Recruits So Far

[BisonMav]

With the addition of Sparkman, that makes 7 so far.

Recruits
OL Gerry Ebel: 6-7, 315, Yankton, SD
LB Ramon Humber: 6-1, 220, Champlin, MN
OL Josh Lee: 6-5, 300, Park River, ND
QB Nick Mertens: 6-2, 180, East Grand Forks, MN
FB/LB Bryan Reimers: 6-3, 235, Springfield, MN
OL/DT Ryan Schuttloffel: 6-7, 293, Sioux Falls, SD
OL Tony Sparkman: 6-4, 290, Wayzata, MN via Illinois

[BISON_PRIDE]

According to http://scout.scout.com/a.z?s=396&p=9&c=4 *Mitch Brecke, QB from Maple Grove has committed to NDSU. *Strange, I hadn't heard anything anywhere else about this. *Looks like we may have a chance at Dan Elling too, since U of Minn. is only asking him to walk on.

[Bison_Kent]

Yet another lineman is coming to NDSU. Josh Lee from Park River is going to be a Bison.

Here is the Forum story:

http://in-forum.com/articles/index.cfm?id=80291&section=Sports

[Gamehunter]

ANOTHER QB, wow, I can't help but wonder how many of these guys are going to transfer out in a year.

Judging by Dan Elling's interest level on the schools that asked him to walk on, he must be looking for a scholly.

[KTF]

I would think that Thorsen would be a little bit nervous, he is a good QB but with the guys coming in it could get real competitive in a hurry. It will definitely be an interesting recruiting class, still can't wait to see who are leaning towards NDSU but have not yet verbally commited.

[Thunder_Struck]

Are any of them looking at playing a different position then QB?

[KTF]

With Thorsons basketball background and jumping ability I wouldn't be surprised if he was turned into a WR, Nick Jackson with his height it is concievable that he would end up a WR as well. the rest I have no idea where they would go. I don't see mertens anywhere but QB but...

[Flintstone]

Nick Jackson has already been moved to WR. If you look at the bio for Brecke it talks about receiving yards, not passing yards, yet they have him listed as a QB. He may be a WR that has been listed wrong on the site. Does anybody else have any info on him?

[tony]

The coaches said that they needed to sign at least two more QBs because they only have three on the roster so if they sign two, it'll be with the expectation that they will play or backup that position.

I'm not sure Brecke has made a verbal commitment yet, but it was reported that NDSU did make him an offer quite a while back. He's definitely a QB. There's also Ben Hempel from WI who broke the state record for career TDs and yardage... according to WisconsinPreps, NDSU might make him an offer if one of their other QB commitments falls through. It seems like there was a bumper crop of QB talent this year.

Anyway, NDSU will probably sign at least one QB every year. It's a tough position because NDSU doesn't put in the backup very often.

[tony]

I was looking into Hempel's background and found out that one of his teammates is Jon Ciche, a 6'7 basketball-playing wide receiver, who apparently has very good speed. That seems like a Big 10-type receiver, but I don't see him listed on the recruiting boards... Ball State might have some interest in him (their message board said he had 4.6 speed - seems a little too good to believe).

[Bisonguy]

Brecke is listed on the showingblitz site as committing to NDSU. I'm pretty sure Rob requires some confirmation before listing anybody.

[BisonMav]

Some names from the Insiders with NDSU listed as a school of interest.

Minnesota
Sam Laudner(Wayzata Sr.)Plymouth, MN 6-5/260/5.00
Dan Elling(Minnetonka Sr.)Minnetonka, MN 6-2/245/4.90
Tyler Henry(Jefferson Sr.)Bloomington, MN 6-4/220

[MN_BISONS]

Sam Laudner as in Tim Laudner's son? Didn't Elling's brother play at Michigan and another brother play in the NFL? I could be way off on that one, but I think I heard or read that somewhere before.

[Bisonguy]

Some names from the Insiders with NDSU listed as a school of interest.

Minnesota
Sam Laudner(Wayzata Sr.)Plymouth, MN *6-5/260/5.00
Dan Elling(Minnetonka Sr.)Minnetonka, MN 6-2/245/4.90 *
Tyler Henry(Jefferson Sr.)Bloomington, MN * 6-4/220



Mike Spillman (Jefferson Sr.)Bloomington, MN QB is rumored to be headed to NDSU from the minnesotapreps board.

[Bisondad]

Sam is Tim's son. Great kid. Met him last summer. I had heard that Iowa had some pretty good interest in him. He looked really good playing for Wayzata. I believe they were state runner ups at class 5A. Big and very athletic. I hope he's coming to NDSU

Bisondad

[JACKGUYII]

Laudner at one time was serious about attending Wyoming.

[roadwarrior]

By this time tommorow, all will be known ;D

[BisonMav]

Henry's status on Insiders now shows committed to NDSU. 6-4, 220, LB, from Bloomington Jefferson.

[BisonMav]

The Pioneer Press has Humber going to USD, while the insiders has him coming to NDSU.

