Two From The ‘Ridges’: 1 Arizona, 1 Minnesota

Posted on February 8, 2011 by Fritz Jarrett
  • Revealed via Twitter and WDAZ’s Chris Regimbal’s blog, 5-9 190 pound running back PJ Sparks has signed on the dotted line with the Fighting Sioux.  Sparks also had a standing offer from and had committed at one time to South Dakota State.  As we previously mentioned, Sparks is the grandson of former Sioux football great Jim Wiedmann, who played for the Sioux from 1968-1970.  The Mountain Ridge High School product hails from Glendale, AZ.  With Josh Murray no longer in the mix, UND probably felt it needed to add some depth at the RB position in this class.  This is the second year in a row that UND has won out on a late recruit from the state of Arizona against SDSU.  RJ McGill committed to UND and signed late last year after visiting and being offered by the Jackrabbits and Montana State.  Being McGill played against Sparks in high school probably helped the Sioux in this battle. 
  • After a back and forth decision on signing day, 6-2, 195 pound East Ridge High School athlete Dayo Idowu finally signed his national letter of intent today with UND, according to fightingsioux.com.  The Woodbury, MN native played QB in high school and has the potential to play either safety or outside linebacker for the Sioux.  Apparently, there was some family discussion on wanting Dayo to stay closer to home but ultimately he got what he wanted and inked with the Sioux today.
  • The additions of Sparks and Idowu bring the 2011 signing class to 19 and immediately addresses two needs at safety and running back.  These two signings solidify what was already a solid 2011 class for Chris Mussman and the Sioux Football team.
  • The only question now is:  What’s the over/under on how many times Sparks’ sister sings the national anthem during his career at the Alerus?  What we know for sure is that she is much, much better at it than Christina Aguilera. 
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6 Responses to Two From The ‘Ridges’: 1 Arizona, 1 Minnesota

  1. Hambone says:
    February 9, 2011 at 11:17 am

    Any word on DE Milhomme Jean-Charles from NDSCS? It appears he has signed, but it has not yet been officially announced. Do you have any information on that.

    PS – thanks for all the work on the recruiting. It is much appreciated!

    • Avatar of oskie oskie says:
      February 9, 2011 at 11:31 am

      It has been stated that he does not graduate until Spring, therefore, he is not eligible to sign with a college until then. We are assuming he will join the Sioux for summer workouts in May.

  2. UND Fan says:
    February 17, 2011 at 8:00 am

    Three questions:

    1) Are all veterans, other than Murray, back on campus for the second semester?

    2) Who among the freshmen who were redshirted this year will likely see the most playing time next fall?

    3) Are all the recruits that have been announced receiving some level of scholarship assistance? Any word regarding who has accepted our invitation to walk on?

    Thanks!

    • Avatar of oskie oskie says:
      February 17, 2011 at 12:30 pm

      We are going to have a post up soon with some pre-spring ball thoughts and we will address your questions in that. Very good questions!

      As far as recruits, yes, they all are on scholarship or they wouldn’t be announced. We didn’t hear about any Preferred Walk-ons and we feel that is due to roster limitations…at the moment. There is always attrition after spring ball so we expect some additions over the summer.

  3. John says:
    February 22, 2011 at 3:56 pm

    I see Danny Freund was hired. Where did Jace Schillinger go and any word on the O line coaching position?