Football | 2/4/2015 3:43:00 PM

Bismarck, N.D. – University of Mary head football coach, Josh Kotelnicki announced 27 commitments for the 2015 football season. The class includes 15 North Dakota high school student-athletes and 21 total recruits from in-state and bordering states.

This is the first full-year recruiting class for Kotelnicki and his staff. Kotelnicki became the Marauders head coach in January 2014 and had about a month before national signing day.

2015 University of Mary Football Recruiting Class

Tritan Aberle (S, 6-0, 185, Colstrip, Mont. / Colstrip HS)
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An all-conference performer at Colstrip High School, Tritan Aberle was a team captain for four years. In addition to earning first team all-conference recognition at wide receiver as a senior, he was a second team selection his junior year. A three-sport athlete, Aberle also competes in basketball and track. A member of the National Honor Society and selected for the all-state band, Tritan is the son of Scott and Jodie Aberle and intends to pursue a degree in physical therapy at the University of Mary.

Nick Benshetler (OL, 6-3, 285, Palmer, Alaska / Palmer HS)
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An all-state offensive lineman for Palmer High School in Palmer, Alaska, Nick Benshetler also played on the defensive line. Nick is the son of Charles and Simona Benshelter and will major in marketing at the University of Mary.

Grady Blewett (LB, 6-1, 200, Belgrade, Mont. / Belgrade HS)
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A two-time all-state linebacker at Belgrade High School, Grady Blewett helped the Panthers to consecutive conference championships in 2013 and 2014 and a trip to the state semifinals in 2013. Blewett recorded 80 tackles and four sacks plus scored three touchdowns as a senior and team captain. He also forced and recovered a fumble. For his career he registered 150 tackles and earned all-conference honors at outside linebacker after his junior season and inside linebacker his season year. Blewett is a three sport athlete, competing in wrestling and track. A member of the chamber choir and Spanish club and selected to the academic all-state football team in 2014, Grady is the son of Marlo Arthun and Keith Blewett and will pursue a business communication degree at the University of Mary.

Michael Buster (RB, 5-11, 210, Laurel, Mont. / Laurel HS)
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A first team all-state running for Laurel High School, Michael Buster ran the ball 157 times for 917 yards and 11 touchdowns. He also was named to the all-conference first team and was honorable mention at defensive end while leading his team to a record of 7-4. As a junior Buster was second team all-conference at running back and an honorable mention selection at linebacker as Laurel finished 7-4. LHS was 9-2 his sophomore season. He finished his career with 2,123 yards on 354 attempts and 31 total touchdowns. Buster also runs track, competing in the 100, 200 and 400 meter dashes. Off the field he is a four-time academic all-state selection for football and track, a member of Torch & Laurel Society, the National Honor Society, National Academy of Future Physicians & Medical Scientists Award of Excellence, is a three-time recipient of Civic Awareness Award, and a recipient of a Character Counts Scholarship. The son of Marcella and William Buster, Michael will pursue the biology and pre-med program at the University of Mary.   

Josh DeCann (WR, 5-11, 170, Little Falls, Minn. / Little Falls Community HS)
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A team captain and an academic all-state performer from Little Falls, Minn., Josh DeCann will play wide receiver for the Marauders. He had 104 yards receiving and three for three 2-point conversions as a senior. A two-year starter in football, DeCann is also a four-time letter winner in golf. Little Falls head football coach Jay DeCann is Josh's father and coached collegiately in the Northern Sun at Minot State University and Northern State University. Josh is the son of Wendy and Jay DeCann and currently has a sister attending the University of Mary. He plans to study pursue the biology and pre-chiropractic program at U-Mary. 

Spencer Floberg (TE, 6-3, 240, Richardton, N.D. / Richardton-Taylor HS)
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An all-state second team selection as a senior, Spencer Floberg led Richardton-Taylor High School to a 9-2 record, second place in the conference and quarterfinals of the North Dakota playoffs. Floberg was a team captain as a senior and caught 11 passes for 114 yards and four touchdowns. Additionally he earned All-Region second team and first team all-conference honors as a senior. As a junior, he was named to the All-Region first team and the all-conference second team. Floberg finished his career with 21 catches for 220 yards and eight touchdowns. A multi-sport athlete, he also competed in basketball and track & field. Academically he is a member of the National Honor Society, the high school honor roll, and claimed academic all-region first team honors as a junior and senior.  The son of Lea and Bryan Floberg, Spencer will major in exercise science or physical therapy at the University of Mary.