FOOTBALL

Paul Backowski, Foley, OL, Colorado
Matt Bennek, White Bear Lake, OL, St. Cloud State
Matt Christopher, Champlin Park, OL, Bemidji State
Eric Decker, Rocori, WR, Minnesota
Troy Evangelist, TE, Mahtomedi, Columbia
Chauncey Charlson, Woodbury, DE, Winona State
Rafael Eubanks, Cretin-Derham Hall, OL, Iowa
Andy Franta, Mahtomedji, OL, North Dakota
Joey Hiben, Waconia, WR, Purdue
Jared Hines, Ellsworth (Wis.), TE, North Dakota State
Tony Holmes, Woodbury, OL, Northern Illinois
Ramon Humber, Champlin Park, DT, South Dakota
Marcel Jones, Simley, QB, Minnesota
Adam Kuehl, South St. Paul, OL, Northern State
James Laurinaitis, Wayzata, LB, Ohio State
Julian Phipps, Cretin-Derham Hall, DB/RB, Minnesota State (Mankato)
Kommonyan Quaye, Champlin Park, DT, South Dakota
Ryan Ruckdashel, Eastview, OL/DL, Minnesota
Dan Skelly, Champlin Park, QB, South Dakota
Matt Stommes, Eden Valley Watkins, DE, Minnesota
Cole Strilzuk, Unity (Balsam Lake, Wis.), DB, Minnesota-Duluth
Ned Tavale, Cretin-Derham Hall, OL, Minnesota
Jay Thomas, Tartan, RB/LB, Minnesota
Marcus Tibesar, Cretin-Derham Hall, DE/TE, North Dakota
Nate Triplett, Delano, LB, Minnesota
Eric Vanden Huevel, Hudson, OL, Wisconsin
Luke Wagner, Cretin-Derham Hall, LB/WR, Wisconsin-Stout
Philip Wills, Cretin-Derham Hall, DB/WR, Minnesota State (Mankato)

[Flintstone]

They have him listed as a DT also. I thought he was a LB.

[footballfan]

Any reports on your recruiting list ? SDSU list is up at gojacks.com

[mikelsch]

Summary of the Jacks' 19 signed players

10 defensive players and 9 on offense. There are 4 linebackers, 4 offensive linemen, 3 defensive backs, 3 defensive linemen, 2 running backs, and 1 each at quarterback, tight end and wide receiver.

5 from Nebraska, 4 from Arizona, 1 from California, 3 from Iowa, 3 from Minnesota, 1 from Wisconsin, and 2 from South Dakota

Steven Bazata, DL, 6-4, 230,Howells, NE (Howells HS)
Casey Bender, TE, 6-6, 250, Lindsay, NE (Lindsay Holy Family)
Joseph Blackman, DB, 5-11, 175, Pittsburg, CA (Pittsburg HS)
Ryan Crawford, QB, 6-2, 205, Oro Valley, AZ (Ironwood Ridge HS)
Glen Fox, DB, 6-2, 180, Fairfax, IA (Cedar Rapids Prairie HS)
Hank Goff, DL, 6-4, 240, Chanhassen, MN (Minnetonka HS)
Brad Herman, LB, 6-3, 205, Luverne, MN (Luverne HS)
Chris Johnson, LB, 6-2, 210, Council Bluffs, IA (Abraham Lincoln HS)
Isaiah Jackson, LB, 6-2, 200, Chandler, AZ (Chandler HS)
Casey Knips, OL, 6-8, 290, Adrian, MN (Adrian HS)
Nathan Koskovich, OL, 6-4, 280, Kingsley, IA (Kingsley, Pierson HS)
Jacob Ludemann, OL, 6-6, 250, Norfolk, NE (Norfolk Catholic)
Adam Monke, RB, 5-10, 190, Nickerson, NE (Arlington HS)
Jacob Pfeiffer, DL, 6-3, 255, Sheboygan, WI (Sheboygan South HS)
Jordan Paula, RB, 6-3, 210, Brookings, SD (Brookings HS)
Jimmy Rogers, DB, 5-11, 190, Chandler, AZ (Hamilton HS)
Evan Skiles, OL, 6-7, 250, Beatrice, NE (Beatrice HS)
Mike Steffen, WR, 6-5, 195, Mt. Vernon, SD (Mt. Vernon HS)
Kris Stone, LB, 6-1, 215, Gilbert, AZ (Highland HS)

[SDbison]

Does anyone know when to expect NDSU's announcement of the 2005 recruits (noon, 2PM, 4PM)?
Will it first appear on GoBison.com or outside press release?

[mikelsch]

Just spoke with the sports information department, the official signing list will be published on gobison.com shortly after 2 PM.

[Bison_Dan]

The Pioneer Press has Humber going to USD, while the insiders has him coming to NDSU.

FOOTBALL

Paul Backowski, Foley, OL, Colorado
Matt Bennek, White Bear Lake, OL, St. Cloud State
Matt Christopher, Champlin Park, OL, Bemidji State
Eric Decker, Rocori, WR, Minnesota
Troy Evangelist, TE, Mahtomedi, Columbia
Chauncey Charlson, Woodbury, DE, Winona State
Rafael Eubanks, Cretin-Derham Hall, OL, Iowa
Andy Franta, Mahtomedji, OL, North Dakota
Joey Hiben, Waconia, WR, Purdue
Jared Hines, Ellsworth (Wis.), TE, North Dakota State
Tony Holmes, Woodbury, OL, Northern Illinois
Ramon Humber, Champlin Park, DT, South Dakota
Marcel Jones, Simley, QB, Minnesota
Adam Kuehl, South St. Paul, OL, Northern State
James Laurinaitis, Wayzata, LB, Ohio State
Julian Phipps, Cretin-Derham Hall, DB/RB, Minnesota State (Mankato)
Kommonyan Quaye, Champlin Park, DT, South Dakota
Ryan Ruckdashel, Eastview, OL/DL, Minnesota
Dan Skelly, Champlin Park, QB, South Dakota
Matt Stommes, Eden Valley Watkins, DE, Minnesota
Cole Strilzuk, Unity (Balsam Lake, Wis.), DB, Minnesota-Duluth
Ned Tavale, Cretin-Derham Hall, OL, Minnesota
Jay Thomas, Tartan, RB/LB, Minnesota
Marcus Tibesar, Cretin-Derham Hall, DE/TE, North Dakota
Nate Triplett, Delano, LB, Minnesota
Eric Vanden Huevel, Hudson, OL, Wisconsin
Luke Wagner, Cretin-Derham Hall, LB/WR, Wisconsin-Stout
Philip Wills, Cretin-Derham Hall, DB/WR, Minnesota State (Mankato)

Ramon Humber, Champlin Park was not on usd's list. ;D

[BisonMav]

I was happy to see that, just another mixup by the Twin Cities media.

