Northwestern College Head Football coach Matt McCarty and his staff announced the commitments from 44 high school standouts on National Signing Day.
The largest number of recruits ever announced on Signing Day by Northwestern, this class joins a Red Raider team that finished the 2018 season ranked 12th in the NAIA with a 9-2 record.
“We are extremely excited to have each of these young men continue to pursue excellence at Northwestern. I am thankful for the work our coaching staff has put in building relationships with these young men and their families. Our admissions office, faculty and staff have done a tremendous job helping each of these recruits feel at home at Northwestern,” stated Northwestern Head Coach Matt McCarty.
The 44-member class comes from 13 different states, the most coming from both South Dakota and Missouri (8), seven from Iowa and six from Minnesota. Coming in, 21 players on offense, 19 on defense, two kickers and two utility or “athlete”. The largest position group is along the offensive line (10) and defensive line (7).
“This is our largest class of recruits on signing day,” commented McCarty. “There is great excitement within our program and each of these players will help us continue to build a championship culture. There are players at every position in this group that can compete at a high level and help us continue to get better. We look forward to working with each one of these athletes.”
Northwestern has been both a playoff team and NAIA Scholar Team each of past 2 seasons, one only two programs that can say that (Reinhardt).
Area athletes include:
Travis Grover OL 6’5 270 Spencer
Notes: All District, Academic All District, State Qualifier Shot Put
Marshall Kleinhesselink DE 6’2 235 Sheldon
Notes: Team Captain, All District, Academic All District
Jake Lynott Ath 5’10 185 West Sioux/Augustana
Notes: SC Journal Player of the Year, All State, Academic All State, State Champion
Michael Storey WR/DB 6’3 185 Spencer
Notes: 2x All State, Shrine Bowl
