Football - News

TWO-TIME NSIC CHAMPION BULLDOGS SIGN 18 TO 2010 FOOTBALL RECRUITING CLASS

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

A talent-laden group of 18 student-athletes, including a pair of local high school standouts, have signed national letters of intent to attend and play football for the the two-time defending Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference champion University of Minnesota Duluth in 2010.

"All and all, we are extremely pleased with this recruiting class -- it's a high-quality and promising group of athletes," said Bob Nielson, the 2008 D2football.com national coach of the year who completed his seventh season with the Bulldogs last fall. "I think our coaching staff once again did a tremendous job in identifying and addressing our future needs on offense, defense and special teams. We were successful in bringing the kids we had targeted at each of the various positions and that's a testament to all of the hard work our staff put into our recruiting efforts."

The 2010 UMD recruiting class, which is comprised of five incoming freshmen from Minnesota, 10 from Wisconsin, and one each from Illinois, Michigan and Washington, is as follows:

Complete Release (pdf)

Player Pos Hgt Wgt Hometown (High School)
Jacob Brusehaver DL 6-4 220 Hutchinson, Minn (Hutchinson HS)
Marc Dahlin OL 6-8 300 Verona, Wis. (Edgewood HS)
Dan Desorcy DB 6-0 175 Plover, Wis. (Stevens Point HS)
Aaron Esala OL 6-4 305 Ashland, Wis. (Ashland HS)
Gavin Grady LB 6-3 215 Minnetonka, Minn. (Hopkins HS)
Yusef Hassan LB 6-0 220 Burnsville, Minn (Burnsville HS)
Kal Herzog WR 6-5 195 Eau Claire, Wis. (Memorial HS)
Tyler Hilar WR 6-4 205 Conover, Wis. (Northland Pines HS)
Greg Hynes QB 6-2 185 St. Louis Park, Minn. (St. Louis Park HS)
Michael Maguire TE 6-4 220 Sammamish, Wash. (Eastlake HS)
Kerwin McKay DB 6-0 185 Kettle Moraine, Wis. (Kettle Moraine HS)
Ryan Miesbauer RB/FB 5-9 210 South Range, Wis. (Northwestern HS)
Andrew Pattock OL 6-3 295 Circle Pines, Minn. (Centennial HS)
Sam Renk DB 5-9 165 Peru, Ill. (LaSalle-Peru Township HS)
Philip Rutz OL 6-5 270 Amherst, Wis. (Amherst HS)
Austin Sikorski RB 5-10 185 Plover, Wis. (Stevens Point HS)
Mitch Van Effen WR 6-0 195 Escanaba, Mich. (Escanaba HS)
Mitch Ziegler TE 6-3 230 Kenosha, Wis. (Bradford HS)

UMD closed out its 77th season of intercollegiate football with an 11-2 overall record and made its second straight NCAA Division II playoff appearance (and third in five years) before bowing out to Grand Valley State University in the quarterfinal round. The 2008 national champion Bulldogs also laid claim to their second NSIC crown in as many years with a perfect 10-0 mark and, along the way, established 21 individual and team single-game, single-season and career marks while producing three All-Americans.

THE 2010 BULLDOG RECRUITING CLASS AT A GLANCE ...

Jacob Brusehaver (DL • 6-4 • 220 • Hutchinson, Minn. • Hutchinson HS) - Was named one of 10 finalists for the 2009 Mr. Minnesota Football award ... concluded his third, and final year of two-way starting duty (linebacker and fullback) at Hutchinson High School last fall by racking up a team-leading 133 total tackles, including 11 sacks, and rushing for 1,234 yards and 23 touchdowns ... attained All-Missota Conference acclaim on three occasions and was an all-state second team selection as a senior ... captained the Tigers in 2009 ... had a hand in 363 career tackles while playing under head coach Andy Rosberg … also lettered two years in basketball (center) and four years in track (sprints) … is the son of Scott and Liz Brusehaver.
Coach Curt Wiese says: “ Jacob has the potential to be a great all-around defensive end. He's a hard-nosed, physical lineman."