[SDbison]

The suspense is killing me.........almost 3PM and no list yet!

[KTF]

Reminds me of the BSC decision day!!

[Bison_Dan]

Maybe their working on a few recruits yet?

[IowaBison]

I heard that Coach Bohl and company were so satisfied with and tired at the end of the season that they forgot to recruit anybody and that rumors about commitments are all false. ;)

[Bison_Dan]

I heard that Coach Bohl and company were so satisfied with and tired at the end of the season that they forgot to recruit anybody and that rumors about commitments are all false. ;)

I bet that's it! ;D ;D

[MinotBison]

Tick tock tick tock ... ??? ???

[bisonhusker]

23 guys. One Juco. 2 SD, 2 Illinois, 4 Texas (Houston),
2 'sconin, 3 ND.

[bisonhusker]

Sorry....and 9 from Minnesota. MN...Belmont, Brecke, Henry, Humber II, Mailand, Mertens, Quickstad (Juco), Reimers, Schultenover.

[SDbison]

complete list? where are you getting your info from bisonhusker?

[MinotBison]

I just looked on GoBison, and it isn't there yet.

[roadwarrior]

I think someone has some inside information.

[IowaBison]

Sorry....and 9 from Minnesota. *MN...Belmont, Brecke, Henry, Humber II, Mailand, Mertens, Quickstad (Juco), Reimers, Schultenover. *

you sonofa :)

[bisonhusker]

Impressive list. Should be posted soon. I would guess.

[Big_BisonFan]

its up

[somebison]

its up (http://www.gobison.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=2400&ATCLID=107681)

[Bisonguy]

Bohl will be live on the WDAY 6:00 sports tonight with recruit news- http://www.wday.com/

[MinotBison]

Another Kittelson. That's always good.

[KTF]

Any surprises on the list? Anybody care to grade the list?

My thoughts...The guys from Texas probably have a ton of speed maybe all four would end up at CB ???

[verk62]

What happened to the other guy from North Shore High School in Houston?

[Till]

Is it just me or does someone named Thor just belong on football teams in the upper midwest?

[silkamilkamonico]

This is off topic, but can someone please explain to me how the conference relates with the possability of making the playoffs?

Coach Bohl makes this comment:


"Guys see now that if they come in and redshirt, they are going to have an opportunity to play for a championship their last two years. That makes a big difference. That came up on some guys as well."

What if we are still in the Great West at only 5 teams or wherever it's at. I thought for a conference to be eligible for the playoffs there had to be 8 teams or so? If nothing changes we won't be eligible for the playoffs, and I think our recruiting classes would take big hits as guys would transfer........

Is this right or do I have the conference playoff eligibility rule wrong.....?

[BisBison]

Silk I think you may be right as far as autobids go, but there are several at-large playoff positions available as well. Ya just gotta win baby win. Oh and lest we forget congrats to Coach Bohl and his staff on what appears to be a great recruiting class

[silkamilkamonico]

Looks like the bison had a couple real good signees at QB in Mertson and Brekke. If those 2 guys are as good as advertised, we will lose 1 if not both of them to a transfer within the next couple of years, especially if Walker keeps the starting job.

Players like those don't belong on the bench.

[silkamilkamonico]

Silk I think you may be right as far as autobids go, but there are several at-large playoff positions available as well. Ya just gotta win baby win. Oh and lest we forget congrats to Coach Bohl and his staff on what appears to be a great recruiting class


Good, that makes me feel better. As long as we take care of our games, everything else should fall into place.

[scottheck]

This looks like a fabulous class ;D Let's hope they don't transfer or drop out. There seems to be a lot of intelligence here as well: several pharmacy, engineering, and CS majors. Most play multiple sports including a pro baseballer and a tennis player(got to have good footwork.) Champ from TX can run, catch, and pass.

It's obvious these are athletes we would not had much of chance to get in DII.

My concern is the number of high level skill players: the all-conf or all-state QBs. Can we keep them all? It looks like at least Brecke is planned for SS. But, we have a lot of DBs as well. Better problem to have than not enough.

[BisBison]

I was thinking the same thing scott, but I'm sure they all knew who was coming, so they must be comfortable with it, (I hope)

[scottheck]

Not having ever been recruited, I'm sure the coaches address those issues with the recruits. *They all have to be concerned about playing time and competition for positions.

[BisonFan]

MARCUS MAILAND, Offensive Lineman, 6-6, 235, Nisswa, Minn. (Pequot Lakes H.S.)--2004 all-conference offensive lineman for coach Chip Lohmiller at Pequot Lakes High School ... Honorable mention all-league as a sophomore ... Plans to major in engineering ... Son of Joel and Pam Mailand.

235? OL? Are they going to shift him to D-end or make him hit the weights and all you can eat buffet lines?

[Gamehunter]

Yeh, I serioulsy doubt we will need him at OL, we are are so loaded there it isn't even funny. My guess is he is moved.

My guess is that at least Mertens stays, if not both of them. Comments from Nick make it sound like he is very welcome of the high level of competition at QB. He has probalby even seen Walker play. That kind of depth will be welcomed if one gets injured or is having a bad day.

[MN_BISONS]

Does anyone know what happened with Laudner and Elling? Wasn't NDSU expecting 25 to sign and ended up with 23.

