A talent-laden group of 30 high school seniors -- including a trio of local prep standouts -- have signed a National Letter of Intent or a Letter of Acceptance to attend and play football for the University of Minnesota Duluth in 2019.
    
"This is an exciting day for Bulldog football," said seventh-year UMD head coach Curt Wiese. "Our staff feels confident that we addressed both the future and immediate needs for our program. We have brought in another somewhat large group of high-character student-athletes that we're really looking forward to working with this summer."    

The 2019 UMD recruiting class is comprised of 15 incoming freshmen from Wisconsin, 12 from Minnesota and one each from Alaska, Michigan and Illinois.
  Linebackers - 6
Offensive Linemen - 5
Defensive Backs - 4
Defensive Linemen - 4
Tight Ends - 4
Wide Receivers - 3
Running Backs - 2
Quarterbacks - 1
Placekickers -1
 

Player	Pos.	Hgt.	Wgt.	Hometown (High School)
R.J. Bosshart	WR	5-10	150	Muskego, Wis. (Muskego H.S.)
Curt Cox	PK	5-11	165	Dodgeville, Wis. (Mineral Point H.S.)
Logan Eiden	LB	6-2	220	Neenah, Wis. (Neenah H.S.)
Liam Fahey	OL	6-2	280	Sobieski, Wis. (Pulaski H.S.)
Joel Forgacs	TE	6-4	225	Livonia, Mich. (Livonia Churchill H.S.)
Matt Garrity	DL	6-3	245	Waukesha, Wis. (Waukesha H.S.)
Dalton Gillette	LB	6-4	225	Mukwonago, Wis. (Mukwonago H.S.)
Drew Hennessey	LB	6-1	225	Highland Wis. (Highland H.S.)
Will Holz	OL	6-5	235	Byron, Minn. (Byron H.S.)
Justin Hull	OL	6-3	295	West Chicago, Ill. (St. Charles East H.S.)
Jackyse Jacox	DB	5-11	165	Savage, Minn. (Prior Lake H.S.)
Andrew Klopp	LB	6-1	210	Baldwin, Wis.(Baldwin-Woodville H.S.)
Brian Konz	DL	6-4	220	Burlington, Wis. (Burlington H.S.)
Ryan Krueger	TE	5-11	205	Marshfield, Wis. (Marshfield H.S.)
Jariel Lopez-Barrera	LB	6-2	195	Crystal, Minn. (St. Louis Park H.S.)
Ethan Matzke	DL	6-3	225	Spring Grove, Minn. (Spring Grove H.S.)
Sam Mikulak	RB	5-8	170	Waukesha Wis. (Waukesha West H.S.)
Erik Nelson	OL	6-6	255	Duluth, Minn. (Duluth Denfeld H.S.)
Colin O'Connor	QB	6-2	205	Savage, Minn. (Prior Lake H.S.)
Caden Osmonson	DL	6-4	215	Bloomington, Minn. (Bloomington Jefferson H.S.)
Brody Payton	DB	6-4	200	Lake Nebagamon,Wis. (Northwestern H.S.)
Jack Peterson	LB	5-11	225	Somerset, Wis. (Somerset H.S.)
Sam Pitz	TE	6-5	225	Appleton, Wis. (Appleton West H.S.)
Andrew Reuter	WR	6-4	195	Inver Grove Heights, Minn. (Rosemount H.S.)
Reagan Ruffi	RB	5-9	195	Lake Nebagamon, Wis. (Northwestern H.S.)
Marcus Shepley	DB	6-3	180	Burnsville, Minn. (Burnsville H.S.)
Tyler Strand	OL	6-4	240	Andover, Minn. (Blaine H.S.)
Anthony Weldon	DB	6-0	180	Maplewood, Minn. (Roseville Area H.S.)
Aiden Williams	TE	6-6	235	Anchorage, Alaska (East Anchorage H.S.)
Cooper Yeary	WR	5-9	160	Stillwater, Minn. (Stillwater H.S.)