Jakob Gallagher (OL, 6-4, 255, Scottsdale, Ariz. / Notre Dame Prep)
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All-section offensive lineman Jakob Gallagher was a team captain at Notre Dame Prep. He was a D2 Section 7 All-Central Region second team offensive lineman as a senior after earning honorable mention honors as a junior. A retirement home volunteer, Jakob is the son of Julie and Jared Vishney and intends to pursue a business degree at the University of Mary.

Jackson Grad (DT, 5-11, 245, Bismarck, N.D. / St. Mary's Central HS)
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A two-time all-state player, Jackson Grad helped lead St. Mary's Central High School to two straight North Dakota state championships. A team captain, Grad earned first team all-state honors as an offensive lineman as a junior in 2013 and first team honors as a defensive lineman in 2014. He recorded 65 tackles (31 solo), nine tackles for a loss, six sacks, had an interception and a fumble recovery as a senior. The Saints most valuable lineman his junior year, Grad was a three-time all-conference selection, first as an honorable mention choice as a sophomore before claiming first team honors the nest tow seasons. A three-sport athlete, he also competes in wrestling and track & field. The son of Meghan and Loren Grad, Jackson will major in biology at the University of Mary.

Darryl Grady (OL, 6-4, 255, New Town, N.D. / New Town HS)
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A two sport athlete, Darryl Grady played both football and basketball at New Town High School. He is already a two-time all-district basketball player and has scored over 1,000 points in his career. The son of Jennifer Grady, Darryl is currently undecided on major at the University of Mary.

Paul Guptill (WR, 6-1, 170, Quinn, S.D. / Phillip HS)
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An all-state running back as a senior at Phillip High School in South Dakota, Paul Guptill set school records with 2,106 yards rushing and 40 touchdowns in 2014. He also caught 15 passes for 358 yards and made 28 tackles as a defensive back. The team captain, Guptill helped Phillip go undefeated during the regular season to win a conference title and finish 10-1, was named the offensive and special teams most valuable player, the MVP of the conference and a first team all-conference selection. Guptill also earned all-state honors as a punter and was a first team all-conference choice as a junior. He finished his career with over 4,000 rushing yards. In addition to football he also competes in track and basketball. An honor roll student, Guptill is also class president, serves on the student council, is in the National Honor Society and FCA, and works on community service projects through his church. The son of Mary Lou and Pat Guptill, Paul is the brother of Marauders student-athletes Troy, the all-time Marauders tackle for loss leader. Paul will pursue a biology degree at the University of Mary.

Hunter Hanson (OL, 6-5, 290, Fargo, N.D. / Fargo South HS)
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An all-state lineman at Fargo South High School, Hunter Hanson helped the Bruins to a state title in 2013 and the state semifinals in 2014. Hanson was selected to the EDC all-conference team and was named his team's offensive lineman of the year as a senior. South finished 9-4 in 2013 and 8-3 in 2014. A multi sport athlete, Hanson also plays baseball and is a thrower in track & field. The son of Ty and Carrie Hanson, Hunter intends to pursue a criminal justice degree at the University of Mary.

Daniel Hudrlik (DE, 6-3, 225, Ironton, Minn. / Crosby-Ironton HS)
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A three-time all-conference performer for Crosby-Ironton High School, Daniel Hudrlik also earned all-region honors as a junior and senior in 2013 and 2014. A team captain as a senior, he earned team most valuable player honors four times (2011-14) and has played quarterback, wide receiver, running back, defensive end, safety, punter and kicker in his career. A three-sport athlete, he is a team captain in basketball and has scored over 1,000 points in his hoops career. Hudrlik also runs track. A volunteer with elementary football and basketball camps and Special Olympics, Daniel is one of 12 children and attends the Hudrlik Homeschool Academy. The son of Mark and Kolly Hudrlik, Daniel is currently undecided on his academic program at the University of Mary.

