Mark Dietz Transfers to Central Michigan

Mark Dietz, a 6-foot-4, 250-pound junior linebacker who walked on at Minnesota, has landed at Central Michigan. Dietz played at Joliet (IL) CC with current Gopher starting tackle Eric Small. Dietz was recruited by the Gophers' former coaching staff and decided to walk on at the Big Ten school.

However, Mark Dietz decided to leave the Minnesota team during training camp. He will sit out the 2007 season and have two years of eligibility remaining for the Chippewas.

Joliet head coach Tom Minnick had previously told GoldenSports.net that Dietz had recruiting interest from Temple and Wyoming and offers from Division I-AA schools Eastern Illinois, Georgia Southern and Western Illinois. Dietz was a first-team All-Midwest Football Conference choice.

Minnick had told GoldenSports.Net that Dietz and Eric Small had hoped to play together.

"They both want to play in the Big 10. They are both good buddies and would probably room together. Minnesota said that they can come in and play right away, which is appealing to them."

Central Michigan is currently 2-3 overall and 2-0 in MAC play.