[verk62]

235? OL? *Are they going to shift him to D-end or make him hit the weights and all *you can eat buffet lines? *



They are probably recruiting potential because he has a large frame that can easily add weight (muscle) and is probably athletic for his size. Recruiting players like that is not uncommon. He couldn't step in and play right away but most linemen out of high school aren't strong enough to anyway. It may take a year or two but he could end up being a very good lineman, it's really difficult to say.

[BisonMav]

Defensive Backs look great with Quickstad, Mitchell, Belmont and depending on which side of the ball Schultenover plays.

[tony]

The break-down by projected position (some have two positions listed):

QB 2
RB 0
FB 1 or 0
OL 6
TE 2
WR 3 or 2

SS 1
FS 1 or 2
CB 2
LB 3 or4
DT 1
DE 1

Dunno what happened to the other Houston player but I was a bit skeptical of that Texas recruiting site because it got the name wrong of one of NDSU's commitments. All I know is that the Forum reported that NDSU was going to sign four players from Houston and that's how many they signed.

About those players that Insiders said NDSU had interest in: I checked and it doesn't appear that any of them have signed anywhere else... that could mean that they are walking on somewhere.

Very nice mix of positions... good to see NDSU signed some HS players for the defensive backfield and line.

[IowaBison]

My only comment about recruiting...

Moore is a stud.

[NDSU_grad]

They are probably recruiting potential because he has a large frame that can easily add weight (muscle) and is probably athletic for his size. *Recruiting players like that is not uncommon. *He couldn't step in and play right away but most linemen out of high school aren't strong enough to anyway. *It may take a year or two but he could end up being a very good lineman, it's really difficult to say.
Definitely. If I remember right Zilka came in at about 235-240 and I think Justin Monson came in at about 210. It's been rumored Phil Hansen couldn't bench his weight (about 190) when he came in as a freshman.

[BISON_PRIDE]

My guess is that he's a good long snapper.

[Bisonguy]

This answers my biggest question about the Houston recruits:http://www.in-forum.com/articles/index.cfm?id=82290&section=Sports


How about the cold?

"The weekend they came up it was 26 below and they still signed with us," Bohl said. "You can't say they can't handle the cold."

[Gamehunter]

Definitely. If I remember right Zilka came in at about 235-240 and I think Justin Monson came in at about 210. It's been rumored Phil Hansen couldn't bench his weight (about 190) when he came in as a freshman.


:o :o :o :o :o He couldn't bench his weight?!!!!






wow :-/

[DIBISON]

Last night at halftime of the Bison BB game, TV Hallstrom was on to discuss the Bison recruits. Just caught the end but he said that Mitchell, the cornerback recruit from Houston, could turn out to be a big time player. The DI majors were after him early then he hurt a knee or something and they backed off. I guess the NDSU doctors said he should be o.k. by fall.

[tony]

:o :o :o :o :o *He couldn't bench his weight?!!!!

wow *:-/

Believe me, Phil Hansen was plenty strong when he came to NDSU. I don't think he had ever been in a weight room before coming to NDSU.

[Bisondad]

Bench press is highly overated. Lawrence Taylor did 225lbs for 1 rep at the NFL combine. But, he vertical jumped 42", supposedly. Anyway, VJ is a test of explosive leg power. The harder you can explode, the higher the body mass will go up. Plain and simple. NFL coaches had no problem with LT's inability to bench press. The bench press has about zero to do with athletic power or athletic strength. If so, pro bodybuilders and wrestlers would all be in the NFL. Remember what Herb Brooks said, "The legs feed the wolf"

Bisondad

[Bison_Dan]

Bench press is highly overated. *Lawrence Taylor did 225lbs for 1 rep at the NFL combine. *But, he vertical jumped 42", supposedly. *Anyway, VJ is a test of explosive leg power. *The harder you can explode, the higher the body mass will go up. *Plain and simple. *NFL coaches had no problem with LT's inability to bench press. *The bench press has about zero to do with athletic power or athletic strength. *If so, pro bodybuilders and wrestlers would all be in the NFL. *Remember what Herb Brooks said, "The legs feed the wolf"

Bisondad

With Phil's long arms he would never be great in the BP.

[BisonMav]

Last night at halftime of the Bison BB game, TV Hallstrom was on to discuss the Bison recruits. *Just caught the end but he said that Mitchell, the cornerback recruit from Houston, could turn out to be a big time player. *The DI majors were after him early then he hurt a knee or something and they backed off. *I guess the NDSU doctors said he should be o.k. by fall.

Getting a two star player out of Texas is great.

[Flintstone]

Fowler from Chicago is also a 2 star on scout.com

[tony]

Fowler was also ranked as a top 50 prep in Illinois.

[runtheoption]

If Phil wasn't strong when he came to college, he was certainly strong when he was in the NFL. I remember working out with him at RRV Sports Medicine in south Fargo during the summer of '96, and he was doing a seated shoulder press with 110 lb. dumbells in each hand, for at least 6 reps. That's stong!

[insane_ponderer]

that is very strong, but its not anything special. you go up to the wellness center now and there are enough people that can do that, but none of them have the physical or mental tools to be a football player, let alone nfl caliber.

[tony]

I was wondering when we'd hear about JUCO signings.

Picayune Item article of Pearl River CC signings (http://www.picayuneitem.com/articles/2005/02/04/sports/01prcc.txt)

DE Michael Loftin.

[scottheck]

I was wondering when we'd hear about JUCO signings.

Picayune Item article of Pearl River CC signings (http://www.picayuneitem.com/articles/2005/02/04/sports/01prcc.txt)

DE Michael Loftin.

How do you find these articles? This is not main stream press.

[tony]

news.google.com - man, can't imagine how I found out anything before that thing came along.

