Wide receiver Eric Decker was a big part of the turnaround for Minnesota last year. The Gophers went from 1-11 to 7-6, and while they did lose their last five games, they were able to gain a bowl bid.Decker caught 84 passes for over 1,000 yards and seven touchdowns in 2008. While his Gopher teammates take part in spring drills, he's off playing baseball for a Minnesota team that is nationally-ranked and a threat to make the NCAA Tournament. In June, there's a chance Decker will be drafted by a Major League Baseball team, and that could lead to a tough decision for him.
Decker was drafted in the 38th round by the Brewers in 2008, but decided to return to school for his junior year. If he goes higher in this June's draft, there's a chance he'll play baseball.
"There's a greater chance of me coming back (to play football) for sure than me leaving," said Decker, who is batting .326. "When that day comes, I'm going to have to make a decision. I don't want to make a decision, but I have to. That will be something I will make with my family and people close to me. I'm getting some good advice, and I have good people around me, so I'll be fine when the time comes."There may be no need at all for alarm. After all, Decker himself says there's a good chance he'll stay with the football team.
His baseball coach, John Anderson, told the St. Paul Pioneer Press that Decker's stock has greatly improved since last year's draft. Decker is left-handed, athletic, and he can hit.
There are plenty of hooks to keep Decker in football. He has the size and speed to be a solid NFL prospect. He can catch the football, is a good leader on this Gopher team, and he knows the team has a chance to make some noise in 2009.
Oh, and there's that new stadium being built on campus. It would certainly be special for Decker - from Cold Spring, Minn. - to help open the new facility that is being billed as a difference-maker for this program.
It's the kind of stuff you can't manufacture in minor-league baseball.
