Being named captain of a team is something that comes with a great sense of responsibility and pride.
On Monday, Coach Schweigert named the captains for this year’s edition of UND Football. Seniors Mason Bennett, Donnell Rodgers, Nate Ketteringham and Noah Wanzek were the four that received the honor this year.
Bennett has been a four year standout for the Hawks and has evolved into a dominant force at DE for Coach Schmidt. The Winnipeg native has compiled 89 tackles, 25 TFL’s and 14.5 sacks in his career and has future aspirations in the pro’s. His combination of size (6’4″-255) and power/quickness will be appealing to scouts in either the NFL or CFL.
Rodgers was the team’s leading tackler in 2018 with 72 total tackles and 8 TFL’s to go along with 2 sacks. When he went down early in the 2017 season it hurt the defense immensely and showed how valuable he is manning the middle of UND’s 3-4 defense. The former high school running back will once again pair with Noah Larson to give the Hawks a high-end ILB unit.
Starting QB Nate Ketteringham has been with the program for three years now after transferring from Sac State. He has steadily built trust among teammates and evolved into a leader on the offense. Ketteringham has a lightning bolt in his right arm that is displayed whenever called upon to throw deep post routes. We are putting Nate on a big season after getting a full season in as the starter last year – while also now playing in an offense more suited to his talents.
Last but certainly not least, Noah Wanzek has rightfully been named the second offensive captain. Wanzek stepped on the field as a true freshman due to injuries at the position and hasn’t looked back. At 6’4″ he has deceptive speed, outstanding hands and crisp route running skills – all developed through work in the off season. The Jamestown, ND native has compiled 129 catches for 1,700 yards and 14 TD’s entering his senior season.