[NDSU_grad]

Anybody know if Walt Gilbert signed with anybody. I was kind of hoping the Bison could pick him up because I think we'll need some help at CB.

[Bob_Holiday]

According to information supplied by scout.com, North Dakota State may have the top or one of the top I-AA recruiting classes in the nation. *A spot check shows the Bison class to be better than the likes of James Madison, Georgia Southern, Montana, Montana State, and all members of the Great West Conference. *The Bison class included *** Barry Quickstad, **Tony Sparkman, Demeatric Fowler, Courtney Mitchell, and *Ryan Schuttloffel, Mike Fairbairn, Justin Cash, Jamar Champ, Mitch Brecke, Tyler Henry, Ramon Humber II, and Nick Mertens. *That makes a total of 12 rated players for the Bison. *Of the spotchecks I did the next highest school was Georgia Southern with 7 rated players. *The next highest GWC member was NCU with four.
Go Bison
Bob

[greenandgold01]

Bench press is highly overated. Lawrence Taylor did 225lbs for 1 rep at the NFL combine. But, he vertical jumped 42", supposedly. Anyway, VJ is a test of explosive leg power. The harder you can explode, the higher the body mass will go up. Plain and simple. NFL coaches had no problem with LT's inability to bench press. The bench press has about zero to do with athletic power or athletic strength. If so, pro bodybuilders and wrestlers would all be in the NFL. Remember what Herb Brooks said, "The legs feed the wolf"

Bisondad


I would think pressing strength would be important for offensive lineman. Or isn't that really tue either?

[verk62]

Bench Press isn't really a specific movement related to linemen blocking. The body position tends to put you in more of a position in which incline press or even shoulder press to some degree would be beneficial. Hammerstrength makes a machine that is specific to the punch OL use when blocking.

A players explosiveness comes primarily from the legs and hips, that is why power cleans are a very important lift for football players.

[greenandgold01]

Bench Press isn't really a specific movement related to linemen blocking. The body position tends to put you in more of a position in which incline press or even shoulder press to some degree would be beneficial. Hammerstrength makes a machine that is specific to the punch OL use when blocking.

A players explosiveness comes primarily from the legs and hips, that is why power cleans are a very important lift for football players.


I agree with all of that.

I might add, however, that the punching position is inclinded when run blocking.

It looks more like a straight on bench press when pass block, IMO.

I could be wrong, though.

[scottheck]

Note in yesterday's Rochester(MN) Post Bulletin:


Former RCTC defensive back Barry Quickstad, a Waseca native, signed a letter of intent to play football for North Dakota State. Collegefootballnews.com ranked Quickstad the ninth best junior college safety in the nation, and the 109th best JUCO recruit overall. Quickstad was drafted as a shortstop by the Minnesota Twins in the 18th round of the 1999 free agent draft.

[somebison]

According to information supplied by scout.com, North Dakota State may have the top or one of the top I-AA recruiting classes in the nation. *A spot check shows the Bison class to be better than the likes of James Madison, Georgia Southern, Montana, Montana State, and all members of the Great West Conference. *The Bison class included *** Barry Quickstad, **Tony Sparkman, Demeatric Fowler, Courtney Mitchell, and *Ryan Schuttloffel, Mike Fairbairn, Justin Cash, Jamar Champ, Mitch Brecke, Tyler Henry, Ramon Humber II, and Nick Mertens. *That makes a total of 12 rated players for the Bison. *Of the spotchecks I did the next highest school was Georgia Southern with 7 rated players. *The next highest GWC member was NCU with four.
Go Bison
Bob

Quickstad looks to be particularly impressive

Ht: 6-1 Wt: 202 40: 4.37
- according to scout.com

great size and speed for a safety- maybe he will start right away?

[greenandgold01]

Quickstad looks to be particularly impressive

Ht: 6-1 Wt: 202 40: 4.37
- according to scout.com

great size and speed for a safety- maybe he will start right away?



May the best man start, but I hope Kittleson and Bizal get a shot too.

[Bisonguy]

Quickstad looks to be particularly impressive

Ht: 6-1 Wt: 202 40: 4.37
- according to scout.com

great size and speed for a safety- maybe he will start right away?


If that 40 time is accurate and he has good hips, I'd put him at corner. Although, that would be some good closing speed for a FS.

[carringtonman77]

Has anyone heard anything on the North Dakota AAA player of the year Jon Samuelson? I saw him play and figured he could go 1AA mabey even 1A, but I have not heard anything on where he is giong. And also if any of the other Bismarck High guys such as Engelheart or Schmitke are going.

[GoAgs]

A spot check shows the Bison class to be better than the likes of James Madison, Georgia Southern, Montana, Montana State, and all members of the Great West Conference. *The Bison class included *** Barry Quickstad, **Tony Sparkman, Demeatric Fowler, Courtney Mitchell, and *Ryan Schuttloffel, Mike Fairbairn, Justin Cash, Jamar Champ, Mitch Brecke, Tyler Henry, Ramon Humber II, and Nick Mertens. *That makes a total of 12 rated players for the Bison. *Of the spotchecks I did the next highest school was Georgia Southern with 7 rated players. *The next highest GWC member was NCU with four.


I wouldn't rate a recruiting class off of the scout rankings. Many guys that are not in the system receive offers over 1 and 2 star guys. It's not very precise outside of the top guys.

Per Insiders, Davis landed the #37 TE in the nation, a *three star recruit out of Downey High School. He had offers from several WAC schools and Cal wanted him to wait. Davis also signed a two star lineman, a two star receiver, and a one star running back. Only the first 12 signings have been released.