R.J. Bosshart (WR • 5-10 • 150 • Muskego, Wis. • Muskego H.S.) - Four-year starter (running back) at Muskego High School ... played under head coach Kenneth Krause ... capped off his prep career by captaining the Warriors to the 2018 WIAA Division 1 State championship ... spent the first part of his senior year on the sidelines nursing an upper body injury before returning to the Warrior lineup for the final seven games ... was a Wisconsin State Football Coaches Association All-State honorable mention honoree (all-purpose) the previous year in addition to attaining All-Classic 8 Conference, All-Waukesha County and All-Region first team recognition ... ran 86 times for 965 yards and 17 touchdowns as a junior and also led the Warriors in receiving with 24 catches for 335 yards and two scores ... also has been a standout track sprinter at Muskego High School ... was part of a Warrior 4 x 200 relay team that took top honors at both the 2017 and 2018 WIAA State meets and a 4 x 100 unit that reigned as state champion ... his parent is Jessica Selensky. HIGHLIGHT VIDEO

"R.J. is an electric playmaker who makes getting in-and-out of cuts look effortless.  He has a great mix of both linear and lateral quickness, which makes him a threat every time he touches the ball." – UMD Offensive Coordinator/Wide Receivers Coach Chase Vogler

Curt Cox (PK • 5-11 • 165 • Dodgeville, Wis. • Mineral Point H.S.) - Four-year starter (placekicker/punter) at Mineral Point High School ... played under head coach Andy Palzkill ... landed Wisconsin Football Coaches Association All-State first team honors as a placekicker in 2018 ....  was a four-time All-Southwest Wisconsin Activities League placekicker and a one-time All-SWAL punter (2018) ... also was chosen as a semifinalist for the Kevin Stemke Award (most outstanding Wisconsin high school kicker/punter) as a senior team captain  ... exited the Warrior football program ranking ninth in PATs and 15th in placekicking points in Wisconsin high school history ... has lettered three years in baseball (all-conference pitcher and utility player) and will captain the Warriors in 2019 ... participated one year in wrestling as well ... earned Academic All-State status in both sports ... member of the National Honor Society ... is the son of Chris and Trisha Cox. HIGHLIGHT VIDEO

"Curt is a dual kicker and punter with an extremely strong leg in both areas.  He's a very technically-sound kicker who will be a threat as both a placekicker and kick off guy." – UMD Defensive Coordinator/Inside Linebackers Coach John Steger

Logan Eiden (LB• 6-2 • 220 • Neenah, Wis. • Neenah H.S.) - Three-year starter (linebacker and tight end) at Neenah High School ... played under head coach Steve Jung ... was showered with a host of postseason citations in 2018 including selection to the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association (first team for the second time),  Associated Press (honorable mention) and USA Today All-State teams ... also received the Fox Valley Association's Defensive Player of the Year award as a senior ... has also lettered times in baseball (first and third baseman) with the Rockets ... member of the National Honor Society ... is the son of Jeff and Wendy Eiden. HIGHLIGHT VIDEO

"Logan is an explosive athlete who will be a physical presence on the line of scrimmage. His ability to play in space as well as rush the quarterback are going to be welcomed traits to the defensive front." – UMD Defensive Line/Outside Linebackers Coach Trey Dill

Liam Fahey (OL • 6-2 • 280 • Sobieski, Wis. • Pulaski H.S.) - Three-year starter (offensive tackle) at Pulaski High School  ... played under head coach Jared Marsh ... reigned as the Fox River Classic Conference's Offensive Lineman of the Year as both a junior and senior ... earned a spot on the 2018 Wisconsin Football Coaches Association All-State Team (big schools) ... was also a two-time All-FRCC first team pick (2017 and 2018) ... counted himself as a Joe Thomas Award finalist (most outstanding Wisconsin high school offensive lineman) ... is a three-year wrestling letterman (heavyweight) with the Red Raiders ... is the son of Padraig and Jennifer Fahey. HIGHLIGHT VIDEO

