UMD BULLDOGS UNIVERSITY OF DULUTH FOOTBALL Communications Office • Bob Nygaard, Director • University of Minnesota Duluth • Duluth, MN 55812-2496 [email protected] • (218) 726-8191 • umdbulldogs.com • @umdbulldogs

February 5, 2020 A POSITION-BY-POSITION NSIC NORTH DIVISION CHAMPION BULLDOGS SIGN 23 TO 2020 FOOTBALL RECRUITING CLASS BREAKDOWN OF THE 2020 A talent-laden group of 24 high school seniors -- including a pair of local prep standouts -- have RECRUITING CLASS signed National Letters of Intent or a Letter of Acceptance to attend and play football for the University of Defensive Backs - 5 Minnesota Duluth in 2020. Linebackers - 4 "This is an exciting day for the UMD football," said eighth-year UMD head coach Curt Wiese. "Our Offensive Linemen - 4 staff feels confident that we addressed both the future and immediate needs for our program. We have Wide Receivers - 4 Defensive Linemen - 2 brought in another group of high-character student-athletes who we're looking forward to working with this Placekickers/Punters - 2 summer." Running Backs -2 The 2020 UMD recruiting class is comprised of 14 incoming freshmen from Minnesota, eight from Quarterbacks - 1 Wisconsin and one each from Illinois and Nevada. Player Pos Hgt Wgt Hometown (High School) Justin Azure OL 6-4 265 Waseca, Minn. (Waseca H.S.) Dylan Bair DB 5-11 185 Prior Lake, Minn. (Prior Lake H.S.) Ethan Beffert LB 6-2 225 Hutchinson, Minn. (Hutchinson H.S.) Kyler Brown QB 6-3 210 South Elgin, Ill. (Saint Charles North H.S.) Landon Carter LB 6-2 210 Lakeville, Minn. (Lakeville North H.S.) Owen Davis WR 6-6 195 Brainerd, Minn. (Brainerd H.S.) Dylan DeChampeau WR 6-5 190 Coleraine, Minn. (Greenway/Nashwauk-Keewatin H.S.) William Faul DL 6-5 235 Lake Geneva, Wis. (Badger H.S.) BULLDOG FOOTBALL Brady Herbst LB 6-3 185 Superior, Wis. (Superior H.S.) COACHING STAFF Marcus Holasek TE 6-3 230 Chaska, Minn. (Chaska H.S.) Luke Houdek OL 6-0 235 Jordan, Minn. (Jordan H.S.) Head Coach: Curt Wiese Jerod Jandt LB 6-1 205 Peshtigo, Wis. (Peshtigo H.S.) Associate Head Coach: John Ethan Jauquet OL 6-3 260 Muskego, Wis. (Muskego H.S.) Steger (Special Teams) Seth Kohel RB 5-11 195 River Falls, Wis. (River Falls H.S.) Assistant Coaches: Trey Dill (Defensive Coordinator) Daniel Mitchell RB 5-11 190 Las Vegas, Nev. (Las Vegas Arbor View H.S.) Chase Vogler (Off. Coordinator) Nick Moen OL 6-5 260 Victoria, Minn. (Chanhassen H.S.) Garth Heikkinen (Offensive Line) BJ Murff WR 5-10 160 Minneapolis, Minn. (Hopkins H.S.) Marcus McLin (Def. Secondary/ Derrek Piepho DB 6-0 195 Alexandria, Minn. (Alexandria H.S.) Recruiting Coordinator) Cassius Rohadfox DL 6-0 285 Sheboygan, Wis. (Sheboygan North H.S.) Jason Balts (Running Backs) Tristan Root PK/DB 5-8 180 Eau Claire, Wis. (Eau Claire Regis H.S) Sam Hartman (Tight Ends) Nick Ruhland DB 6-0 180 Independence, Minn. (Orono H.S.) Corey Flesch (Offensive Line) Seth Schmucki P/PK 6-4 160 Randolph, Wis. (Randolph H.S.) Marcus Davis (Nickel Backs) Spencer Spaude WR 6-5 215 North Mankato, Minn. (Mankato West H.S.) Ben Stienessen DB 6-2 190 Byron, Minn. (Byron H.S.)