Marc Dahlin (OL • 6-8 • 300 • Verona, Wis. • Edgewood HS) - Started on both the offensive and defensive lines for Edgewood High School in addition to being the club's primary long snapper ... was bestowed with All-Badger South Conference second team and All-Madison Area first team recognition following his farewell prep season ... served as the Crusaders' co-captain as a senior ... helped lead Edgewood High School to a pair of Wisconsin State tournament semifinal berths (2007 and 2008) … played under head coach Alan Minnaert at Edgewood High School ... was rated as a Top 25 national prospect snapper by Kohl's Kicking Camps ... also has participated in baseball (starting pitcher/third baseman/first baseman) with the Crusaders … is the son of David and Susan Dahlin.
Coach Curt Wiese says: “Marc is an aggressive offensive lineman with a lot of upside as a tackle in our zone offense.”

Dan Desorcy (DB • 6-0 • 175 • Plover, Wis. • Stevens Point Area HS) - Reigned as the leading pass catcher for Stevens Point Area High School last fall and was a semifinalist for the Al Toon Award (most outstanding prep receiver in Wisconsin) ... also reeked plenty of havoc while patrolling the Panther defensive secondary the past two seasons for head coach Pete McAdams … was chosen to the 2009 All-Wisconsin Valley Conference team ... has spent four years with the track Panthers, displaying his wares in the sprint events ... is the son of Tom and Peggy Desorcy.
Coach Mike McHugh says: "Dan is an athlete whose skill set should yield a lot of positives at the defensive back position."

Aaron Esala (OL • 6-4 • 300 • Ashland, Wis. • Ashland HS) - His 2009 prep resume included a selection as the Sea Range Conference Outstanding Player of the Year and spots on the Duluth News-Tribune All-Area and Superior Daily Telegram All-Area teams ... anchored the Ashland High School offensive front for two seasons and also handled a starting role as a defensive tackle … captained the 2009 Oredockers ... was coached on the gridiron by Clay North … has shown plenty of athletic prowess in track at Ashland High School (he's an All-Sea Range Conference discus thrower and shot putter) and is a state-recognized power lifter as well … is the son of Gerry and Ann Esala.
Coach Nick Goeser says: "We are excited to sign this hard-working, local prospect. He should be a staple in the Bulldog program for years to come.”

Gavin Grady (LB • 6-3 • 215 • Minnetonka, Minn. • Hopkins HS) – Received his pre-collegiate training at Hopkins High School, where he started for two seasons at linebacker for head coach John Denhartog's Royals … received All-Classic Lake Conference first team honors after captaining the 2009 Royals to a share of their first conference title in 10 years ... paced his teammates in tackles as a senior with 103 total stops en route to being voted the Royals' Most Valuable Defensive Player ... is a two-time Distinguished Academic Award recipient ... also has lettered in baseball (first base and outfield) at Hopkins High School ... is the son of Mike and Pat Grady.
Coach Curt Wiese says: "Gavin is a fast, mobile linebacker who has the ability to play on the inside or outside in our 3-4 scheme."

Yusef Hassan (LB • 6-0 • 220 • Burnsville, Minn. • Burnsville HS) - Owns the distinction of being the first two-year team captain in this history of Burnsville High School football, having been entrusted with those responsibilities in 2008 and 2009 ... paced the Blaze in tackles both as a junior and senior en route to corralling All-Lake Conference honors each time ... started three years at the middle linebacker and long snapper positions for head coach Mark Riggs .... was a 2009 All-State academic pick and the recipient of the Blaze Award (hardest off-season worker) in 2008 and 2009 .... also has made a name for himself in the prep wrestling and track (throws and sprints) circles ... has served as a multi-year captain in both of those sports … is the son of Jihad and Dawn Hassan.
Coach Curt Wiese says: "Yusef is a physical, intelligent linebacker who plays well sideline to sideline."

Kal Herzog (WR • 6-5 • 195 • Eau Claire, Wis.. • Memorial HS) - Follows in the Bulldog footsteps of older brother, junior-to-be offensive lineman Francis Herzog, but made a name for himself for his pass receiving prowess at Eau Claire Memorial High School ... was coached at Memorial High School by Paul Kling ... is the son of Kirk and Debra Herzog.
Coach Nick Goeser says: "Kal is a hard-working athlete who values the Bulldog family and is a terrific addition to the wide receiver corps.”