"When you think of Bulldog football, Liam is the type of player we picture.  He's a physical and strong athlete who brings a great attitude to the field."  – UMD Offensive Line Coach Peter Lue

Joel Forgacs (TE • 6-4 • 225 • Livonia, Mich. • Livonia Churchill H.S.) - Two-year starter (tight end, defensive end, wide receiver and linebacker) at Livonia Churchill High School ... played under head coach Bill DeFillipo ... captained the Chargers as a senior ... secured his second straight All-Kensington Lakes Athletic Association citation that season ... was also a two-time KLAA Scholar-Athlete Award winner and Michigan High School Football Coaches Association Academic All-State honoree ... has lettered twice in basketball (small forward) while attending Livonia Churchill High School ... National Honor Society member ... is the son of Darin and Carolyn Forgacs. HIGHLIGHT VIDEO

"Joel will be a highly-productive tight end for us with his big frame and high-skill range.  He was a go-to tight end in high school who will work to fill that role at the collegiate level." – UMD Tight Ends Coach Isaac Vesel

Matt Garrity (DL • 6-3• 245 • Waukesha, Wis. • Waukesha South H.S.) - Three-year starter (defensive line, offensive line and long snapper) at Waukesha South High School ... played under head coach A.J. Raebel ... handled the team captaincy responsibilities as a senior ... secured All-Class 8 Conference second team honors following his farewell season with the Blackshirts ... was chosen the team's Defensive of Player of the Year as well in 2018 ... has also competed in three other sports -- track and field (shot put), wrestling (heavyweight) and basketball (center) -- while at Waukesha South High School ... is the son of Tom and Mary Garrity. HIGHLIGHT VIDEO

"Matt will be a physical addition to our program. He'll bring a strong, hard-working presence to our group." – UMD Defensive Line/Outside Linebackers Coach Trey Dill

Dalton Gillette (LB • 6-4 • 225 • Mukwonago, Wis. • Mukwonago H.S.) - Three-year starter (outside linebacker and tight end) at Mukwonago High School ... played under head coach Mike Gnewuch ... closed out his farewell season by gaining a spot on the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association All-State Team (honorable mention) as well as garnering All-Classic 8 Conference, Southern Lakes Newspaper Association All-Area and All-Region honors ... had 21 receptions which he parlayed into 408 yards and seven touchdowns in 2018  ... captained the Indians as a senior ... also earned three letters in track and field (shot put and discus) and basketball (forward/center) ... is the son of Scott (who played football at Carthage College in Kenosha, Wis.) and Rhonda Gillette. HIGHLIGHT VIDEO

"Dalton is a big, long athlete who has a great nose for the ball. His physicality and explosiveness will allow him to be an every-down linebacker." – UMD Defensive Line/Outside Linebackers Coach Trey Dill

Drew Hennessey (LB • 6-1• 225 • Highland, Wis. • Highland H.S.) - Four-year starter (defensive line, running back, wide receiver, linebacker, placekicker and punter) at Highland High School ... was named the Six Rivers Conference Defensive Player of the Year in the 2018 in addition to attaining All-Area, All-Region and Wisconsin Football Coaches Association All-State honorable mention honors ... captained the Cardinals as a senior ... has lettered four years in wrestling and baseball (infielder/outfielder/pitcher) and has been an all-conference performer in both sports ... is the son of Rob and Sarah Hennessey. HIGHLIGHT VIDEO

"Drew is versatile athlete who was able to dominate at a number of positions in high school. His tenacity and physicality will be great additions to our outside linebacker corps." – UMD Defensive Line/Outside Linebackers Coach Trey Dill

