A talent-laden group of 22 student-athletes, including a pair of local high school standouts, have signed national letters of intent to attend and play football for the University of Minnesota Duluth next fall.
\"We are excited about our 2007 signing class, many of whom will have an immediate impact on our program,\" said
Kyle \"Bubba\" Schweigert, the 2005 North Central Conference Coach of the Year who will begin his fourth season with the Bulldogs in 2007. \"Overall, I think we successful in addressing our future needs on offense, defense and special teams. We felt we needed to become bigger and more physical up front on both sides of the football and that's why this class includes a large number of interior linemen. We're also enthused about the big-play potential of several other of our new recruits.\"
TO VIEW THE FULL PDF VERSION OF THIS RELEASE CLICK HERE:2007 UMD Football Signees The 2007 UMD recruiting class, which is comprised of nine incoming freshmen from both Minnesota and Wisconsin, three from New Jersey and one from North Dakota (as well as four transfers is as follows):
Player Pos Hgt Wgt Hometown (High School)Nate Bauer RB 5-8 160 Menomonie, Wis (Menomonie HS)
Adam Berg DB 6-1 190 Whitehall, Wis. (Whitehall Memorial HS)
Jared Buck OL 6-3 290 Franklin, Wis. (Franklin HS)
Jake Campbell PK/P 5-11 185 Eau Claire, Wis. (Regis HS)
Dennis Carter WR 5-10 165 Brooklyn Park, Minn. (Spring Lake Park HS)
Justin Claiborne WR/DB 5-11 175 St. Paul, Minn. (St. Agnes HS)
Rob Casasnovas RB 5-9 194 Haskell, N.J. (Lakeland Regional HS)
Dan Dobson QB 6-1 190 Mankato, Minn. (West HS)
Cody Eich DB/WR 6-0 176 Farmington, Minn. (Farmington HS)
Cory FleschOL 6-4 255 Monticello, Minn. (Monticello HS)
Bryan Gambuzza WR 6-0 177 Wayne, N.J. (DePaul Catholic HS)
Sean Garrigan OL 6-4 278 Mauston, Wis. (Mauston HS)
Rob Gibson QB 6-0 173 West Fargo, N.D. (West Fargo HS)
Greg Gillispie WR/DB 6-1 174 Clifton, N.J. (DePaul Catholic HS)
Francis Herzog OL 6-5 285 Eau Claire, Wis. (Memorial HS)
Blaine Hjelm OL 6-2 270 Andover, Minn. (St. Francis HS)
Robbie Huberty LB 6-0 205 Lena, Wis. (Lena HS)
Qortney McLeod DL 6-3 242 Mequon, Wis. (Homestead HS)
Noah Pauley WR/RB 5-7 160 Duluth, Minn. (Central HS)
Mitchell Rasmussen LB 6-4 220 Barron, Wis. (Barron HS)
Adam Wheeler DL 6-2 265 Clearwater, Minn. (St. Cloud Tech HS)
D.J. Winfield WR 5-10 170 Mountain Iron, Minn. (Mountain Iron-Buhl HS)
In addition, the Bulldogs will add the services of four college transfers who are currently enrolled at UMD and will participate in the team's upcoming spring practice. That quartet includes sophomore running back
Matthew Brumfield (5-10, 207, Chester Springs, Pa.) from Stony Brook University in New Jersey, freshman defensive lineman
Jerry Leonard (6-4, 245, Pelican Rapids, Minn.) from the University of Iowa, sophomore defensive lineman
Jake Pfeiffer (6-0, 250, Sheboygan, Wis.) from South Dakota State University and sophomore offensive lineman
Oscar Strauss (6-5, 320, Stockholm, Sweden) from Phoenix Junior College.
UMD closed out its 74th season of intercollegiate football this past November with a 6-4 overall record and was an even 4-4 in NCC play (fourth place).
INCOMING FRESHMEN:Nate Bauer (RB • 5-8 • 160 • Menomonie, Wis. • Menomonie HS) - 2006: All-Big Rivers Conference second team .... team captain ... second-year starter. 2005: All-Big Rivers Conference honorable mention ... also participates in track (All-Big Rivers Conference sprinter) ... played under head coach Joe LaBuda at Menomonie High School HS ... is the son of Randy and Tricia Bauer.
