The season may have just ended but all that means is recruiting is just picking up.
With the early signing day a mere 15 days away, the UND staff is working to put the finishing touches on their 2020 class.
Last week UND received a commitment from WR Marcus Preston of Free State High School in Lawrence, KS just as they were leaving for Thibodaux, LA. Preston, 6’2″-180, is a big, physical type of receiver who will fill in nicely for the departed Travis Toivonen & Noah Wanzek.
Preston shows solid overall speed with nice route running skills. He gets inside the corners and uses his frame to shield them while making the catch. Preston attended UND’s Elite Camp last summer. Preston led the Firebirds to an 8-2 record and the second round of the Kansas 6A playoffs. In 2019, he had 35 catches for 685 yards and 3 TD’s.
He is the third WR in the Class of 2020, joining Bo Belquist and Jack Wright.
Yesterday, the Hawks received a commitment from tight end/athlete Max Gunderson of Detroit Lakes, MN. Gunderson, 6’5″-200, played quarterback for the Lakers, leading them to a 10-2 record this past season. He is also a basketball standout for the Lakers.
Gunderson threw for 957 yards & 18 TD’s and rushed for 446 yards and 7 TD’s.
There is a chance Gunderson could play quarterback at UND as he has a very strong arm. With his frame and speed he could easily be a tight end in UND’s spread offense, as well. He is the second tight end in this class, joining Elijah Klein.
Gunderson’s uncle, Erik, also hailed from D.L. and played cornerback at UND from 1995-1998. His father, Mike, played minor league baseball in the Astros organization.
The Class of 2020 is currently sitting at 22 commitments and we would expect several more by the time February rolls around. It’s quite possible that number reaches 24-25 by the December 18th early signing day.
Photo courtesy of DL Online.