Will Holz (OL • 6-5 • 235 • Byron, Minn. • Byron H.S.) - Three-year starter (offensive line and defensive tackle) at Byron High School ... played under head coach Ben Halder ... was both an Associated Press and Minnesota Football Coaches Association All-State third team honoree in 2018 ...  collared All-Hiawatha Valley League and All-Section recognition for the second year in a row that season ... served as Byron High School's team captain during his last two prep seasons ... has also lettered twice in basketball (center) for the Bears ... is the son of Randy and Susan Holz. HIGHLIGHT VIDEO

"Will is another lean, athletic player who can run and is explosive. He's going to grow physically and be a force on the offensive line." – UMD Offensive Line Coach Peter Lue

Justin Hull (OL • 6-3 • 295 • West Chicago, Ill. • Saint Charles East H.S.) - Three-year starter (offensive and defensive tackle) at St. Charles East High School ... played under head coach Bryce Farquhar ... snared Illinois High School Football Coaches Association Class 8 All-State honors as a senior after having a hand in 44 total tackles and anchoring an offensive line that paved the way for 2,200 rushing yards and 24 rushing touchdowns ... voted the DuKane Conference's Outstanding Offensive lineman by the league coaches ... received All-DuKane Conference and All-Area acclaim in both 2017 and 2018 ... was also an All-State wrestler with the Saints ... National Honor Society member ... is the son of Jack (a former quarterback at Grand Valley State University and a member of that NCAA II institution's Hall of Fame - Class of 1991) and Michaela Hull. HIGHLIGHT VIDEO

"Justin will be a great addition to the offensive line.  He has been well-coached and he is a fundamentally-sound offensive lineman.  His size and physicality will match what our team is looking for." – UMD Offensive Line Coach Peter Lue

Jackyse Jacox (DB • 5-11 • 165 • Savage, Minn. • Prior Lake H.S.) - One-year starter (cornerback, wide receiver and return specialist) at Prior Lake High School ... played under head coach Matt Gegenheimer and was a teammate of fellow 2019 UMD recruit Colin O'Connor ... had a hand in 47 tackles in nine outings as a senior on his way to nailing down All-District first team honors ... was voted the Lakers' Special Teams Player of the Year in 2018 ... also started three years in basketball as a prep (All-South Suburban Conference guard) ... is the son of Cedell and Jennifer Jacox. HIGHLIGHT VIDEO

"Jackyse plays with an edge at the corner position. He is a cover corner who has solid ball skills. We are very excited about the skill set that he'll bring to our defense." – UMD Defensive Backs Coach Marcus McLin

Andrew Klopp (LB • 6-1 • 210 • Baldwin, Wis. • Baldwin-Woodville H.S.) - Three-year starter (outside linebacker and tight end) at Baldwin-Woodville High School ... played under head coach Dan Keefer ... was bestowed with All-Middle Border Conference honors (linebacker) as both a junior and senior ... earned that same recognition for his play at tight end in 2018 in addition to making the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association All-State Team (honorable mention) at that same position ... captained the Blackhawks during his final prep go-around ...  also has handled a starting role for three years in basketball (all-conference guard) and baseball (centerfielder) at Baldwin-Woodville High School ... is the son of Jason and Lynn Klopp. HIGHLIGHT VIDEO

"We are excited to have Andrew join our linebacker unit.  Andrew brings the type of athletic ability and explosive play that are characteristics of a UMD linebacker" – UMD Defensive Coordinator/Inside Linebackers Coach John Steger

Brian Konz (DL • 6-4 • 220 • Burlington, Wis. • Burlington H.S.) - Two-year starter (defensive end and offensive tackle) at Burlington High School ... played under head coach Steve Tenhagen ... secured All-Southern Lakes Conference (first team), Southern Lakes Newspaper All-Area and All-County (second team) status as a senior team captain ... finished first among Demons in sacks (6.0) and tackles for loss (12.0) during his final prep season ... has competed four years in track (discus thrower) and one season in wrestling (heavyweight) at Burlington High School ... is the son of Jeff and Tasha Konz. HIGHLIGHT VIDEO

