UND left tackle Trace Thaden lands on Athletic's 101 Freaks List for all of college football

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Aug. 11—GRAND FORKS — After UND football practice Monday morning, left tackle Trace Thaden had only heard some minor buzz from teammates in the locker room about some national recognition.

"Something about a freak and a list, and I said I don't know what you're talking about and just ran out here," Thaden said.

Thaden, who's entering his second season as the starter protecting quarterback Jerry Kaminski's blind side, was named to the annual 101 Freaks List of all of college football, as picked by the Athletic's Bruce Feldman.

"They were the players who could jump ridiculously high or far (usually both) or were able to run exceptionally fast for someone who was 325 pounds or 6-foot-7," Feldman explained of the origin of the Freak List.

Thaden was No. 75. South Carolina wide receiver Nyck Harbor was No. 1.

The highest-ranked FCS player was Central Arkansas defensive tackle Trevion Traylor at No. 15. In the Missouri Valley Football Conference, South Dakota State quarterback Chase Mason was No. 28, while Youngstown State offensive lineman Desmeal Leigh was No. 30.

"Credit to the Missouri Valley Football Conference school for its evaluation," Feldman wrote of Thaden. "The Fighting Hawks went into Nebraska, to Millard West High in Omaha, and believed the 6-7, 240-pound tight end, who also played basketball and did track and field, would grow into being a gifted offensive tackle.

"Thaden had opportunities to jump to the Power 4 level since then but opted to stay loyal to North Dakota."

Thaden is now 6-feet, 7.75 inches and 305 pounds. He has 34-inch arms and a 6-8.25 inch wingspan. His vertical jump is 32 inches.

UND offensive coordinator Danny Freund was on the Fighting Hawks' staff when Thaden was recruited out of high school. After spending the last two seasons at South Dakota State and Washington State, respectively, Freund is entering his first season back as the play-caller in Grand Forks.

"When Trace came to camp, he was a big tight end and you could see him move around," Freund said. "We always thought he could grow into that tackle. The last couple of years, watching from afar, he has all the traits you're looking for at that position. In the weight room, he's taken a step in the last year and a half. Being back with him now, he's become a great leader. His best football I think will be his senior year."

Thaden said he arrived at UND at 235 pounds, playing his first full season at tight end.

When he reached 260 pounds, UND started to use Thaden in goal-line packages. Shortly after that, Thaden transitioned full time to the offensive line.

"We had some guys get hurt, and they said we'll probably move you eventually so we'll move you now," Thaden said. "To make the team better, if that means I get to play more, that's what I'm going to do."

Thaden said the transition was natural. His dad was an offensive lineman at Northern State in Aberdeen, S.D., and Trace's brother Tyler Thaden is an up-and-coming guard prospect within the UND program.

"We know how to eat," Thaden said of his family.

Earlier this summer, FCS Football Central had a glowing breakdown of Thaden's NFL prospects. He was labeled the FCS' best pass protector, run blocker and athlete.

"I have ability; that's what people tell me," Thaden said. "I just work to get better. I've only been playing offensive line for three full years; this will be my fourth, so I want to get better every day."

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