Adam Berg (DB • 6-1 • 190 • Whitehall, Wis. • Whitehall Memorial HS) - 2006: All-Dairyland Conference, All-District and All-Region first team ... started at both defensive back and wide receiver ... four-year letterman and starter. 2005: All-Dairyland Conference, All-District and All-Region first team ... also has lettered in track (sprinter), baseball, basketball, and powerlifting ... played under head coach Bryce Anderson at Whitehall High School HS ... is the son of Randy and Lori Berg.
Jared Buck (OL • 6-3 • 290 • Franklin, Wis. • Franklin HS) - 2006: All-State second team ... All-South East Conference and All-Region first team ... team captain ... Wisconsin All-Star Game participant ... member of Wisconsin State Division II Champion ... three -ear starter (OL and DL) ... also has participated in track ... played under head coach Jeff Klemp at Franklin HS ... is the son of Brian and Marilyn Buck.
Jake Campbell (PK/P • 5-11 • 185 • Eau Claire, Wis. • Regis HS) - 2006: All-State, All-Region, All-Conference first team place kicker ... will participate for North team in Wisconsin Shrine Game as a PK, P, and backup QB ... team offensive MVP. 2005: All-State, All-Region, All-Conference first team ... No. 1 kicker at Kohl's Kicking Camp ... also has lettered in basketball and golf.
Dennis Carter (WR • 5-10 • 165 • Brooklyn Park, Minn. • Spring Lake Park HS) - 2006: All-North Suburban Conference first team ... led state in kickoff returns and kickoff return yardage ... was first on team in pass receptions for a second straight year ... three-year letter winner and starter ... used at WR and DB and returned both punts and kicks ... also has lettered three years in track and is a three-time All-North Suburban Conference performer ... played under head coach Jeff Schlieff at Spring Lake Park HS ... son of Dennis Sr. and Jamie Carter.
Rob Casasnovas (RB • 5-9 • 194 • Haskell, N.J. • Lakeland Regional HS) - 2006: All-Northern Hill Conference and All-County first team ... led Northern Hill Conference in rushing and scoring ... team captain and MVP. 2005: All-Northern Hill Conference and All-County first team ... led Northern Hill Conference in rushing and scoring ... started three years ... used at both RB and DB ... also lettered in basketball (guard), baseball (OF), and track (sprinter) and was an All-Conference selection in each ... played under head coach Skip Parmieter at Lakeland Regional HS ... is the son of Robert and Lisa Casasnovas.
Justin Claiborne (WR/DB • 5-11 • 175 • St. Paul, Minn • St. Agnes HS) - 2006: Took part in five games due to injuries ... also competes in basketball and track.
Dan Dobson (QB • 6-1 • 190 • Mankato, Minn. • West HS) - 2006: All-State second team ... Big 9 first team ... Big 9 offensive MVP ... Mankato All-City first team ... Minnesota Vikings All-State QB first team and Minnesota Mr. Football Finalist. 2005: All-Big 9 Conference first team ... All-State second team ... Mankato All-City first team ... holds all Scarlet single season and career passing records ... two-year starter ... also has lettered in basketball (guard), baseball (P/CF) ... played under head coach Mark Esch at Mankato West HS ... is the son of Doug and Nancy Dobson.
Cody Eich (DB/WR • 6-0 • 176 • Farmington, Minn. • Farmington HS) - 2006: All-Missota Conference and All-Metro first team ... All-State honorable mention ... member of two Missota Conference championship teams ... two-year starter (WR, DB, punt returner) ... also has lettered three years in weightlifting ... played under head coach Mark Froehling at Farmington HS ... is the son of Chad and Valerie Eich
Cory Flesch (OL • 6-4 • 255 • Monticello, Minn. • Monticello HS) - 2006: Team captain ... Monticello's Lineman of the Year ... three-year starter ... used at both offensive tackle and defensive end ... also lettered in hockey (defense) and lacrosse (defense) ... All-Conference pick in lacrosse ... played under head coach Brian Odlend at Monticello HS ... is the son of Mike and Nancy Flesch.
