UND fills need at linebacker with Iowa State transfer

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Jan. 6—GRAND FORKS — The UND football program's latest verbal commitment from the transfer portal was a recruiting process years in the making.

Iowa State linebacker Mason Miller, who gave his verbal commitment to the Fighting Hawks last week, was first recruited by UND head coach Eric Schmidt when Miller was in high school and Schmidt was at the University of Washington.

Miller, a 6-foot-3, 225-pounder coming off a redshirt freshman season in Ames, was first recruited out of Pine Creek High School in Colorado Springs, Colo. He was the No. 7 player in Colorado and No. 107 linebacker in the country for the 2024 class, according to 247Sports.

When Miller committed to Iowa State, he held offers from Washington State and Wyoming. Washington and Wisconsin were showing interest but didn't offer.

Miller played in three games last season for Iowa State.

"(Schmidt) kind of kept in touch and my dad was a high school head coach, and he had a few players play for Schmidt at past schools," Miller said. "I was good enough on the field to be recruited by Washington. That was a blessing and through that I formed a connection with (Schmidt). Him knowing my dad beforehand, Schmidt knows the values of my dad and I. I'm thankful for the opportunity Schmidt gave me."

Miller played middle linebacker in Iowa State's 3-3-5 alingment.

"I didn't fit (the scheme) if I'm being honest, and I'm really excited for a 4-2-5," Miller said. "I can't wait to play in that defense. I'm a downhill type of guy and not afraid to stick my nose into it. I'm not afraid."

Miller committed to UND without taking an on-campus visit. He plans to arrive in Grand Forks this week in preparation for spring ball.

"I'm extremely excited," Miller said. "I'm excited that a coach like Schmidt wanted me in this program. I can't wait to get on campus and work."

As a prep, Miller helped Pine Creek to a 10-3 record in his junior season. He recorded 59 tackles including 41 solo tackles. On offense, he rushed for 1,311 yards and 14 touchdowns.

UND is in need of help at linebacker, as the team graduates captain Malachi McNeal, a first-team all-Missouri Valley Football Conference selection.

Also this offseason, UND has added Army transfer linebacker Jake Starcevic, who played high school football at Thompson and Kindred. Starcevic played at Army Prep, so he still has four years of eligibility remaining.

With Starcevic considered a prep signee, Miller was the third defensive addition from the college ranks this season joining defensive backs Marquis Edmond of Virginia State and Travis Hines II of Iowa Western.

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