The Bulldogs closed out their 87th season of intercollegiate football with an 8-3 overall/Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference record and captured its 12th consecutive NSIC North Division title by going 7-0. (see next page for recruit bios.)

Curt Wiese 2010 & 2008 NCAA II Champions • NSIC North Division Champions 2008-2019 THE 2020 BULLDOG RECRUITING CLASS AT A GLANCE • • • • • • Justin Azure (OL • 6-4 • 265 • Waseca, Minn. • Waseca H.S.) Four-year starter (offensive line and defensive line) at Waseca High School ... played under head coach Brad Wendland ... was chosen the Big South Offensive Lineman of the Year as a senior in addition to collaring All-District and All-Section status ... also was named the Blue Jays' Most Valuable Player award that season ... received an invitation to the 2019 Minnesota Football Showcase ... has started four years in (third baseman and pitcher) with the Blue Jays ... National Honor Society member.

"Justin played for a strong high school program and was enjoying a productive senior season before it ended with a lower body injury. He has the necessary drive and attitude to return to full health and have a successful career as a Bulldog. We're excited for him to be joining us." UMD Offen- sive Line Coach Garth Heikkinen

Dylan Bair (DB • 5-11 • 185 • Prior Lake, Minn. • Prior Lake H.S.) Three-year starter (defensive back, wide receiver, and running back) at Prior Lake High School ... played under head coach Matt Gegenhiemer ... was a two-time All-South Suburban Conference first team selection (2017 and 2019) ... captained the Lakers as both a junior and senior and was chosen their Most Valuable Offensive Player in 2016 and 2019 ... received an invitation to the 2019 Minnesota Football Showcase ... has started three years in (guard and 2019-20 team captain) for the Lakers while also competing in track and field (sprints and long jump) since his sophomore year ... Board Scholar Award winner (2016).

“Dylan has the instincts at safety you love to watch. He's a smart football player that will bring an edge to the defensive back unit. I'm excited to coach Dylan and watch him grow as a human.” UMD Defensive Secondary Coach/Recruiting Coordinator Marcus McLin

Ethan Beffert (LB • 6-2 • 225 • Hutchinson, Minn. • Hutchinson H.S.) Three-year starter (linebacker, defensive end and tight end) at Hutchinson High School ... played under head coach Andy Rostberg ... captained the 2019 Tigers to the Minnesota State Class AAAA semifinals and an 11-1 overall record ... was a three-time All-North Central District White Division selection and its Most Valuable Defensive Lineman as a senior ... registered 10 quarterback sacks -- the ninth highest total among all Minnesota preps -- in 2019 while also catching 14 passes for 355 yards and two touchdowns ... landed a spot on the KDUZ/KARP/KGLB All-Area Team in both 2018 and 2019 and the Minnesota State High School League Academic All-State AAAA Team in 2019 ... concluded his Hutchinson High School football career with 108 total tackles, including 20 sacks and 30 stops for a loss ... has also started two seasons in baseball (cather) for the Tigers ... National Honor Society member.

“Ethan is versatile edge player who is able to play on his feet and down in a three point stance. He is a high-effort player, with skill set that allows him to be used in multiple ways.” UMD Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Line Coach Trey Dill

Kyler Brown (QB • 6-3 • 210 • South Elgin, Ill. • Saint Charles North H.S.) Two-year starter (quarterback) at St. Charles North High School ... played under head coach Robert Pomazak ... secured a spot on the All-Dukane County Conference Team in 2018 ... served as a North Star team captain during his final prep go-around ... quarterbacked the North Stars to a runnerup finish at the 2018 Illinois State Class 7A Championship ... threw for 2,787 yards while completing 185 of 333 passes in his two years of starting duty ... also was a starter (first baseman and third baseman) on a North Star unit that placed second in the Illinois state tournament last spring.