Bryan Gambuzza (WR • 6-0 • 177 • Wayne, N.J. • DePaul Catholic HS) - 2006: First team All-State (non-public) ... Associated Press All-State second team ... All-County and All-North Jersey Conference first team ... 48 receptions for 895 yards and 10 TDs. 2005: First team All-State (non-public) ... Associated Press All-State second team ... All-County and All-North Jersey Conference first team ... set school single-season records and led all New Jersey preps in receptions (62) and reception yardage (1,062) ... also set single-season team mark with 17 TDs. 2004: 33 receptions, 567 yards, 5 TDs ... also has lettered four times in baseball ... two-time All-County pitcher and shortstop ... played under head coach John McKenna at DePaul Catholic HS ... is the son of Michael and Kelly Gambuzza.
Sean Garrigan (OL • 6-4 • 278 • Mauston, Wis. • Mauston HS) - 2006: MVP of South Central Conference ... All-SCC as both OL and DL ... All-State honorable mention. 2005: All-South Central Conference ... two-way starter for three seasons ... also has lettered in wrestling (currently ranked in top ten at heavyweight in Wisconsin) ... played under head coach Mike Taake at Mauston HS ... is the son of Mike Garrigan and Anita Jappe.
Rob Gibson (QB • 6-0 • 173 • West Fargo, N.D. • West Fargo HS) - 2006: All-State and All-Eastern Dakota Conference first team. 2005: All-Eastern Dakota Conference first team ... two-way starter for three years (QB and CB) ... also returned punts and kicks for the Packers ... only player in West Fargo HS history to rack up 4,000 yards ... also lettered in basketball (guard) and track ... played under his father, Jay Gibson, at West Fargo HS ... is the son of Jay and Anna Gibson.
Greg Gillispie (WR/DB • 6-1 • 174 • Cliffton, N.J. • DePaul Catholic HS) - 2006: All-North Jersey Conference second team ... All-Country, All-Area ... three-year starter (WR, CB) ... also has lettered in basketball (guard), track (sprinter) ... played under head coach John McKenna at DePaul Catholic HS ... is the son of Gregory and Andrea Gillispie.
Francis Herzog (OL • 6-5 • 285 • Eau Claire, Wis. • Memorial HS) - 2006: All-Big Rivers Conference and All-Northwest first team ... All-State honorable mention ... started two seasons (DE/T) ... also participates in hockey (forward), tennis, and track (shot and discus) ... played under head coach Pat McGinnis at Memorial High School HS ... is the son of Kirk and Debra Herzog.
Blaine Hjelm (OL • 6-2 • 270 • Andover Minn. • St. Francis HS) - 2006: All-North Suburban Conference first team ... team captain and MVP ... co-defensive Player of the Year. 2005: Team captain and MVP ... All-North Suburban Conference first team ... Linebacker of the Year ... All-Metro honorable mention ... four-year starter ... used on offensive and defensive lines as well as linebacker and longsnapper ... played under head coach Marc Klatt at St. Francis HS ... is the son of Erik and Nancy Hjelm.
Robbie Huberty (LB • 6-0 • 205 • Lena, Wis. • Lena HS) - 2006: All-Marinette & Oconto Conference first team ... team captain and MVP ... Perry Whiting Memorial Award Winner for excellence on and off the field. 2005: All-Marinette & Oconto Conference first team ... leading rusher ... member of conference champion squad. 2004: All-Marinette & Oconto Conference second team ... two-way starter for three years at FB and LB ... also has lettered in track (sprinter and shot put), basketball (center), and wrestling ... qualified for the Wisconsin State Meet in the shot put and 100-yard dash ... played under head coach John Moe at Lena HS ... is the son of Edward and Margaret Huberty.
Qortney McLeod (DL • 6-3 • 242 • Mequon, Wis. • Homestead HS) - 2006: All-North Shore Conference second team ... All-State and All-Area honorable mention ... team captain ... four-year starter at defensive end ... also has lettered in basketball (center/power forward) ... played under head coach Dave Keel at Mequon HS ... is the son of Joseph and Tamara McLeod.
Noah Pauley (WR/RB • 5-7 • 160 • Duluth, Minn. • Central HS) - 2006: Associated Press All-State second team (return specialist) and All-North Country Conference first team ... Duluth News Tribune All-Area team ... averaged 42.2 yards per kickoff return ... rushed for 681 yards for an average of 8.8 yards a carry ... team captain. 2005: All-North Country Conference first team and Duluth News Tribune All-Area team ... led Trojans in rushing and scoring ... team MVP ... three-year starter (RB, DB, returner) ... also has lettered in baseball (shortstop) and basketball (guard) ... earned All-Conference honors in both sports ... played under head coach Chris Vold at Duluth Central HS ... is the son of Peter and Candace Pauley.
