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Gophers DB Justin Walley declares for NFL Draft

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Published  December 19, 2024 2:08pm CST
Minnesota Golden Gophers
FOX 9

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) -
 

Minnesota Golden Gophers defensive back Justin Walley (0) breaks up a pass to Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Kendric Pryor (3) in the second quarter at Huntington Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minn.  ((Photo by Matt Blewett/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images))

The Brief

    • Gophers DB Justin Walley declared for the NFL Draft on Thursday. He was out of eligibility and could not return to Minnesota
    • Walley had 7 interceptions over 4 seasons
    • It's unlikely that Walley would play for the Gophers in the Duke's Mayo Bowl

After four years with the University of Minnesota football program, defensive back Justin Walley will test the NFL waters.

Walley and the Gophers announced Thursday he’s declaring for the NFL Draft. The 2024 season was Walley’s final year of eligibility. In an era of the transfer portal and name, image and likeness, Walley stayed at Minnesota four straight seasons.

Gophers, P.J. Fleck headed to Duke's Mayo Bowl

The University of Minnesota football team will face Virginia Tech in the Duke's Mayo Bowl on Jan. 3 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina.

"Playing football at the collegiate level has been a dream come true — one I've worked for my entire life. To have had the opportunity to do that here at Minnesota is something I’ll aways cherish," Walley said on Instagram. "To my teammates and the Gophers fans, thank you for the bonds we've built and the memories we'll carry forever. You made every moment on the field special."

Walley’s career

Why it matters: Walley was a starter in the secondary almost from Day 1 with the Gophers. He played in all 13 games as a freshman and started the final six. He had one interception against Wisconsin. He was named Second Team All-Big Ten by the coaches for the 2024 season.

This past season, Walley had 42 tackles, two interceptions and 12 passes defended in 10 starts. In 49 career games, Walley had 155 tackles, seven interceptions, three forced fumbles and had four fumble recoveries for his career.

Will Walley play in Duke’s Mayo Bowl?

The context: The Gophers face Virginia Tech in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl on Jan. 3. While Walley hasn’t officially opted out, it’s hard to imagine him playing in a relatively meaningless bowl game. He will play in the East-West Shrine Bowl, one of several showcases for draft prospects.

What’s next: If he doesn’t play in the bowl game, Walley will start his draft process, which will include a Pro Day, workouts with teams and possibly the NFL Combine.

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