"Having an opportunity to work with Kyler this summer at camp and getting to see the type of person he is, it became apparent he was the right quarterback for UMD. His ability to extend plays in the pocket and create on his own make him a dual threat QB in our system. I am excited to see his impact on our program both on and off of the field." UMD Head Coach Curt Wiese

Landon Carter (LB • 6-2 • 210 • Lakeville, Minn. • Lakeville North H.S.) Three-year starter (defensive end and linebacker) at Lakeville North High School ... played under head coach Brian Vosser ... was a Minnesota Associated Press All-State, Minnepolis Tribune All-Metro and KARE 11 TV All-Metro first team defensive end in 2019 ... concluded his senior year with 18 tackles for a loss, including 10 quarterback sacks ... took part in the 2019 Minnesota Showcase for Team North ... started for the 2018 Minnesota State Class AAAAAA champion Panthers ... also has competed in lacrosse for three years as a prep.

“Landon is natural pass rusher, who plays with a relentless passion to get to the quarterback He’s a high-motor player who has been extremely productive during his prep career.” UMD Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Line Coach Trey Dill

2010 & 2008 NCAA II Champions • NSIC North Division Champions 2008-2019 Owen Davis (WR • 6-6 • 195 • Brainerd, Minn.• Brainerd H.S>) Started four years (wide receiver, free safety, punter and return specialist) played under head coach Ron Stolski ... was twice voted all Central Lakes Conference and All-Area (2018 and 2019) ... captained the Warriors as a senior and wound up being chosen their Most Valuable Player, Offensive Player of the Year and Special Teams Player of the Year ... also was District Special Teams Player of the Year that same season ... paced Brainerd High School in pass receiving yards and touchdown receptions for the the second straight fall in 2019 ... also ranked first among 2019 Warriors in pass breakups ... secured a spot on the 2019 Minnesota State High School League Academic All-State AAAAA Team ... has started four years for the basketball Warriors (center/power forward) ... competed one spring in track and field as well ... National Honor Society member.

"Owen has a great mix of athletic ability and size that is seen both on the football field and basketball court. I am excited to watch him develop into a playmaker on the perimeter for us.” UMD Offensive Coordinator/Wide Receivers Coach Chase Vogler

Dylan DeChampeau (WR • 6-5 • 190 • Coleraine, Minn. • Greenway/Nashwauk-Keewatin H.S.) Two-year starter (wide receiver) for the Greenway/Nashwauk-Keewatin High School program ... played under head coach Bob Schwartz, a former UMD All-NSIC offensive lineman ... attained Associated Press All-State (third team) and Duluth News Tribune All-Area Team recognition following a senior season in which he averaged 31.3 yards per reception (21 catches for 658 yards) and scored nine touchdowns while helping lead the Titans to a 7-3 record ... earned all-conference status on two occasions ... was invited to the 2019 Minnesota All-Star Showcase ... also has been an all- conference performer in basketball (forward) and track and field.

“Dylan brings a raw ability to the wide receiver room that not many people have. I am excited to see how Dylan develops in the weight room and on the field to be an X-factor for our offense in the future.”UMD Offensive Coordinator/Wide Receivers Coach Chase Vogler

William Faul (DL • 6-5 • 235 • Lake Geneva, Wis. • Badger H.S.) Three-year starter (defensive end and offensive lineman) at Badger High School ... played under head coach Matt Henzler ... named tabbed the Southern Lakes Conference Defensive Player of the Year in 2019 and twice attained All-Southern Lakes Conference Conference recognition (first team in 2019 and second team the previous fall) ... served as the Badgers' team co-captain as a senior and topped the squad in quarterback sacks with 10 en route to securing Wisconsin State Football Coaches Association All-State (large schools) honorable mention status ... started two seasons in basketball (center) for the Badgers in addition to lettering once in both baseball (pitcher and designated hitter) and track and field (thrower).

“Will is a versatile defensive lineman who has shown the ability to play on the outside and inside. He has unique blend of size and strength that we are looking forward to adding to our defense.” UMD Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Line Coach Trey Dill

Brady Herbst (LB • 6-3 • 185 • Superior, Wis. • Superior H.S.) Two-year starter (linebacker, wide receiver and long snapper) at Superior High School ... played under head coach Bob DeMeyer ... was a double- threat with the Spartans and snared All-Big Rivers Conference honors (second team) at both the wide out and defensive line positions as a senior ... helped lead the 2019 Spartans to three playoff wins, a berth in the WIAA State Division II semifinals, and a 10-3 overall record ... racked up over 500 pass receiving yards during his final prep go-around ... topped the Superior High School defensive charts with 58 total tackles as a junior.

