that didn’t work out (like Dunlap). They may have been interested in schools who had a coach fired or went through changes they weren’t expecting. That levels the playing field for Fleck. And that’s bad news for everyone else. Other coaches around the country, especially the Big Ten. Other schools in the midwest, and nationally, have to be shaking in their boots as they think about battling PJ for high-end recruits in the future.

If Fleck closes the borders around Minnesota, where is Wisconsin going to get all of its players?

Also, both commitments this weekend were from kids who are about to graduate from IMG Academy, in Florida. IMG Academy kicks out top recruits like the Brady Bunch kicked out great kids… To go into that school, and come out with these two, is incredible. I picture top college coaches walking around the halls there, like military recruits at a high-school, with the pull-up bar. He also has Zach Annexstad coming to campus as a Preferred Walk-On in 2018. He likely played a big part in these offensive linemen committing.

What a weekend so far… I say so far, because it might not be over yet… The raw numbers, for scholarships available, tell us the Gophers don’t have any spots left in their 2018 class. However, don’t be surprised if we see some changes take place before all is said and done, and Fleck gets a guy or two more. Here are the two top targets remaining on Fleck’s radar. Both players would land in the Gopher top 6 for 2018:

Once again, this article was tag-teamed. The Minnesota staff is making so many moves out there, it can be tough to keep up. Shit reminds us of Percy Harvin in 2011.

In our last combination piece, we closed with a video Richard Pitino praising Fleck. In similar fashion, let’s hear a Fleck opinion. We proudly defer to 2018 #RTB commit, Alex Reigelsperger (Follow him on Twitter: reigelsperger_a).

I need to ice my fingers from all the #RTB typing. A good problem to have. While I recover, listen to this part of my interview with @reigelsperger_a #SkiUMah @realmnsportsfan pic.twitter.com/EjXukrhDNW

— Johnny Minnesota (@MNsportsNstuff) December 9, 2017

This article was tag-teamed by Johnny Minnesota (@MNsportsNstuff) & The Boss (@RealMNSportsFan)

Photo: @Curtisdunlapjr