Tyler Hilar (WR • 6-4 • 205 • Conover, Wis. • Northland Pines HS) – Enjoyed a record-breaking four-year playing career at Northland Pines High School ... established team single-game marks for reception, receiving yards and touchdowns in 2009 and also rolled up more yardage off catches during the season than anyone who has ever put on an Eagle jersey ... served as a 2009 team captain and was chosen Northland Pines High School's Most Valuable Player that year … was coached by Jason Foster, who used him in a variety of positions (wide receiver, quarterback, running back, and safety) … qualified twice for the Wisconsin State High School Track and Field Championships (400-meter run in 2008 and 300-meter hurdles, long jump and 200-meter run) ... earned the Great Northern Conference Athlete of the Year award in track as a junior ... owns five Great Northern Conference track records … is the son of Debra Kretsch.
Coach Nick Goeser says: "“Tyler’s combination of size and speed gives us a great weapon at wide receiver.”

Greg Hynes (QB • 6-2 • 185 • St. Louis Park, Minn. • St. Louis Park HS) – Is St. Louis Park High School's all-time leader in passing yards, total offense, passing touchdowns and total touchdowns ... was a three-year starter for the Orioles -- worked on both sides of the football (quarterback and safety) as well as engaging in some special teams activity (punter and placekicker) ... twice received All-North Suburban Conference acclaim (2008 and 2009) and walked off with the NSC's Most Valuable Offensive Player Award as a junior ... also was an Associated Press All-State honorable mention selection that fall ... captained head coach Andrew Ewald's Orioles in 2009 … also has lettered four times in baseball (pitcher/outfielder/first base) … is the son of John and Laurie Hynes.
Coach Curt Wiese says: "Greg possesses both great athleticism and a strong arm and has developed into a talented quarterback."

Michael Maguire (TE • 6-4 • 220 • Sammamish, Wash. • Eastlake HS) – Becomes the first individual from the state of Washington to enlist his services with the Bulldog football program … took on a starting assignment (wide receiver/tight end/linebacker/defensive end) as a junior and senior at Eastlake High School ... secured All-Kingco 4A Conference status for his play on the defensive interior in 2009 ... averaged 18.0 yards per reception last fall ... played under Wolves head coach Gene Dales ... also made his presence known on the prep hardcourt, lettering three times (forward and center)and captaining the club this past season ... is the son of Jay and Karen Maguire.
Coach Nick Goeser says: “Michael is an extremely athletic tight end who will allow us to spread the field and make his position a big play threat"

Kerwin McKay (DB • 6-0 • 185 • Kettle Moraine, Wis. • Kettle Moraine HS) – Was a Wisconsin Football Coaches Association All-State honorable mention pick in 2009 as well as a All-Classic 8 Conference defensive back (for the second year in a row) ... had a hand in 51 total tackles, including 40 solo stops, and registered seven interceptions as a third-year starter last fall ... also has starred for the Kettle Moraine High School track team for the past four years ... is the son of Thomas and Tammy McKay.
Coach Nick Goeser says: "Kerwin is a big, physical safety who runs to the football well. He will fit nicely into our future defensive secondary plans."

Ryan Miesbauer (RB • 5-9 • 210 • South Range, Wis. • Northwestern HS) – Is the latest in a classy and talented line of Northwestern High School products who have elected to continue their football careers at UMD ... landed the Duluth News Tribune's 2009 All-Area Player of the Year award after captaining the Tiger to the Heart O' North Conference title, an appearance in the WIAA Division 4 semifinals, and a 12-1 overall record ... was a two-time All-Heart O' North Conference pick ... started at fullback and middle linebacker for head coach Dennis Scherz ... rushed for 1,487 yards and scored 21 touchdowns as a senior .. . has developed into one of the best shot put competitors in the state during his four years with the Tiger track team ... placed second in that event at the 2009 Wisconsin Division 2 state meet ... is the son of Darrin and Mary Miesbauer.
Coach Curt Wiese says: " Ryan is a powerful, explosive player who will give us versatility in the backfield."