"Brady the unique type of athlete who has shown the ability to play both in space and on the line of scrimmage. He fits in perfectly to our lineback- ing scheme." UMD Associate Head Coach/Special Teams Coordinator/Inside Linebackers Coach John Steger

Marcus Holasek (TE • 6-3 • 230 • Chaska, Minn. • Chaska H.S.) Three-year starter (linebacker and fullback) at Chaska High School ... played under head coach Bryan Dahl ... was a 2019 Minnesota Associated Press All-State (second team), Minnesota Vikings All-State, Minneapolis Star-Tribune All-Metro (second team) and KARE 11-TV All-Metro linebacker in 2019 in addition to reigning as the Suburban White Conference's Most Valuable Player ... finished first in tackles for a Hawk team that captured the 2019 Minnesota State High School Class AAAAA title ... earned All-Suburban White Conference recognition as both a junior and senior.

“Marcus is an athletic playmaker who has a great mix of speed and power for our J-Back position. He has a great opportunity to learn from our up- perclassmen and become a staple in our offense in the near future.” UMD Offensive Coordinator/Wide Receivers Coach Chase Vogler

Luke Houdek (OL • 6-0 • 235 • Jordan, Minn. • Jordan H.S.) Three-year starter (offensive and defensive line) at Jordan High School ... played under head coach Ozzie Sand ... was a 2019 All-District honoree ... captained the Hubmen as a senior while being chosen the recipient of the team's Hammer of the Year Award (most pancakes).

"We first noticed Luke at our Big Dog Camp over the summer. He's going to give you 100 percent on every rep. His effort and ability to finish are skills you can't always teach and they will help him succeed at the next level. He understands what it takes to outwork the opponent and get the job done" UMD Offensive Line Coach Garth Heikkinen

2010 & 2008 NCAA II Champions • NSIC North Division Champions 2008-2019 Jerod Jandt (LB • 6-1 • 205 • Peshtigo, Wis. • Peshtigo H.S.) Four-year starter at Peshtigo High School ... played under head coach Jeff Bayl ... topped the Packerland Conference in totals offense and touch- downs in 2019 en route to attaining All-Conference honors for a third time in four seasons ... closed the books on his prep football career as the Bulldogs' all-time leader in touchdowns (49) and total offense while accumulating 5,168 all-purpose yards ... holds the Peshtigo High School single-game record for rushing yards (323) and touchdowns (six) ... captained the Bulldogs as both a junior and senior ... ranked first on the 2016 Packerland Conference rushing charts ... also has competed for three seasons in track and field for the Bulldogs ... is a six-time conference cham- pion and owns the second fastest 100-meter and 200-meter in school history ... Peshtigo High School's class president for 2019-20.

"Jarod is a tremendous athlete combining exceptional speed and outstanding strength -- both characteristics are what we look for in a Bulldog linebacker." UMD Associate Head Coach/Special Teams Coordinator/Inside Linebackers Coach John Steger

Ethan Jauquet (OL • 6-3 • 260 • Muskego, Wis. • Muskego H.S.) Three-year starter (left offensive tackle) at Muskego High School ... played under head coach Ken Krause ... captained the Warriors to their second WIAA Division I state title in as many years this past November ... was named to the All-Classic 8 Conference Team on two occasions (2018 and 2019) and nailed down Wisconsin Football Coaches Association All-State (big schools) honorable mention recognition and All-Region honors as a senior ... has also lettered twice in track and field (shot put and discus) for the Warriors.

"Ethan comes to us from a team that was back-to-back state champions. He knows what it takes to win and what it takes to play offensive line. He projects as a tackle for us but has the ability to play multiple positions up front. Ethan exemplifies what it means to be a student-athlete and we are excited for him to be a part of our program." UMD Offensive Line Coach Garth Heikkinen

Seth Kohel (RB • 5-11 • 195 • River Falls, Wis. • River Falls H.S.) - Three -year starter (running back) at River Falls High School ... played under head coach David Crail ... was hampered by a lower-body injury as a senior, which limited his playing time to just four games ... still managed to garner All-Big Rivers honorable mention honors that season ... reigned as the Big Rivers rushing leader in 2018 on his way to being selected Wisconsin State High School Coaches Association All-State (honorable men- tion), All-Region and All-Big Rivers ... ran for 1,569 yards and 20 touchdowns and averaged 142.6 yards per game as junior ... served as a team captain during each of his final two seasons with the Wildcats ... is also a three three-time track and field letterman (sprints) and competed one season in while attending River Falls High School.

