It might be -22 degrees in Grand Forks today but things are definitely heating up as signing day approaches.

Bubba Schweigert was able to snag a couple of big-time commitments yesterday from teammates Chandon Pierre and Caleb Nelson.  Pierre and Nelson recently helped lead Folsom High School to the California 1-AA state championship over Catholic Cathedral 21-14.

Chandon Pierre is a 6’3″-255 defensive end who could also play nose guard in UND’s 3-4 scheme.  He is an explosive, powerful player who dominated opponents at the line of scrimmage. His motor is going every play and Pierre showed a nice array of moves off the line to create separation or beat his opponent. We don’t see Pierre needing to redshirt, especially with UND graduation Tank Harris, Steve Greer, and Austin Cieslak. Pierre was a first team all-conference selection for the Bulldogs.

Pierre had an unbelievable five sacks, six TFL’s, and 15 tackles in the state championship game vs Cathedral. That is a season for a lot of guys but Pierre stepped up and dominated on the biggest stage – bringing a “championship culture” to Grand Forks. Much like Nelson, Pierre had a lot of suitors but UND has able to land his commitment due to a combination of the football program’s success & the best Aviation program in the country.

When looking at this defensive line class, DC Eric Schmidt has to be beaming. The Hawks already signed five players in the early period and the addition of Pierre makes it even better. This is the best defensive line class UND has ever signed and it might not even be close.


Caleb Nelson is a 6’1″-175 cornerback who could easily play safety at UND, as well.  Nelson notched four interceptions and 14 PBU’s this past year for the Bulldogs and was named first team all-conference for his efforts. Nelson shows excellent technique and footwork in coverage meaning he has been taught well over the years. His father, Leonard III, played in both the CFL and AFL and his brother, Leonard IV, is a senior safety for UND.

The chance to play with his brother was obviously a big selling point for Caleb and there is a real chance those two are both on the field together this fall. In our defensive preview we published yesterday, we noted that UND only has two corners back with any experience (Holm-Blubaugh). The addition of Nelson will up the talent level of the position and create immediate competition for playing time.

Nelson had a bunch of other offers and had many opportunities to play a various schools in the Big Sky or Mountain West. The combination of NelsonSamuel Fort, Haley Bucholz,and Jayson Coley at cornerback is more than likely the best CB class UND has ever signed.

It also should be noted that both Pierre and Nelson did not take any early official visits due to the length of their football season.  The championship game took place on December 14th, which is why they are signing so late in the recruiting season.

Some recruits want to join a championship culture because they haven’t had it in the past.  These two young men are bringing it with them to help the Fighting Hawks get to the top of the FCS mountain.