"Brian is an exceptionally hard worker who will fit it nicely with our group. His toughness and determination are assets I'm looking forward to working with." – UMD Defensive Line/Outside Linebackers Coach Trey Dill

Ryan Krueger (TE • 5-11 • 205 • Marshfield, Wis. • Marshfield H.S.) - Three-year starter (quarterback, punter and placekicker) at Marshfield High School ... played under head coach Dennis Goettl ... is the reigning Wisconsin Valley Conference Offensive Player of the Year and its Offensive Back of the Year ... captained the Tigers as a senior and was a All-WVC first team quarterback and punter ... also received Wisconsin Football Coaches All-State honorable mention honors (punter) that season ...  averaged 44.6 yards per punt in 2018 ... also made the finalist list for the 2018 Kevin Stemke Award (Wisconsin high school's most outstanding placekicker/punter) ... National Honor Society member ... has starred for four seasons on the prep hockey rink (holds Demon single-season and career records for points and assists) and three years in baseball (all-conference shortstop) ... is the son of Jim and Sarah Krueger. HIGHLIGHT VIDEO

"Ryan was a high school quarterback who is a playmaker and will give us many options at the tight end position." – UMD Tight Ends Coach Isaac Vesel

Jariel Lopez-Barrera (LB • 6-2 • 195 • Crystal, Minn. • St. Louis Park H.S.) - Three-year starter (linebacker and tight end) at St. Louis Park High School ... played under head coach Ben Wolfe ... earned the 2018 Suburban Red Subdistrict Defensive Player of the Year award after being involved in 60 total tackles, including 11.0 for a loss and 5.0 sacks ... was a two-time All-Suburban Red Subdistrict first team selection ... amassed 109 tackles as a junior when the Orioles qualified for their first-ever Minnesota State (Class AAAAA )Tournament ... served as St. Louis Park High School's team captain in each of his final two seasons ... is the son of Elbis Lopez and Nelly Barrera. HIGHLIGHT VIDEO

"Jariel is a long, rangy athlete. He's a high-motor player with a relentless passion to run to the football." – UMD Defensive Line/Outside Linebackers Coach Trey Dill

Ethan Matzke (DL • 6-3 • 225 • Spring Grove, Minn. • Spring Grove H.S.) - Four-year starter (defensive end, wide receiver, tight end and long snapper) at Spring Grove High School ... played under head coach Zach Hauser ... was both an Associated Press and Minnesota Football Coaches Association All-State first team selection in 2018 ... captained the Lions to their second straight Minnesota State High School 9-Man title as a senior ... twice earned All-Southeast Conference and All-District honors (2017 and 2018) ... was also voted the All-Area Defensive Lineman of the Year ... two-year basketball letterman (all-conference forward) for the Lions ... is the son of Brent Matzke and Faith Normann. HIGHLIGHT VIDEO

"Ethan is dynamic athlete who I'm looking forward to coaching. His championship experience will be great asset on the defensive front." – UMD Defensive Line/Outside Linebackers Coach Trey Dill

Sam Mikulak (RB • 5-8  • 170 • Waukesha, Wis. • Waukesha West H.S.) - One-year starter (running back, linebacker, defensive back and return specialist) at Waukesha West High School ... played under head coach Steve Rux ... finished 10th among all Wisconsin preps in rushing yards per game as a senior ... attained All-Region and All-Classic Eight Conference recognition that season ... voted the Wolverine's 2017 Underclassman of the Year ... also has participated in wrestling and track (sprinter and State 4 x 100 relay qualifier) with the Wolverines ... was nominated for the Student-Athlete Leadership Conference by Wolverine coaches all four of his years at Waukesha West High School ... is the son of Andrew and Shannon Mikulak. HIGHLIGHT VIDEO