Mitchell Rasmussen (LB • 6-4 • 220 • Barron, Wis. • Barron HS) - 2006: All-Heart 0' North Conference first team ... All-Northwest honorable mention ... team captain and Most Valuable Defensive Lineman. 2005: team captain ... three-year starter (DE, WR) ... also has lettered in basketball (forward), baseball (first base), and track ... played under head coach Ken Mueller at Barron HS ... is the son of Bruce and Kelli Rasmussen.
Adam Wheeler (DL • 6-2 • 265 • Clearwater, Minn. • St. Cloud Tech HS) - 2006: All-Central Lakes Conference and All-Section first team ... All-State honorable mention ... Defensive Lineman of the Year ... team captain ... broke school record for quarterback sacks and led team in rushing touchdowns ... team advanced to state playoff semifinals. 2005: All-Central Lakes Conference and All-Section first team ... Defensive Lineman of the Year ... team went undefeated in regular season. 2004: All-Section honorable mention ... three-year starter (DL, TE, RB) ... also has lettered in lacrosse (attacker) and swimming ... played under head coach Gregg Martig at St. Cloud Tech HS ... is the son of Michael and Linnea Wheeler.
D.J. Winfield (WR • 5-10 • 170 • Mountain Iron, Minn. • Mountain Iron-Buhl HS) - 2006: All-Great Northern Conference first team and Associated Press All-State honorable mention ... rushed 133 times for 1,530 yards (an 11.5 yards per carry average) and 26 TDs ... quarterbacked the Rangers to an 11-1 record and a berth in the Minnesota State Nine-Man Playoffs ... completed 43 of 81 passes for 713 yards and 10 TDs ... had 98 reception yards as well ... team captain and MVP. 2005: team captain and MVP ... All-Great Northern Conference first team ...All-State second team (defensive back). 2004: All-Great Northern Conference honorable mention ... played QB, RB, WR, DB, and returned kicks as a four-year starter ... also has lettered five years in basketball ... All-Conference point guard and two-year team captain ... played under head coach Wally Kostich at Mountain Iron-Buhl HS ... is the son of Wesley Winfield and Michelle Kaivola.
TRANSFERS:Matthew Brumfield (So. • RB • 5-10 • 207 • Chester Springs, Pa. • Stony Brook U.) - Was part of the NCAA-IAA Stony Brook University football program for two years ... was redshirted last fall after rushing one time for 23 yards in 2005 ... is a 2005 graduate of Owen S. Roberts HS ... named second team All-Pac-10 Conference and first team All-Area ... paced Wildcats in rushing for two years and scoring for three seasons ... used at tailback and cornerback ... three-year starter ... played under Tom Barr at Owen S. Roberts HS ... is the son of Dennis and Kathy Brumfield.
Jerry Leonard (Fr. • DL • 6-4 • 245 • Pelican Rapids, Minn. • U. of Iowa) - Was redshirted as a first year freshman at Iowa in 2005 ... joined the team as a walk-on ... is a 2004 graduate of Pelican Rapids HS ... landed All-Heart O' Lakes Conference honors as a senior ... voted Most Valuable Defensive Player for the Vikings that season ... two-year starter (DE, TE, OT) ... also lettered in basketball (center), baseball (first base) and track (discus and high jump) ... played under David Haugen at Pelican Rapids HS ... is the son of Lazaro and Rosemary Leonard.
Jake Pfeiffer (So. • DL • 6-0 • 250 • Sheboygan, Wis. • South Dakota State U.) - Was redshirted as a first year freshman at South Dakota State U. in 2005 ... is a 2005 graduate of Sheboygan South HS ... was a first team Fox River Valley Conference pick as a senior (DE, TE) and All-Region first team honoree ... also was a two-time All-Conference baseball performer (outfield, first base) ... played under his father, David Pfeiffer, at Sheboygan South HS ... is the son of David and Melissa Pfeiffer.
Oscar Strauss (So. • OL • 6-5 • 320 • Stockholm, Sweeden • Phoenix J.C.) - Played one year of football at Phoenix (Ariz.) Junior College ... is a 2004 graduate of Walters Gymnasium ... is the son of Leif and Marie Strauss.
*All signings are contingent upon admission to UMD and compliance with NCAA rules, including certification by the NCAA Clearinghouse
