UND football pushes 2023 recruiting class to 12 with latest string of commits
Jul. 21—GRAND FORKS — The UND football program doesn't recruit a lot of players from Kansas but the Fighting Hawks have seen some positive early returns on their efforts there.
Sophomore inside linebacker Wyatt Pedigo (Hoisington) and junior wide receiver Marcus Preston (Lawrence) are both breakout candidates for the upcoming 2022 season.
With that in mind, UND pursued another Kansas product in the 2023 recruiting class, resulting in a commitment from linebacker Jace Boswell, a Class AAA all-state pick as a junior.
"They switched up recruiting areas when they changed conferences, and I appreciate when they came down to make a connection here," Boswell said. "To recruit me down here, that was special."
Boswell is one of four recent commitments for the Hawks, who have pushed the 2023 recruiting class to 12 members, as of Thursday morning.
In addition to Boswell, UND received commitments from tight end Noah Gehin of De Pere, Wis., nose guard Adam Newel of Ashwaubenon, Wis., and nose guard Logyn Eckheart of Glenwood, Iowa.
Boswell, at 6-foot-1 and 220 pounds, is projected as an inside linebacker at UND.
"I think (UND) has a bright future," Boswell said. "They have great plans for the school. They told me I'd fit right in with them. They had confidence in me."
Boswell's Holton High School went 11-1 last year. He also plays fullback for Holton's wishbone offense.
Newel, at 6-2 and 285 pounds, lives about a mile from Lambeau Field in a suburb of Green Bay.
Ashwaubenon (3-5 in 2021) plays at the Division III level in Wisconsin and is the biggest school at the level.
"I really just like the coaching staff and what they gave to me and how it worked well with me," Newell said. "I really liked how the community supported UND football."
Newell said his best asset is hard work.
"I think I put my heart out there," he said. "I might not be the biggest and fastest but I feel like I'm going to be the hardest worker, and I'll put it on the line for my teammates."
Gehin, pronounced like jean, is also from a Green Bay suburb.
De Pere played last season at the Division II level but will play at the highest classification in 2022.
De Pere was 9-2 last year, winning its conference and losing in the second round of the playoffs.
"I think (UND) is a really nice school," Gehin said. "They have top-notch coaches. When I was visiting other FCS schools in that conference, I thought UND had some of the best coaches and facilities and they have what I want academically (medical)."
Eckheart is a 6-3, 260-pound defensive lineman from near Omaha.
"When I came up for my visit, I felt at home," Eckheart said. "I loved the campus and they have a good program. A big thing was the coaches and how they welcomed me and my family."
Eckheart said his best quality is his work ethic.
"I'm always ready to get better and be in the weight room," he said. "I feel like I'm quick and have good hands."
Eckheart's dad and grandpa both played college football at Concordia College in Moorhead.