The best player of the whole class IMO is a receiver that isn't even listed. He was on the SF Chronicle's first team all Bay-Area (ahead of guys that went Pac-10). Had a last minute offer from Kansas.

[Bob_Holiday]

No one knows better than I that this is an inexact science. In your quote you forgot the part where it says "according to information supplied by scout.com".
Go Bison
Bob Holiday

[tony]

Has anyone heard anything on the North Dakota AAA player of the year Jon Samuelson? *I saw him play and figured he could go 1AA mabey even 1A, but I have not heard anything on where he is giong. *And also if any of the other Bismarck High guys such as Engelheart or Schmitke are going.

I'm not sure anybody can comment much on this because of NCAA rules. I didn't see there names on the releases for any NCAA teams though. Obviously some good players there.

[verk62]

I agree with all of that.

I might add, however, that the punching position is inclinded when run blocking.

It looks more like a straight on bench press when pass block, IMO.

I could be wrong, though.

To some extent that is true because the angle does change some when pass blocking. In pass blocking the OL has to get their head back (as well as shoulders) and butt down which brings the body upright, but not completely straight. It is closer to a bench press movement.

IMO the bench press is a good lift to suppliment the workout, but not as essential as many other lifts.

[Bison_Kent]

One more recruit was signed today. OL Sam Laudner from Wayzata High School was signed today. Sam is the son of former Twin catcher Tim Laudner.


http://www.gobison.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=2400&ATCLID=108502

[greenandgold01]

So that brings the number of OL recruits signed to 7. Add in the UIL transfer and that's 8 new OL.

[Bison_Dan]

Rivals gave 2 stars to Sam Lanudner! * ;D ;D

Nice pick up.

[bisondad]

I really like this one. I've got a feeling Sam is going to be pretty good. When I talked with him earlier this year, I did think he would sign with Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin. He definately looks like a D-I lineman. Very athletic, yet big frame. Nice job NDSU!!

Bisondad

[Bob_Holiday]

Someone had asked earlier what happened to Joshua Jolivette who had verbally committed to NDSU. His name is on the Grambling signed list.
Go Bison,
Bob

[Bisonguy]

via the WDAY 6:00 sports, Laudner turned down a full-ride offer at Wyoming to play at NDSU.

[greenandgold01]

via the WDAY 6:00 sports, Laudner turned down a full-ride offer at Wyoming to play at NDSU.

I don't think that's the 1st time in recent recruiting history that a kid from MN has turned down UWY to play at NDSU.

[Gamehunter]

I have a feeling these O-guys are going to be causing many a defensive coach to pull his hair out to no avail in a few years.

[tony]

NDSU signed two offensive linemen last year and eight this year? I suppose Sparkman should count for last year, making it 3 guys for 2004 and 7 for 2005. Was there any comment from the coaching staff about why they signed so many offensive linemen? I mean, were they trying to fill an immediate need or was it just that there were so many great OL prospects out there (or both)?

I can hardly wait for the spring game this year to see what the team and Coach Bohl's first recruiting class looks like (of course, we've already seen a bit of Tyler Roehl and a whole lot of Shamen Washington). Anyway, I have high hopes for the 2004 class - we already know that the staff has done a great job of evaluating JUCO talent.

BTW, I hope Shamen Washington is back in full health (and hopefully running some track) by then.

BTW, they have Tyler Henry's (lb from Minnetonka) highlight tapes up on minnesotapreps.com. It's a pay site so you might not be able to view it, but those are what highlight tapes should look like. Man, the guy looks like a player - I kinda doubt he's 6'4, but he hits hard, plays flat out, and isn't afraid to dive right into the pile. It'll be interesting to see how he develops in his redshirt year... he played MLB in HS but I wonder if he might end up at a DE position. Pointless speculation on my part. Anyway, it would be nice if NDSU could develop three or four defensive lineman from this class since they did sign the linemen from Illinois.

Oh yeah, I wonder when (or if) NDSU will announce the JUCO and transfer signings?

[greenandgold01]

I'm pretty sure that NDSU had 3 OL in 04. 1 was from ND, 1 from NE, and 1 from CA.

[tony]

Oh yeah, I always forget about Blake Anderson because he signed late... I've got to fix that.

[NDSUfb]

About washington and roehl, how do you think they did last year, and do you think that they both will have big time years next year and ready to be full time starters if called upon?

What other 04 freshman will have to step up to have the bison successful in 05?

[tony]

I thought Shamen had a fantastic first year so I can't really expect anything more from him. Roehl didn't see the field as much but was impressive when he was in. I'd be kind of surprised if he didn't get to start next year.

Other than that, I hope none of the 2004 freshmen have to step up for the team to be successful, but it would sure be a nice bonus if they did.

NDSU sure needs somebody to replace Kittelson and Erenberg at linebacker - and there are huge holes to fill on the offensive line. If I had to guess (and I have no inside information), I'd say linebacker is a position where the 2004 redshirts have the best chance to get playing time.

I think this second year is going to be very tough so pretty much the whole team will have to step up.

[greenandgold01]

You might see some 04 WR's getting some PT.

[Big_BisonFan]

I think at the lb position you will see alot more of Joe Mays, and I know the people I watch the games with enjoy watching him make big hits. I feel he matured through the season last year and will continue this spring. But man I would be afraid of that guy if I was on the other team.

I believe Roehl will also get more carries this year. He is strong, quick for his size, and knows what to do when he gets the ball.

As far as recruits I am looking forward to seeing Quickstad's athletic ability. And on that note, can a JUCO transfer join the team at this point of the year and be in spring practice and the spring game?

[greenandgold01]

I think at the lb position you will see alot more of Joe Mays, and I know the people I watch the games with enjoy watching him make big hits. I feel he matured through the season last year and will continue this spring. But man I would be afraid of that guy if I was on the other team.

