MULTIPLE SOURCES: BIMAGE OPTS OUT OF 2020 LONGHORN SEASON

Multiple outlets are reporting that Brenham native Marqez Bimage has become the second Texas Longhorn player to opt out of playing in the 2020 season.

247sports.com, just one of numerous sites reporting the story, says Bimage has opted out of the season over concerns over COVID-19.

Bimage becomes the second player to decide against playing this season, joining senior running back Daniel Young.

Bimage was considered by many as one of the top candidates for the starting job as the Longhorns’ strong side defensive end, in the team’s new 4-3 defense.  He has recorded 19 tackles, two tackles for loss, two pass breakups, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery in 34 career games.

Wednesday morning, Big 12 commissioner Bob Bowlsby noted that the NCAA Division I Council will have to make a decision about whether athletes will maintain their eligibility if they decide to opt out — according to the commissioner, it’s not the same thing as merely taking a redshirt because the athlete won’t be around the team.

Marqez was a three-time all-district and all-state linebacker for the Brenham Cubs, and was a 2016 District Defensive Player of the Year.