"Seth is an elusive running back with great vision and balance. He also has the ability to make plays as a receiver out of the backfield. These skills will make him an excellent addition to our team and our running back corps. I'm looking forward to getting to know Seth more and watching him develop as a Bulldog." UMD Running Backs Coach Jason Balts

Daniel Mitchell (RB• 5-11 • 190 • Las Vegas, Nev. • Las Vegas Arbor View H.S.) Two-year starter (running back) at Las Vegas Arbor View High School ... played under head coach Matt Gerber ... secured All-Mountain Region (4A Northwest) second team honors as a senior after rushing for 1,201 yards and 10 touchdowns on 173 carries (a 6.9 per rush average) and catch- ing 10 passes for another 261 yards ... was voted the Aggies' Most Valuable Player in 2019 as well ... also competed one year in track and field (sprinter) as a prep.

"Daniel is a dynamic running back who can quickly turn a small rush into a big gain. He is a great receiver as well with the ability to stretch the field. I’m excited to see him develop as a Bulldog." UMD Running Backs Coach Jason Balts

Nick Moen (OL • 6-5 • 260 • Victoria, Minn. • Chanhassen H.S.) Two-year starter (offensive tackle) at Chanhassen High School ... played under head coach Cullen Nelson ... captured All-Metro West Conference honors in 2019 while handling a team captaincy role ... was named the team's Most Valuable Lineman that year as well ... helped lead the Storm to the semifinal round of the 2019 Minnesota State Class AAAAA playoffs.

"Nick comes to us from a strong Chanhassen program He has the frame and ability to develop into an All-NSIC type of tackle. I believe Nick's only scratched the surface as a football player and we're excited for his future in Duluth." UMD Offensive Line Coach Garth Heikkinen

BJ Murff (WR • 5-10 • 160 • Minneapolis, Minn. • Hopkins H.S.) Three-year starter (wide receiver and defensive back) at Hopkins High School ... played under head coach John Denhartog ... corralled All-Suburban Blue Conference acclaim as a senior team captain .. paced the 2019 Royals in scoring and pass receiving yards ... was also a one-year starter in basketball (shooting guard) with the Royals.

"I am excited to have BJ as a Bulldog. He does a phenomenal job of setting defensive backs up and getting open with his talent and understanding of the wide out position. He has a bright future as a slot wide receiver for us.” UMD Offensive Coordinator/Wide Receivers Coach Chase Vogler

2010 & 2008 NCAA II Champions • NSIC North Division Champions 2008-2019 Derrek Piepho (DB • 6-0 • 195 • Alexandria, Minn. • Alexandria H.S.) Three-year starter (defensive back) at Alexandria Area High School ... played under head coach Mike Empting ... was a two-time All-North Central Red Sub-District honoree as a senior team captain for the Cardinals ... was chosen the North squad's Most Valuable Defensive Player at the 2019 Minnesota Football Showcase at U.S. Bank Stadium ... also is a four-time All-Central Lake Conference performer in track and field (sprints, long jump, relays) ... National Honor Society member

“Derrek is a physical defensive back who will bring it every down. His style of play matches what we want to do in the back end. His ability to tackle and play man is what I'm looking forward to watching him do for us.” UMD Defensive Secondary Coach/Recruiting Coordinator Marcus McLin

Cassius Rohadfox (DL • 6-0 • 285 • Sheboygan, Wis. • Sheboygan H.S.) Four-year starter (offensive and defensive line) at Sheboygan North High School ... played under head coach Joseph O'Brien ... was a two-time All-Fox River Classic Conference honoree ... captained the Golden Raiders as a senior and was voted their Most Valuable Player in both 2018 and 2019 ... also has lettered four times in wrestling (heavyweight) and three times in track and field, placing eight in the shot put at the state meet his junior year.