"Sam is a difference-maker when he is on the field. His ability to quickly change speed and direction makes him very difficult to tackle. I am looking forward to continuing to get to know Sam and working with him as he becomes an important piece to the Bulldog offense." – UMD Running Backs Coach Jason Balts

Erik Nelson (OL • 6-6 • 255 • Duluth, Minn. • Duluth Denfeld H.S.) - Three-year starter (offensive line, defensive line and tight end) at Denfeld High School ... played under head coach Frank Huie ... started his senior season at tight end before relocating over to offensive guard ... went on to earn All-Section 7AAAA Section, All-Northeast Red Subdistrict and Duluth News-Tribune All-Area honors ... racked up 42 total tackles and a pair of sacks in 2018 ... has lettered twice in basketball (center) for the Hunters ... is the son of Scott and Beth Nelson. HIGHLIGHT VIDEO

"Eric is a tall, lean athletic player with a tremendous upside.  He is just learning how to play the position and discovering what he is capable of doing." – UMD Offensive Line Coach Peter Lue

Colin O'Connor (QB • 6-2 • 205 • Savage, Minn. • Prior Lake H.S.) - Two-year starter (quarterback) at Prior Lake High School ... played under head coach Matt Gegenhiemer and was a football teammate of another incoming UMD freshman, Jacksye Jacox ... attained All-District designation while serving as the Lakers' team captain his senior year ... also was voted the team's Most Valuable Offensive Player ... has lettered a pair of seasons in both basketball (forward) and track and field as a prep ... is the son of Joe and Susan O'Connor. HIGHLIGHT VIDEO 

"Collin has made some big strides as a quarterback in the last two years of high school. He is a bigger athletic quarterback who will fit our system well. I look forward to seeing him continue his development." – UMD Head Coach/Quarterbacks Coach Curt Wiese

Caden Osmonson (DL • 6-4 • 215 • Bloomington, Minn. • Bloomington Jefferson H.S.) - Three-year starter (defensive end, tight end, linebacker, long snapper) at Bloomington Jefferson High School ... played under head coach Tim Carlson ... 2018 and 2017 All-District honoree ... was credited with 105 tackles -- including 56 solo stops -- with three quarterback sacks and a pair of picks in nine games as a senior team captain ... caught 11 passes for 74 yards and three touchdowns on the other side of the football ... was chosen the Jaguars' Most Valuable Defensive Player his last two seasons of prep activity ... also has lettered once in baseball (outfielder) at Bloomington Jefferson High School ... is the son of Greg and Julie Osmonson. HIGHLIGHT VIDEO

"Caden is a long, athletic defensive end who succeeded at multiple positions in high school.  His athletic ability will be a great asset to our program." – UMD Defensive Line/Outside Linebackers Coach Trey Dill

Brody Payton (DB • 6-4 • 200 • Lake Nebagamon, Wis. • Northwestern H.S.) - Two-year starter (safety and wide receiver) at Northwestern High School ... played under head coach Jovin Kroll ... was a 2018 All-Heart O' North Conference honoree along with Tiger teammate and UMD freshman-to-be Regan Ruffi ... helped lead Northwestern High School to a 11-1 overall record in 2018 and a perfect 7-0 Heart 0' North mark ... also has lettered twice in basketball (all-conference forward) with the Tigers .. is the son of Brenden Payton and Leta Little. HIGHLIGHT VIDEO

"Brody is a humble football player who loves to win.  I'm excited about what he can add to UMD defense." – UMD Defensive Backs Coach Marcus McLin

Jack Peterson (LB • 5-11 • 225 • Somerset, Wis. • Somerset H.S.) - Four-year starter (linebacker, running back, fullback and safety) at Somerset High School ... played under head coach Bruce Larson ... was the 2018 Middle Border Conference Player Year ... earned All-MBC honors three consecutive times ... captained the Spartans as a junior and senior and was their leading ground gainer both of those seasons ... National Honor Society member ... is the son of Mike and Lynsey Peterson. HIGHLIGHT VIDEO

