CHARLOTTE, N.C.  — The Gophers will be without seven starters for the Duke’s Mayo Bowl against Virginia Tech at Bank of America Stadium on Friday.

Minnesota had a handful of players opt out in preparation for the NFL, including receiver Daniel Jackson, cornerback Justin Walley, offensive tackle Aireontae Ersery, defensive end Jah Joyner and linebacker Cody Lindenberg, according to the U’s unavailable list.

The U also had starting offensive tackle Phillip Daniels transfer to Ohio State, and Tyler Cooper is listed as out Friday, so the Gophers are down three starting offensive linemen against the Hokies. Quinn Carroll is expected to move to left tackle, with Martes Lewis likely to come in at right tackle.

Ashton Beers is also expected to be in the mix. Tony Nelson and Nathan Roy might also see time.

“We didn’t have a lot of impact players go into the portal,” Gophers coach P.J. Fleck said Thursday. “But we do have some guys who are going to go play in the NFL (that) opted out of the game, rightfully so. But they are here with us and enjoying the week and being around their teammates. I think we have a really connected team that loves to play football.”

Backup running back Marcus Major is also out; the one-year Oklahoma transfer had 352 rushing yards and three touchdowns in 12 games during the regular season.

On the other side, Virginia Tech has 13 starters who played in their regular-season ending win over Virginia, due to a combination of players leaving for the NFL, the transfer portal and injuries.

Minnesota will also be without long-term injured players in safety Darius Green and tight end Pierce Walsh. Kicker David Kemp is also sidelined.

Given the absences, the bowl game can be a good opportunity for younger players to step up. Fleck mentioned Thursday a few younger players who stood out during bowl prep: Roy, receiver Donielle “Nuke” Hayes, linebacker Mason Carrier and backup quarterback Drake Lindsey.

Briefly

One Gophers official estimated 5,000 to 7,000 Minnesota fans would be in attendance at the bowl game.

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