Conor Rhoda will return for his fifth year with the Gophers football team and will compete for the starting quarterback position.

P.J. Fleck, who was introduced as the Gophers new head coach Friday, met with Rhoda on Saturday morning based on advice from assistant coaches Mike Sherels and Dan O’Brien, who remained on staff after former head coach Tracy Claeys was fired Tuesday. Rhoda, who was contemplating a transfer, had been recommended as one of the first players on uncertain terms that Fleck should try to retain.

“All great stuff,” Rhoda told the Pioneer Press. “(Fleck) said he really wanted me back and that I can help achieve our goals and can compete for the starting job.”

Rhoda, an Eagan native who played at Cretin-Derham Hall, started one game in the 2016 season. With starter Mitch Leidner out with a concussion, Rhoda completed 7 of 15 passes for 82 yards and one touchdown in a 31-10 win at Maryland.

With Leidner graduating, the Gophers quarterback position will be a wide-open race.

Rhoda played in three games in 2016, with limited time against Indiana State and Illinois. He did not play in 2015, but was named the scout team player of the year. He played two games in 2014 and attempted one pass against Iowa.

“He’s extremely excited,” his father, Jeff Rhoda, said. “He continues his story of perseverance. He was exploring his options, but this is what he hoped for.”

Jeff Rhoda said Conor left Saturday’s meeting really impressed with Fleck, who will look to turn the page from the suspensions and boycott that overshadowed a 9-4 season in 2016.

“I think he’s the perfect fit for the situation,” Conor Rhoda said. “He can get guys to buy into his agenda.”