"Jack is a physical and explosive linebacker who I look forward to working with.  He has shown the ability to be an in-the-box type of linebacker who will fit into our linebacking scheme." – UMD Defensive Coordinator/Inside Linebackers Coach John Steger

Sam Pitz (TE • 6-5 • 225 • Appleton, Wis. • Appleton West H.S.) - Two-year starter (tight end and wide receiver) at Appleton West High School ... played under head coach Mitch Johnson and captained the Terrors in 2018 ... collared All-Fox Valley Association honors as a senior ... was voted Appleton High School's Most Valuable Offensive Player that same season after pacing the team in receiving yards ... also has competed three seasons with the baseball Terrors (all-conference third baseman) and two winters in basketball (power forward) ... will play baseball as well at UMD beginning in 2019-20 ... is the son of James Pitz and Michelle Priebe ...  his older brother, Josh, is a redshirt freshman offensive lineman with the 2019 Bulldogs. HIGHLIGHT VIDEO

"Sam has outstanding playmaking and athletic abilities, which will make him a great addition to our football program.  He'll be a great fit with what we do offensively." – UMD Tight Ends Coach Isaac Vesel

Andrew Reuter (WR • 6-4 • 195 • Inver Grove Heights, Minn. • Rosemount H.S.) - Two-year starter (wide receiver, safety and long snapper) at Rosemount High School ... played under head coach Jeff Erdman ... finished as the Irish's leading receiver and No. 2 tackler during his final prep go-around en route collaring All-South Metro District first team recognition ... recipient of Rosemount High School's Pat Tillman Award (honoring a player that most exemplifies the willingness to serve) in 2018 ... captained the Irish to their second straight South Metro District title as a senior ... paced that league in receptions the previous year ... also is a two-year basketball team captain (all-conference guard) at Rosemount High School .. is the son of Mark and Connie Reuter. HIGHLIGHT VIDEO

"Andrew is a tall receiver who will go up and get the football. He has a great mix of explosiveness at the beginning and top of his routes that makes him so difficult to match up against. His ability to move at his size is exactly what we want with our outside wide receivers." – UMD Offensive Coordinator/Wide Receivers Coach Chase Vogler

Reagan Ruffi (RB • 5-9  • 195 • Lake Nebagamon, Wis. • Northwestern H.S.) - Three-year starter (running back and safety) at Northwestern High School ... played under head coach Joven Kroll ... was selected the Duluth News-Tribune All-Area Player of the Year, the Superior Telegram Player of the Year (for the second straight time) and the Heart O' North Conference Offensive Player of the Year in 2018 after accumulating 1,981 yards off the rush and 35 touchdowns (both school records) ... his senior year resume also included Wisconsin Football Coaches Association All-State honorable mention citation ... served as Northwestern High School's team captain in 2017 and 2018 ... exited the Tiger program as its all-time leader in rushing yards (4,432) and touchdowns (67) ... was a teammate of 2019-20 Bulldog football freshman Brody Payton ...also has lettered in baseball (second baseman and shortstop) and track and field with the Tigers ... is the son of Randol and Sharla Ruffi. HIGHLIGHT VIDEO

"Reagan is an explosive running back who can turn a seemingly short run into a big play. He has excellent footwork and is able to pull away from defenders as he gets through the hole. I am excited to work with Reagan and see him excel in our offense." – UMD Running Backs Coach Jason Balts

Marcus Shepley (DB • 6-3 • 180 • Burnsville, Minn. • Burnsville H.S.) - Three-year starter (safety, wide receiver, quarterback and punter) at Burnsville High School ... played under head coach Vince Varpness ... proved to be a ball-hawking defender for the Blaze, closing out 2018 with eight interceptions -- two which he ran back for touchdowns -- to finish as the school's all-time leader in picks ... also was credited with 32 tackles as a senior ... made the Minneapolis Star-Tribune All-Metro first team in 2018 ... participated for Team South at the 46th annual Minnesota Football Coaches Association Tackle Cancer All-Star Football Game this past December at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis ... also is a four-time prep basketball letterman ... is the son of Tom and Deb Shepley. HIGHLIGHT VIDEO

