UND was able to add another in-state standout last week as Kindred product Ethan McKenney pledged his commitment to Bubba Schweigert and the Hawks.  The other North Dakota commit is Sam Hagen of Park River, who was the very first player to join the Class of 2021.

Thunder Lake Lodge

McKenney goes 6’4″-190 and is slated to play defensive line (or possibly outside linebacker), at least initially. He has the athletic ability to play OLB but has the frame to bulk up and possibly be a defensive end down the road. McKenney plays wide receiver & defensive end/outside linebacker for the Vikings and even sprinkles in some running back at times.

McKenney is the 2nd defensive end in this class and 15th overall Commit.

To get an athlete like McKenney as a preferred walk-on is about as close to a steal as it gets.  He could develop into a significant contributor with time in the weight room, etc.  I could easily see him playing OLB at around 215-220 and being able to effectively play the run and also buzz out in coverage.  McKenney shows an impressive twitch off the snap, beating blockers to the inside on multiple occasions.

Besides his prowess on the football field, McKenney is also a baseball standout for the Vikings and wonder if he may play basketball this winter, as well.  He transferred to Kindred from Jamestown after his sophomore season.

I have also been told that McKenney is an excellent student, which is always high on the list for what college coaches are looking for.

 

Cover Photo courtesy of Michael Vosburg / Forum Photo Editor. https://www.inforum.com/sports/football/6657740-Decision-to-play-football-at-UND-was-easy-for-Kindred-standout