I believe Roehl will also get more carries this year. He is strong, quick for his size, and knows what to do when he gets the ball.

As far as recruits I am looking forward to seeing Quickstad's athletic ability. And on that note, can a JUCO transfer join the team at this point of the year and be in spring practice and the spring game?

I think so. I'm pretty sure Rodney Thompson transfered in from NDSCS last winter.

[Bison_Dan]

I think that the OL will jell early and we'll have a big offensive year. On the D side of the ball we need to fill a couple of D linemen. I think that's were a good defense starts. I'm not one bit concerned about the LB group. We'll need a FS and a CB. It will be interesting to see who steps up. I actually look for a better year. ;D ;D

[Bisonguy]

tony- OL, DL, and DB's were supposedly the biggest areas of concern for recruiting at the start of the recruiting season.

Looks like depth shouldn't be a problem.

[thundar94]

As far as recruits I am looking forward to seeing Quickstad's athletic ability. And on that note, can a JUCO transfer join the team at this point of the year and be in spring practice and the spring game?


14.5.4.1 Qualifier. A transfer student from a two-year college who was a qualifier (per Bylaw
14.3.1.1) is eligible for competition in Division I institutions the first academic year in residence
only if the student has spent at least one full-time semester or one full-time quarter in
residence at the two-year college (excluding summer sessions), presented a minimum gradepoint
average of 2.000 (see Bylaw 14.5.4.6.3.2) and satisfactorily completed an average of at
least 12-semester or -quarter hours of transferable-degree credit acceptable toward any baccalaureate
degree program at the certifying institution for each full-time academic term of
attendance at the two-year college. (Revised: 4/24/03 effective 8/1/03; for those students first
entering an NCAA institution on a full-time basis on or after 8/1/03)

If I read this right, as long as they are enrolled at SU in the spring, they can play spring ball, as long as they meet the eligibility requirements. But I would assume that most JUCO players keep themselves eligible so they can transfer to a DI of DII school.

[NDSU_grad]

I think that the OL will jell early and we'll have a big offensive year. *On the D side of the ball we need to fill a couple of D linemen. *I think that's were a good defense starts. *I'm not one bit concerned about the LB group. *We'll need a FS and a CB. *It will be interesting to see who steps up. *I actually look for a better year. * ;D ;D
LB's are the group I'm concerned with the most. Do you know something I don't?

[BisonCountry]

LB's are the group I'm concerned with the most. *Do you know something I don't?

I feel that the LB's will be fine with Joe Mays, Kole Zimerman, and last year's recuits Mike Maresh & Nick Compton.

[Thunder_Struck]

What would the depth chart look like today for next seasons team?

[Bison_Dan]

LB's are the group I'm concerned with the most. *Do you know something I don't?

As far as I'm concerned to have success at LB you have to have a good DL. If the DL can keep the OL off the LB's then it frees them up to make good things happen.

[Bisonguy]

From WDAY 10:00 sports:

The Minnesota high school football coaches awarded the first ever Minnesota Mr. Football Award. The inaugural winner of the award? None other than Bison recruit, Nick Mertens.

8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8)

[tony]

Senior High's Mertens is Minnesota's Mr. Football By KEVIN FEE (http://www.grandforks.com/mld/grandforks/sports/10894149.htm)

[Bison_Dan]

I'll bet it was tough for fee to put that last sentence in there. ;D

[greenandgold01]

I'll bet it was tough for fee to put that last sentence in there. ;D

I wonder if UND would've got him if they were DI?

[Gamehunter]

maybe, but why even bring up that point to ponder? I think we've talked about the what if's enough, lets move one....

The biggest thing we should be focused on right now is that this kid is probably going to be an awesome player at the D1 level, and a huge asset to the team. He may very well lead the Bison to their first 1-AA playoff birth. And maybe if your the type that is optimistic enough, the Bison's first 1-AA championship.

[greenandgold01]

I'd think it'd be very temping to go to the local school with a ball team that won 2 national championships in 3 years.

Our being DI had to be the tipping point for him.

[Bisonguy]

I'd think it'd be very temping to go to the local school with a ball team that won 2 national championships in 3 years.

Our being DI had to be the tipping point for him.

What local school is that? St. John's?

I can't think of any other regional football teams that have won two national championships. ???

[Gamehunter]

Well, from the way Nick Mertens responded to the press, it didn't sound like it was to difficult of a decision. UND wasn't even on his short list. I think it was either Gophers or Bison, and the Gopher's have something like 6 QB already, none of them seniors.

[Gamehunter]

I'd think it'd be very temping to go to the local school with a ball team that won 2 national championships in 3 years.

Our being DI had to be the tipping point for him.


Good point Bisonguy, who ARE you talking about?

[greenandgold01]

Wow, this board is really hostile toward UND.

It's not like I'm a UND fan, guys. Just pointing things out. Geez.

[greenandgold01]

Well, from the way Nick Mertens responded to the press, it didn't sound like it was to difficult of a decision. UND wasn't even on his short list. I think it was either Gophers or Bison, and the Gopher's have something like 6 QB already, none of them seniors.




Right, so obviously he was looking to go DI. Which brings me back to the original point of what if UND was DI.

[Bisonguy]

Wow, this board is really hostile toward UND.

It's not like I'm a UND fan, guys. Just pointing things out. Geez.

Not hostile, just factually correct. UND has one national championship in DII football, not two.

[greenandgold01]

Not hostile, just factually correct. UND has one national championship in DII football, not two.


::) You know what I meant.

[Bisonguy]

::) You know what I meant.

No, I didn't. That's why I asked if you were talking about St. John's. They have two national championships in football.