"We are excited to have Marcus in the secondary. He has good ball skills and play-making ability when the ball is in the air. Football is played with energy and he possesses tons of it." – UMD Defensive Backs Coach Marcus McLin

Tyler Strand (OL • 6-4 • 240 • Andover, Minn. • Blaine H.S.) - Two-year starter (offensive tackle) at Blaine High School ... played under head coach Ben Geisler ... was a 2018 Minneapolis Star-Tribune All-Metro first team designee ... received All-North Metro District honors as both a junior and senior ... captained both the football and basketball Bengals (center) during the 2018-19 season ... is the son of Jamie and Kristina Strand. HIGHLIGHT VIDEO

"Tyler is an athletic, physical player who has been well coached and has good fundamentals. He plays to the whistle finishing his blocks." – UMD Offensive Line Coach Peter Lue

Anthony Weldon (DB • 6-0  • 180 • Maplewood, Minn. • Roseville Area H.S.) - One-year starter (safety, running back and return specialist) at Roseville Area High School ... played under head coach Chris Simdorn ... captained the Raiders as a senior and secured All-Suburban East District honorable mention recognition in the process ... also has competed in three other sports -- basketball (power forward), baseball (centerfielder) and track (sprinter) -- while a prep .. is the son of Christina Weldon. HIGHLIGHT VIDEO

"Anthony brings a keen football knowledge that we are excited to have here at UMD. He plays fast, physical, and smart." – UMD Defensive Backs Coach Marcus McLin

Aiden Williams (TE • 6-6 • 235 • Anchorage, Alaska • East Anchorage H.S.) - Two-year starter (tight end, defensive end and long snapper) at East Anchorage High School ... played under head coach Jeff Trotter ... landed Alaska Football Coaches Association All-State, KTUU-TV All-State,  All-USA Alaska Football, and All-Cook Inlet Conference honors as a tight end  for the second straight time in 2018 ... also has lettered four years with Thunderbirds varsity basketball team (center and power forward) ...  National Honor Society member ... holds the distinction of being the first Alaska native to enlist his services with the Bulldog football program ... is the son of Travis and Sarah Williams.

"Aiden is a big, physical kid who makes his presence known on the field.  He's hard-working and uses his size and strength to his advantage." – UMD Tight Ends Coach Isaac Vesel

Cooper Yeary (WR • 5-9 • 160 • Stillwater, Minn. • Stillwater H.S.) - Two-year starter (wide receiver and return specialist) at Stillwater Area High School ... played under head coach Beau LaBore ... closed the books on his prep playing days with the second-most receptions (66), third-most pass receiving yards (877) and fifth-best kick return average (26.4 yards) in Ponies' history ... paced Stillwater High School in pass catches for the second year in a row as a senior with a school-record 50 ... also set a all-time program best for catches in one game (13) that season ... was an All-East Metro Blue District pick in 2018 and the Ponies' Most Valuable Offensive Player ... has lettered once in both basketball (guard) and track with the Ponies ... is the son of Randy Yeary and Carrie Sharp. HIGHLIGHT VIDEO

"Cooper is a tremendous route runner who has great hands and can take it the distance whenever he touches the ball. He does a great job beating defenders with the use of both his quickness and route-running intelligence. Cooper has a bright future as a slot wide receiver at UMD" – UMD Offensive Coordinator/Wide Receivers Coach Chase Vogler

The Bulldogs closed out their 86th year of intercollegiate football with an 11-1 overall record (going a perfect 11-0 during the regular season) and captured a share of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference championship while claiming the NSIC North Division title for the 11th year in a row.  UMD also earned its ninth NCAA Division II playoff berth since 2008.