Gophers to transfer out hits 10 with lineman Saia Mapakaitolo
Dec. 7—Gophers true freshman offensive lineman Saia Mapakaitolo has entered the NCAA transfer portal, a source confirmed to the Pioneer Press on Monday.
Mapakaitolo appeared to be well under his listed 6-foot-5 and 270 pounds and he did not appear in a game in the 2021 season. The former Southern Cal commit from a Mesa, Ariz., joined the U's class late in the cycle last year.
Minnesota has had a total of 10 players exit the program since October; one, defensive end MJ Anderson, announced Sunday he will go to Iowa State.
The full list also includes: running back Cam Wiley, guard Curtis Dunlap, defensive tackle Rashad Cheney, linebacker James "DJ" Gordon, tight end Austin Henderson and receiver Dylan Hillard-McGill and quarterbacks Zack Annexstad and Jacob Clark.
When current players first hit the portal in October, Gophers head coach P.J. Fleck said that he anticipated more players would explore their options. On the other side, Minnesota had a handful of additions through the portal before last season and will explore more additions before the 2022 season.
