UND's 2027 football recruiting class up to 16 members after string of camp commitments

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Jun. 19—GRAND FORKS — The UND football program's 2027 recruiting class took a jump in members recently after hosting its largest prospect camp.

The Fighting Hawks' number of committed 2027 prospects is now at 16 following the additions of Bellevue (Neb.) wide receiver Bryce Johnson Jr., Aitkin (Minn.) linebacker-fullback Parker Fulton, West Salem (Wis.) offensive lineman Luke Grube, New Ulm (Minn.) offensive lineman Isaiah Friese and Phoenix offensive lineman Shane Reiersgaard.

Reiersgaard held offers from North Texas, Sacramento State, Northern Arizona, Southern Utah and others.

"The facilities were so nice," said Reiersgaard, who has family in Bismarck and Brainerd. "They were probably some of the best ones I've seen going around to camps."

Reiersgaard, who's 6-foot-3 and 275 pounds as a 17-year-old, plays at the highest level of high school football in Arizona.

"Feeling super excited," he said. "I can't wait. It was a pretty big decision, and I'm excited to get up there and get to work."

Fulton, who's 6-foot-2 and 230 pounds, has been adjusting to playing some fullback for college recruiters.

"I've never really played tight end or fullback, but I block a lot as a running back in our wishbone offense," said Fulton, who also plays hockey.

"My dream has always been to play Division I, and I've always been shooting for that," Fulton said. "I have a goal sheet by my bed and the No. 1 on it is playing Division I football.

"I think I'm a very physical football player. I also think I'm a good leader. I'm a captain in both of my sports. My passion and love for football is far beyond anyone I know. After the UND junior day, I felt like there was no school around I'd rather be at. It felt like home. The coaches made me feel at home, and my parents loved it there."

Grube, who's 6-4 and 275 pounds, held offers from St. Thomas and Drake, as well as most of the top programs in the Northern Sun Conference.

"I had a really good camp (at UND), and it felt right," Grube said. "As soon as I left Coach Schmidt's office and them talking about the offer, I got in my car and was thinking this might be the place."

Grube liked UND's weight room and nutrition options.

"The coaches treat you like part of the family," he said. "At camp, they give you tips and pull you aside. They had great hospitality there. That sealed the deal for me."

Friese, who's 6-5 and 260 pounds, said the coaches like how well he moves and his flexibility.

"I am so excited to be part of the Hawk family," he said. "I'm super excited to get up there again and be around the guys. I want to work my butt off for Schmidt and Olson. I really like the team culture. They had a sense of brotherhood within the locker room. I'm looking forward to being around that and a good fan base."

Johnson Jr., who's 6-1 and 170 pounds, also held an offer from Northern Iowa. In his junior year, he had 980 receiving yards on 43 catches with nine touchdowns.

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