We knew UND was looking at adding defensive line depth that could help immediately this fall. It came true as UND signed defensive end Noah Johnson (6’3″-260) from City College of San Francisco. CCSF is a Juco powerhouse in California and perennially plays for the CCCAA State Championship and mythical National Championship.
Johnson had 6 sacks and 9.5 tackles-for-loss this past season for the Rams. He played on the end of the line in both a stand-up and down position. Johnson fits the mold of the slightly undersized defensive ends that UND has been recruiting since Coach Schweigert took over. They are sacrificing a bit of height and weight for speed/quickness and the ability to make plays from the DE position vs. simply taking up blockers. Johnson will give UND nine defensive lineman, meaning they are now 3 deep across the board. We see him initially backing up Brandon Dranka at right DE.
Johnson’s tie to UND is defensive line coach Jordan Gigli, who coached him at Sacramento State in Johnson’s freshman season(s). Johnson then transferred to CCSF for his sophomore season. He has two years of eligibility remaining.
UND has added a PWO to the Class of 2015 in LB Autonio Roland from Grand Blanc, MI. Roland, 6’1″-215, will be most likely an OLB. Roland is also a bit undersized at 6’1″ but shows good ability to take on blocks and shed with his hands. Being Roland took signing day pictures with a UND hat on tells us he has been committed for awhile but hasn’t been able to be announced.