[greenandgold01]

No, I didn't. That's why I asked if you were talking about St. John's. They have two national championships in football.


2 national title game appearances. I'm sure you already knew that and were quite capable of filling in the blanks but were just being extraordinarily stubborn toward anything related to UND just for the sake of spite. Please grow up.

[Bisonguy]

2 national title game appearances. I'm sure you already knew that and were quite capable of filling in the blanks but were just being extraordinarily stubborn toward anything related to UND just for the sake of spite. Please grow up.

Cut back on the accusations. ::)

I don't care to make assumptions on what somebody meant to type. I'm sorry, but my PC does not have the monitor that displays what somebody meant to type, but rather, it only displays what somebody actually types. In no way was I being derogatory to UND. You said two national championships, not championship game apperances. Now that you've accurately conveyed what school you were talking about and corrected the semantics, your previous post makes sense. Prior to that, it did not.

[greenandgold01]

Cut back on the accusations. ::)

I don't care to make assumptions on what somebody meant to type. I'm sorry, but my PC does not have the monitor that displays what somebody meant to type, but rather, it only displays what somebody actually types. In no way was I being derogatory to UND. You said two national championships, not championship game apperances. Now that you've accurately conveyed what school you were talking about and corrected the semantics, your previous post makes sense. Prior to that, it did not.


And yet, the only example you came up, St, John's, has not been to 2 national title games in 3 years. I'm quite sure you also know this. So please don't try and convince me of your superior epistemology when it was quite clear that UND was the only possible school that could be local to Nick Mertens and have gone to 2 national title games in 3 years recently.

[Bisonguy]

And yet, the only example you came up, St, John's, has not been to 2 national title games in 3 years. I'm quite sure you also know this. So please don't try and convince me of your superior epistemology when it was quite clear that UND was the only possible school that could be local to Nick Mertens and have gone to 2 national title games in 3 years recently.

Note my use of the '?' after St. John's in my post. That means it was a question. I knew they won one NC recently, but I don't exactly follow DIII football or know all the DIII national champions from the last three years.

If you honestly think that I was taking a shot at UND in that post, quit inferring that. I would have the decency to keep it contained on the Smack Board.

[greenandgold01]

Note my use of the '?' after St. John's in my post. That means it was a question. I knew they won one NC recently, but I don't exactly follow DIII football or know all the DIII national champions from the last three years.

If you honestly think that I was taking a shot at UND in that post, quit inferring that. I would have the decency to keep it contained on the Smack Board.

Let's just drop it.

[tony]

Actually, I don't think NDSU being DI and UND being DII would have made much of a difference - Nick Mertens apparently is enrolling in the Pharmacy program at NDSU (for some reason, I thought he was going the engineering route). Anyway, NDSU has a program and UND does not.

[greenandgold01]

Actually, I don't think NDSU being DI and UND being DII would have made much of a difference - Nick Mertens apparently is enrolling in the Pharmacy program at NDSU (for some reason, I thought he was going the engineering route). Anyway, NDSU has a program and UND does not.


Ah, this I didn't know about. Regardless, I think if a school offers you a scholarship you can find something to study there.

[Bison_Dan]

Ah, this I didn't know about. Regardless, I think if a school offers you a scholarship you can find something to study there.

Even the sue board posters said that Mertens wasn't interested in und. I think he made that clear to the sue coaches early on.

[tony]

Well, that may or may not have anything to do with NDSU being DI. Nick Mertens was considering St. Cloud State, wasn't he?

Anyway, the DI thing cuts both ways... some guys want to go to a school where they think they can jump into the starting lineup right away. Obviously, if you go to a place like NDSU, you are going to have to earn a starting spot by beating out some talented players.

[verk62]

Mertens probably made his choice for more than one reason. *Maybe he just felt at home when visiting NDSU, maybe liked the coaches better, maybe he dislikes UND (it sounds like UND really wasn't considered to heavily), he possibly got a better feeling from the players when he visited NDSU, maybe it's the D1 thing, maybe it's the academic programs, he might have just wanted to get the hell out of the Grand Forks area.

It could be any or all of these things, you never know unless he says why he made his decision.

[greenandgold01]

I still believe that being DI is a huge deal. How the heck else are you going to get a guy from Florida to come to North Dakota?! :o :o :o

[Bisongold]

It's the D-1 designation along with the added scholarships that go along with it. NDSU's reputation in football ( and several other sports) helps, and the Dome especially helps! Bohl's reputation certainly helps too!

[JACKGUYII]

I agree NDSU's reputation, facilities and funding assist in getting recruits. I'm not sure what Bohl has accomplished in his coaching career that merits a reputation good or bad? I realize he coached at Nebraska but so what they were terrible.

[tony]

Oh yeah, the DI move and the extra scholarship money that brings is definitely a huge deal when it comes to attracting recruits and, just as importantly, coaches - no doubt about that. It's not going to be a deciding factor for every kid though.

All I know is that NDSU rarely got football players rated by recruiting services from Minnesota until this year when they got four (and Mertens was obviously overlooked, along with some of the others). They also got considerable interest from at least five others. That's never happened before.

[Big_BisonFan]

JackguyII - FYI 2002 NDSU 2-8(Babich). 2003 NDSU 8-3(Bohl).

The year he came in, he brought back a mindset of winning to the program. The players were pretty much the same, and the recruits were Babich's, but it was him and the staff he put together that got those players to play to their potential.

Along with the winning, I believe that Bohl has the demeanor of a big time college football coach. If you have ever been around him in person you would know. He is football, media and people savy. I will disagree that his coaching career hasn't been much to talk about. The Nebraska situation was not his fault, and besides that he has coached at alot of places and everywhere he has gone he has had success. Bohl does bring in recruits.