“Cassius is a big, explosive, multi-sport athlete. He has excelled on the field, on the mat, and on the track. I’m excited to add him to our room.” UMD Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Line Coach Trey Dill

Tristan Root (PK/DB • 5-8 • 180 • Eau Claire, Wis. • Eau Claire Regis H.S.) Three-year starter (defensive back, running back and placekicker) at Eau Claire Regis High School ... played under head coach Bryant Brnner ... capped off his prep football career in 2019 by being selected the Cloverbelt Conference Offensive Player of the Year ... also attained Wisconsin Football Coaches Association All-State honorable mention honors (running back) that season in addition to being chosen the Eau Claire Leader Telegram's Northwest Region Player of the Year ... captained the Ramblers to the 2019 WIAA State Division 6 title game ... rushed 126 times for 1,066 yards and 20 touchdowns as a senior ... has also started three years on the Rambler baseball diamond (All-Cloverland Conference catcher).

"Tristan is as versatile player as there is in this recruiting class. We look for him to contribute in our secondary as well as compete as a punter and placekicker. As a specialist he has shown technical skill punting and placekicking." UMD Associate Head Coach/Special Teams Coordinator/Inside Linebackers Coach John Steger

Nick Ruhland (DB • 6-0 • 180 • Independence, Minn. • Orono H.S.) Three-year starter (cornerback, running back, outside linebacker, placekicker and punt returner) at Orono High School ... played under head coach Joe McPherson ... collared All-Suburban District honors in 2018 and 2019 ... was voted the Spartans' Most Valuable Offensive Player as a senior -- one year after receiving the Special Teams Player award ... Made the Minneapolis Star-Tribune's 2019 Metro Preseason Dream Team ... went on to rank first among Spartans that year in rushing and scoring ... is also four-year track and field lettermen (sprints and jumps) at Orono High School ... was a State DECA qualifier in 2019.

“Nick has a motor on the football field that you want from your defensive personnel. He's versatile in what he can do and brings the right attitude to our program. We look forward to working with him.” UMD Defensive Secondary Coach/Recruiting Coordinator Marcus McLin

Seth Schmucki (P/PK • 6-4 • 160 • Beaver Dam, Wis. • Randolph H.S.) Four-year starter (placekicker and punter) at Randolph High School ... played under head coaches Randy Herpel and Thomas Chase ... was an All-Trailways Conference second team placekicker and punter as both a sophomore and senior ... also attained all-area status in 2019 ... has com- peted in track and field (high jump) for the Rockets and is a multi-year baseball letterman as well (outfielder).

"Seth is a very talented dual punter/kicker who because of his length has tremendous upside." UMD Associate Head Coach/Special Teams Coordi- nator/Inside Linebackers Coach John Steger.

Spencer Spaude (WR • 6-5 • 215 • North Mankato, Minn. • Mankato West H.S.) Three-year starter (wide receiver) at Mankato West High School ... played under head coach JJ Helget ... was twice selected to the Big SE All-District team (2018 and 2019) ... captained the Scarlets to their 14th consecutive Section championship game as a senior ... joined nine of his team- mates on the 2019 Mankato Elks 225-KTOE All-City Team ... participated in the 2019 Minnesota Football Showcase ... has started two seasons in basketball at Mankato West High School.

"Spencer is a tall and strong outside wide receiver who we are fired up to welcome to our football program. Spencer has a great mix of straight line speed and ability to attack the football in the air that make him a big-time threat catching the football.” UMD Offensive Coordinator/Wide Receiv- ers Coach Chase Vogler

2010 & 2008 NCAA II Champions • NSIC North Division Champions 2008-2019 Ben Stienessen (DB • 6-2 • 190 • Byron, Minn. • Byron H.S.) Three-year starter (running back, safety, and cornerback) at Byron High School ... played under head coach Ben Halder ... landed all-section and all-conference recognition as a senior ... also has started four years with the Bears baseball varsity and is a two-time Hiawatha Valley League hon- orable mention shortstop/outfielder ... National Honor Society member.

“Ben is an athletic football player who can play multiple positions. I’m excited to have him join us in the back end to expand our talents. Ben brings the ball skills and playmaking ability to the group. I'm looking forward to watching him compete.” UMD Defensive Secondary Coach/Recruiting Coordinator Marcus McLin

2010 & 2008 NCAA II Champions • NSIC North Division Champions 2008-2019