Gophers offer NDSU defensive tackle Javier Derritt

Derrit had 31 tackles and 2.5 sacks for the Bison in 2023.

Looking to potentially beef up their defensive line, the Gophers have offered North Dakota State defensive tackle Javier Derritt.

Derrit registered 90 tackles and 11 sacks in five years with the Bison, including two sacks in the team's 31-29 double-overtime loss to Montana in the FCS semifinal. The 6-foot-2, 280-pound lineman has one year of eligibility remaining.

According to his personal account on X, Derritt has also received offers from UTEP, Coastal Carolina, New Mexico State, Colorado State and Cal.

The Gophers recently finished their season with a 30-24 win over Bowling Green in the Quick Lane Bowl.

This season Minnesota's defense struggled compared to previous seasons. The Gophers' defense in 2023 allowed 219.3 passing yards and 149.1 rushing yards per game, good for 58th and 65th in the nation, respectively. In 2022, the Gophers defense was 15th in the nation against the pass (185.7 yards per game) and 16th against the run (109.0 yards per game).

Minnesota's defense will be helmed by a new defensive coordinator in 2024 after Joe Rossi departed for the same role at Michigan State after five years as the Gophers' defensive play caller.