UND-FB-FAN

As far as 2014 is concerned, PJ Sparks and Patrick Sharp could put up real respectable numbers. However, moving forward into year 2 and year 3 of the Schweigert era, there's gonna need to be another RB or two. That's why I feel it's important we get one or two 190 lbs+ RBs in this years class. Plus the running game will be the emphasis moving forward, so we should have talented backs in place.

http://www.hudl.com/...lights/63313387 supposedly he runs a 4.41 40....that's fast if true. Really hope this recruiting class includes two running backs. Of course, right now we have 0 RB recruits. Between Cedric Simmons, Josh Parks, and all the others that have been mentioned in the past week or so, I'm hopeful we'll still end up with two.

Wow...I see that. That's a darn good looking running back. I see he has an offer from Youngstown State. Perhaps Bubba and staff are interested in Mr. Walker. http://www.hudl.com/...37/brian-walker http://recruiting.sc...c=1&nid=6518009

Anything UND did last year should not be focused on because, well, that is why Mussman and his staff are gone. The issues from the Mussman era should hopefully be now discontinued under Bubba's leadership. As far as UND's rushing game, that has been an issue the past two seasons. When that is fixed, UND will be a much better team within the Big Sky Conference. UND didn't emphasize running the ball enough the past couple seasons and they attempted to use an 160 lb. running back when they did. Bubba already is on record saying he wants at least two, if not three, capable running backs that can carry the load. That means 190 to 200 lbs. tough between-the-tackle running backs. Ultimately, whether or not Bubba succeeds in getting UND back to the playoffs will be determined by his recruiting and leadership. We have yet to see his head coaching leadership in action, but I am very impressed thus far with his recruiting ability. We keep recruiting like we have been, and we'll do some good things in the Big Sky Conference.

I was thinking the same thing...

While you bring up valid points that the Big Sky is a top FCS conference in terms of talent and that you need a quarterback to win a lot of games, the rest of this post is pretty silly. First off, Bubba and Schmidt came from the Missouri Valley Football Conference where they saw some pretty tough competition themselves. And it's just silly to say not recruiting the western states will result in a lack of success. Considering the lack of DI schools in North Dakota, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, it would be foolish to ignore the talent and potential in those states. A lot of that talent is actually FBS capable, but it just slips through the cracks. Add in Illinois and Michigan, and that is a very talent-rich area. Also, the kids from those states understand and appreciate the Midwest. Local recruiting is an area where Mussman's staff struggled; they tried to recruit California and Arizona, but in the process they missed out on talented Midwest kids. Why not let the other Big Sky schools duke it out for all the California kids while we prosper in the Midwest? Also, Bubba and Schmidt will run a slightly different defensive scheme. But, more importantly, they will fill that scheme with better players. Heck, we're already seeing that this recruiting season. And don't feast too much on the stereotypes of the Big Sky - if you can run the ball and play solid defense, you can win the Big Sky Conference. In actuality, a solid defense and running game could be the unique Big Sky philosophy we end up developing and utilizing to our advantage. Stay tuned Realguy 21, Coach Schweigert & staff will steadily improve this team.

Welcome Chris! This is a very big addition not only because it fills a position of need for UND, but also because Chris Carter is a superb CB prospect! Coach Schweigert and his staff continue to impress early! Go Sioux!

Players coming in early only if there was early playing time was the Mussman regime way of thinking. Bubba has placed a higher emphasis on summer/off-season conditioning, based on what I've heard. There's a very good chance such a early workout commitment is more so recommended or required by the coaching staff than it is purely a decision by the player.

I can see why this kid has so many offers...he's all over the place! If we could somehow end up with both him and Carter, which might be somewhat unrealistic, our secondary would be darn good in a year or two.

I don't see that as being a major issue of his. Stance techniques will be addressed in fall camp and be an easy fix.

I wouldn't necessarily say he has heavy feet or flexibility issues. He pulled on darn near every play and still always found a way to front the defender. I'd say given his size he moves pretty well. He had PWO interest from Kansas and Missouri, so that's fairly significant. I agree that he does project as a guard though.

Will Lyons had interest from San Jose State and was a good DB in Nevada high school football. His grades cost him an opportunity at an FBS school. Watch for him during spring ball, because he has a chance to improve our secondary this fall. Here are his highlights: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/o/717876/highlights/32495374

Thank you for the insight!

Let's say there are 25 scholarships to be awarded before signing day (Feb. 5th), and we already have 12 verbal commitments; that would put us at 13 available spots and plenty of student-athletes out there vying for those spots. It is important the coaches evaluate this carefully, and that is what they are doing. The team still needs a couple RBs, offensive linemen, a nose tackle, middle linebacker and DBs in this class - so you just don't hand out scholarships like they're candy. I can assure you they aren't turning away players but rather they are simply weighing the options. Be patient; by Feb. 5 nearly everyone will be impressed with this class. This staff that Bubba has compiled has been very impressive thus far.

He can definitely play some football! Probably would play linebacker. Would love to see him in green! http://www.hudl.com/athlete/597372/highlights/103884375?autoplay=1 Go Sioux!

DE Dranka is an athletic defensive play-maker that can get after the QB from the DE spot - something that the defense has been missing in recent years. Bubba prides himself on those "attack" type players! At 235 lbs, I think he can stay at DE if he bulks up to around 250 lbs. Great addition to a steadily improving defense! Go Sioux!

No, but I feel very confident that both have enjoyed themselves during their visit thus far and by Feb. 5, they will hopefully be official commitments.

Although this class is shaping up a bit better than I anticipated, I did believe that Bubba and crew would recruit a pretty respectable class. Some people on this forum thought the class would be an absolute disaster - so much for optimism and confidence....

I believe the two Michigan recruits (WR Walker and CB Carter) are now both verbal commitments. Great additions! Go Sioux!

From what I've heard, I can only imagine its A+++

I agree it will be difficult for UND to convince him to commit to UND over NDSU, but to be able to even convince him to come to GF tells me two things: 1) We will go after anyone who is a good athlete, student, and person, regardless of NDSU's interests. I love that mindset from Bubba & staff. 2) The message that Bubba is sending to the recruits is sincere yet convincing. It provokes both pride and curiosity, which is something UND was missing with the previous regime.

Sounds good for UND. I think UND needs to get at least 2 running backs in this class due to the current depth and the new offensive emphasis of running the ball. Right now we don't have a RB verbal commitment, but there are plenty of good RBs in Minnesota that we are recruiting, so I think it will get done. Of course, this makes offensive line also a priority. Would be nice to get a commitment from Trey Pipkins out of Apple Valley.

I agree - we absolutely were too conservative, in both recruiting and leadership. That's why NDSU won over all local talent (both North Dakota and Minnesota) and UND was getting blown out at home.

RB Anthony Anderson is receiving interest from UND and is a big back (6' 2" 230 lbs). He would be a nice physical back to obtain for our newfound power running game. http://rivals.yahoo.com/basketballrecruiting/football/recruiting/player-Anthony-Anderson-155970 http://www.hudl.com/...3377?autoplay=1 Another player to look out for too is LB Matthew Seitz out of Wisconsin. He has a PWO from PAC-12 Cal so he might be tough to get. http://www.hudl.com/...4/matthew-seitz http://sports.yahoo....tt-Seitz-142690

http://rivals.yahoo.com/footballrecruiting/football/recruiting/player-Logan-Plantz-144481 http://www.hudl.com/athlete/o/378877/logan-plantz Offensive lineman Logan Plantz out of Illinois is receiving interest from UND. Has very impressive highlights - would be a good get!