Veteran wide receiver Chris Autman-Bell announced that he will be returning for a sixth season with the Gophers via Twitter on Thursday afternoon.
— ً (@chrisautmanbell) December 10, 2021
After an injury-riddled 2021 campaign, Autman-Bell still recorded career highs in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns, with 35 catches for 490 yards and six touchdowns on the season.
The Gophers offense has had a significant offseason. Mike Sanford Jr. was let go as offensive coordinator, Kirk Ciarrocca is returning as his replacement, Tanner Morgan is returning for a sixth season and Mohamed Ibrahim is joining him.
Minnesota is now set to return every single skill position starter on offense, minus tight end Ko Kieft. With all five starting offensive linemen expected to leave, the Gophers will lean on their skill position players.
Autman-Bell, Morgan, Ibrahim and Ciarrocca will be tasked with regaining the offensive magic that the Gophers had in 2019.