Andrew Pattock (OL • 6-3 • 295 • Circle Pines, Minn. • Centennial HS) – Spent the past two seasons excelling in the trenches at Centennial High School … put an exclamation point on a rewarding senior season by being named to the Associated Press All-State (honorable mention), Minneapolis Star-Tribune All-Metro and All-Northwest Suburban Conference teams ... served as team captain on a 2009 Cougar club which captured the Northwest Suburban Conference championship as well as the Section 7AAAAA crown ... was coached by Mike Watson …has lettered three times in golf with the Spartans … is the son of Brian and Carroll Pattock.
Coach Curt Wiese says: " Andrew is an athletic, heady offensive lineman whose versatility allows him to play all five positions up front.”

Sam Renk (DB • 5-9 • 165 • Peru, Ill. • LaSalle-Peru Township HS) – Was a dual threat as a All-North Central Illinois Conference quarterback in 2009 ... also saw plenty of field time at the linebacker position during his three years of starting service at LaSalle-Peru High School ... handled a team captaincy assignment as a senior and placed second on the Cavalier rushing charts while topping the club in scoring ... was a 2009 all-state academic honoree played under head coach Joe Sassamo ... has lettered three times in track, qualifying for the state meet in the 100-and 200-meter events ... is the son of of Jim and Kathy Renk.
Coach Mike McHugh says: "Sam is a very intelligent, skilled athlete who will help solidify our defensive back unit.”

Philip Rutz (OL • 6-5 • 270 • Amherst, Wis. • Amherst HS) – Was a four-season fixture on the defensive and offensive fronts for head coach Brian Toelle and the Amherst High School Falcons … received All-Central Wisconsin 8 Conference first team recognition as a junior and was a member of the circuit's second team last fall … has been selected to play on the North Team at the 2010 Wisconsin Football Coaches Association All-Star game this summer … is an all-conference performer in track and field (shot and discus) for the Falcons and has played four years of varsity prep basketball as well … is the son of David and Karin Rutz.
Coach Nick Goeser says: “Phil is a big, athletic offensive lineman that has the potential to be a dominant player in the NSIC.”

Austin Sikorski (RB • 5-10 • 185 • Plover, Wis. • Stevens Point Area HS) – Evolved into a tower of power in the Stevens Point Area High School backfield during the past two seasons .. put the crowning touch on his prep playing days in 2009 by being chosen the Wisconsin Valley Conference's Offensive Player of the Year ... amassed 1,409 yards on the ground and scored 23 touchdowns as a senior ... averaged nearly 8 yards per carry in 2009 for head coach Pete McAdams' Panthers … also was a member of the 2009 Wisconsin Football Coaches Association All-State (honorable mention) and NewsChannel 7 All-Star teams ... was a prep teammate of fellow 2010 Bulldog recruit Dan Desorcy.
Coach Curt Wiese says: Austin is an extremely talented, versatile running back who is a great fit for our scheme.”

Mitch Van Effen (WR • 6-0 • 195 • Escanaba, Mich. • Escanaba HS) – Shifted his game into overdrive in 2009 at Escanaba High School and concluded the year with the Great Northern Conference's Offensive Player of the Year award in his possession ... caught 23 passes for 638 yards -- a whopping 27.7 yards per catch -- and six touchdowns as a senior .... was coached by Dan Flynn .... is the son of Brennan and Janice Van Effen ... his older sister, Amanda, completed her four-year softball career at UMD last spring.
Coach Curt Wiese says: "Mitch is a physical wide receiver with great ball-catching skills. He provides big play potential to an already explosive group."

Mitch Ziegler (TE • 6-3 • 230 • Kenosha, Wis. • Bradford HS) – Had few -- if any -- equals among Wisconsin prep tight ends last season ... was showered with a bevy of postseason honors in 2009, including citations to both the Associated Press All-State and Wisconsin Football Coaches Association All-State teams ... played an integral role in Bradford's conquest of the 2009 Southeast Conference championship (and going unbeaten in league play for the first time since 1959) ... averaged 18.4 yards per catch during the 2009 regular season en route to earning All-Southeast Conference and Milwaukee Journal Sentinel All-Area recognition ... was coached by Jed Kennedy's Bradford High School Red Devils ... Is the son of Mike and Jeanette Ziegler.
Coach Nick Goeser says: "Mitch will be a very productive tight end in our system. He is a solid blocker who has a knack to get open in the field."

(All signings are contingent upon admission to UMD and compliance with NCAA rules, including certification by the NCAA Clearinghouse).

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