As has been recently reported, the Sioux got an early commitment from QB Ryan Bartels of Sycamore High School in Sycamore, Illinois. Bartels, 6’4″-210lbs, is the second QB commit in the class of 2012 as Joe Mollberg of Detroit Lakes commited earlier this fall. Bartels also had an offer from Indiana State.
Bartels threw for 1,601 yards and 10 TD’s vs. 5 INT’s. He also ran for 320 yards and 6 TD’s. After watching his highlight video’s, it appears Bartels is more of a pocket passer who has the ability to scramble and use his athleticism to get a first down. He took snaps out of the shotgun/pistol while running a spread offense but also took snaps under center in a pro look. His arm strength appears to be above average with his speed probably being in the 4.8-4.9 range. He makes some very nice deep throws and also shows nice arm strength on the mid-range passes.
We like this signing due to the fact that we are hearing UND is going to be down to 2 returning QB’s (Comes and Bradley) next fall, not counting Bartels and Mollberg. They needed at least two due to voids in past recruiting classes and those two guys are going to fill it nicely. If they don’t feel Bradley is the guy, UND could also look at bringing in another JUCO QB with 2 years of eligibility left to bridge the gap to Mollberg and Bartels. We do feel that Bradley will mature nicely from year one to two and should be in the mix next fall.
We still believe that Mollberg is obviously the main target in this recruiting class but Bartels was definitely not far down the list. After watching film on both, we feel Mollberg is the better QB prospect right now and will be ready earlier than Bartels will be. Nice to have both though moving forward into the Big Sky.
