Who starts for Gophers football in 2021? Here's an early analysis

Too early to do a deep dive on the 2021 Gophers football roster? Yes, but let's give it a shot anyway. The Star Tribune's Megan Ryan shares her (very early) predictions on the 2021 starting lineups, assuming all seniors return and take advantage of the NCAA's eligibility waiver for this pandemic-riddled season (year in school listed for each player is current year):

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He was a breakout star in 2019, setting school records and earning national attention. But without Tyler Johnson and Rashod Bateman, he didn't look like the efficient and productive passer from just a year ago. In the Gophers' seven games this season, he threw just seven TDs, with five INTs. One of the faces of the 11-2 campaign in 2019, Morgan also now owns the 3-4 team record of this fall. His next game will be his 30th in maroon and gold.

2021 outlook: Still the starter as a highly respected leader on the team.

Other QB options: Zack Annexstad, Jacob Clark, Cole Kramer.

He put the team on his back and literally carried it in every game, earning Big Ten Running Back of the Year with more than 100 (sometimes 200!) yards in all seven games. He rushed for 15 touchdowns this year, most in the Big Ten and tied for fifth-most nationally.

2021 outlook: He'll finish his degree, likely carry the Gophers again and set himself up for an NFL future.

MIA for the entire season, noticeable for the 6-9, 400-pound Australian, with COVID-19 concerns. He hasn't played in more than a year after injuring his leg late in 2019.

2021 outlook: The latecomer to football still needs development.

Another lineman sidelined for all of 2020, this time with a lower-leg injury. Dunlap was in the NCAA transfer portal for one day this past offseason but reneged and seems rededicated to the Gophers.

2021 outlook: Also in need of experience and development to go with his 6-5, 345 frame.

An all-Big Ten third team honoree this season whose versatility was indispensable.

Also used his versatility to help a depth-tested unit and earned an all-Big Ten third team spot.

2021 outlook: Unclear if his mane of long, highlighted-blond locks will make the cut to next season.

Never abandoned his left tackle spot and became an all-Big Ten honorable mention.

2021 outlook: Shouldn't have any problem keeping his position even if fellow honorable mention John Michael Schmitz returns as a starter and reshuffles the unit.

Other O-line options: Schmitz, Axel Ruschmeyer, Nathan Boe, Aireonte Ersery.

2021 outlook: All the tight ends will hope, yet again, to become a bigger part of the passing game.

Other TE options: Bryce Witham, Brevyn Spann-Ford, Jake Paulson.

Caught 22 passes for 430 yards, one touchdown and several big gains, playing alongside Bateman for most of the year until the Big Ten Receiver of the Year re-opted out of the season.

2021 outlook: After years in the shadows of Johnson and Bateman, Crab is the No. 1 choice for Morgan.

After Demetrius Douglas left the team, the true freshman became a starter. He showed glimpses of greatness but also made easy mistakes.

Found increased playing time the final two games after Bateman left, even scoring his first touchdown.

2021 outlook: Will give his famous uncle, singer John Legend, more to celebrate.

Other WR options: Clay Geary, Seth Green.

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The Hopkins product surprisingly began the season not starting but asserted himself as an effective impact player with his 4.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and two pass-breakups.

The 2019 player of the year on the Gophers' scout team played in every game this season, including a thrilling interception return 24 yards at Maryland.

2021 outlook: "Trill" showed a lot of potential in 2020, promising at his young age.

The 2019 graduate transfer from Notre Dame helped on a sack and blocked a field goal this season.

2021 outlook: On a defense that struggled with inexperience, Dew-Treadway will need to share his veteran perspective even more next season.

Continued his streak of playing in every game so far in his college career.

Other D-line options: Keonte Schad, Thomas Rush, Rashad Cheney Jr.

Struggled early this season trying to do too much and making individual mistakes, but he put together a strong game late with 18 tackles at Nebraska. He led the team with 54 total tackles.

2021 outlook: Sori-Marin has the talent but now needs to prove he is reliable and consistent.

Missed all of 2020 after a spring practice injury. He was a rising star in 2019 but hasn't played in more than a year.

2021 outlook: Hopefully can avoid Sori-Marin's growing pains in his first season as a full-time starter.

Played in every game this season and recovered a fumble at nickelback.

2021 outlook: Harris is probably the most under-the-radar defensive player and should work to assert himself in his final season.

Offenses sometimes tried to avoid the all-Big Ten honorable mention, who made an end-zone interception at Wisconsin.

2021 outlook: Durr has NFL dreams after an eye-catching 2019 and will hope his sixth year improves his stock.

The receiver-turned-cornerback has worked to learn his new position and been a key player on special teams.

Other CB option: Terell Smith.

His 37 tackles and a pass-breakup this year were good, but Howden didn't quite take over in current NFL safety Antoine Winfield Jr.'s wake.

2021 outlook: Will look to recreate more scintillating moments in 2021, like the game-saving interception against Penn State in 2019.

At times, he played like it was his first season starting.

2021 outlook: Some distance from the direct comparisons to Winfield should help Nubin find his rhythm.

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The kicking situation this year was head-spinning. Lantz, Brock Walker and Anders Gelecinskyj all took turns at field goals and even kickoffs before freshman Dragan Kesich made his debut for the latter. COVID-19 issues and injuries depleted the group and none really claimed the job.