Beefing up the secondary was a major point of emphasis as UND headed into the late signing period.  The Hawks only signed two DB’s in the early class (CB Sam Robertson and S Peyton Fisher).  With a 26-man class already on the books they needed to hit on corner and safety.  Consider it done.

Coach Bubba Schweigert and staff announced a small two-man late signing class today with the additions of CB Richard Agyekum and S Ethan Ball.  These two additions bring the Class of 2020 to 28 total student-athletes.

The full signing class can be seen here on our 2020 Recruiting Class page.

Richard Agyekum, 5’9″-160, is a really interesting prospect.  The Amsterdam product has played all his football in Europe, most recently for the Cologne Crocodiles in Germany (what a nickname!).  An interesting note: former UND linebacker Dylan Bakker, who also hails from Amsterdam, currently plays for the Crocodiles older team.

The UND staff noticed Agyekum’s excellent footwork and ball skills this past June at the University of Minnesota summer camp.  Agyekum committed to the Gophers shortly after camp but was apparently dropped this past November.  That opened the door for UND to get back in on him.

Although he is a smaller corner, it’s quite obvious that his hips don’t lie (Shakira shoutout).  Agyekum’s fluid transition from backpedal to running is some of the best we’ve ever seen.  Everything he does is smooth.  Very quick in small spaces and goes up and high points passes.  Agyekum obviously will need to put on some size to handle the rigors of an FCS 11-game season but he has a chance to be real good.  Plus, he should be a factor on special teams in the return game.

Ethan Ball was a kid that popped up on our radar just a few weeks ago.  The 6’1″-190 safety/wide receiver from Regina, SK had originally committed to the Calgary Dino’s last month but obviously had a change of heart and wanted to play in the NCAA.

The UND staff saw Ball at camp last summer and stayed in touch with him through the fall/winter months.  He showed well at camp and eventually earned his scholarship offer from the Hawks. Ball played for the Riffel Royals this past season, leading them to a 6-2 record in the RIFL.

It’s quite apparent after watching Ball’s highlights that he has a penchant for making huge plays.  Offensively, he broke several long plays for TD’s and defensively he returned multiple INT’s to the house.  Ball has a fluid style to him – not much wasted motion and covers ground quickly out his safety spot.  We project Ball as a free safety at UND.

The annual Signing Day Party is set for tonight at 5:30pm out at the Alerus Center.  Coach Schweigert will review the entire class for all the fans in attendance, as usual.