Eric Knutson (OLB, 6-3, 205, Minot, N.D. / Des Lacs-Burlington HS)
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All-State linebacker Eric Knutson led Des Lacs-Burlington High School to the North Dakota playoffs as a junior and a senior. Des Lacs-Burlington was the region champion and advanced to the semifinals in 2013 and fell in the first round in 2014. A team captain and co-most valuable player, Knutson was names the squad's most valuable linebacker after leading the team in defensive points and rushing yards. In addition to all-state honors, he was a two-time all-region and all-conference selection. The son of Tonya Knutson and Dave Knutson, Eric will major in athletic training at the University of Mary.

Christopher Kraft (LB, 6-1, 210, Bismarck, N.D. / Century HS)
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A first team all-state quarterback his senior season at Century High School, Christopher Kraft was his team's offensive most valuable player and special teams co-most valuable player in 2014. He threw for 1,258 yards and 14 scores while running for 866 yards and 15 touchdowns. Kraft posted the second most points scored in a single season at CHS (92), is third in total points scored in a single game (24) and threw for the fifth most yards in a single game (256) last year. A team captain as a junior and senior, Kraft earned the outstanding sophomore and outstanding junior awards each of those seasons. He was an honorable all-conference selection as a sophomore and junior. A member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, the National Honor Society, the Century SADD organization and Patriot Ambassadors, as well as other organizations, Chris is the son of Mike and Jean Kraft. The valedictorian of his graduating class, Kraft will pursue a degree in physical therapy.

Noah Krebs (S, 6-0, 185, Bismarck, N.D. / St. Mary's Central HS)
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The North Dakota Class AA Senior of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year in 2014, Noah Krebs led St. Mary's to back-to-back state football championships. A team captain, the Saints posted a record of 23-1 in his last two seasons. A first team linebacker as a junior and senior, he also earned first team all-conference in 2013 and 2014 and was the West Region Player of the Year in his final year. As a senior, Krebs posted 57 tackles (42 solo), 12 tackles for loss, five sacks, an interception and a defensive touchdown. Offensively he ran for 1,192 yards and 21 touchdowns on 155 carries. In addition to football he also runs track. A member of the National Honor Society, Knights of Virtue, an all-state musician, and an assistant chaplain, Noah is the son of two University of Mary graduates, Vance and Sandra Krebs.

Carter Mauch (LB, 6-2, 200, Hankinson, N.D. / Hankinson HS)
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All-state linebacker Carter Mauch led Hankinson High School to the state semifinals as a senior in 2014. Also a team captain his final season, Mauch was an all-region selection as both a junior and senior. A multi-sport athlete, he also plays baseball and basketball. The son of Joseph and Stacey Mauch, Carter will major in business at the University of Mary.

Joe Mayer (WR, 6-2, 180, Dickinson, N.D. / Dickinson Trinity HS)
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A two-time all-state performer at Dickinson Trinity High School, Joe Mayer collected second team honors as a junior before receiving first team recognition as a senior. Team captain as a senior, he caught 36 passes for 481 yards and nine touchdowns in 2014. A multi-sport athlete, Mayer also competes in basketball, baseball and track. A member of the honor roll, the National Honor Society and the school band, Joe is the son of Peggy and Todd Mayer and will pursue a pre-med and biology degree at the University of Mary.

Harley Mollman (WR, 6-3, 167, Buffalo, S.D. / Harding County HS)
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A two-time all-state performer, team captain Harley Mollman helped Harding County win a state title as a sophomore in 2012 advanced to at least the semifinal round the last two seasons. As a senior, Mollman caught 47 passes for 893 yards and 15 touchdowns to earn all-state and all-conference honors. He picked up all-state and all-conference honors as a junior for his efforts at safety and was honorable mention all-conference his sophomore season. For his career Mollman finished with 78 receptions for 1,574 yards and 28 touchdowns and earned team playmaker, best defensive player and best offensive player honors. An academic all-state selection, Mollman also competes in track and baseball. A member of the National Honor Society, Harley is the son of Jennifer Wickstrom and Craig Mollman and intends to major in business at the University of Mary.

Jaren Olson (DE, 6-1, 220, Bismarck, N.D. / Bismarck HS)
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A defensive lineman at Bismarck high School, Jaren Olson helped the Demons to a second place finish in North Dakota Class AAA football as a junior in 2013 and a spot in the semifinals in 2014. He won a North Dakota State A Team Wrestling Title in 2014 and also plays baseball. A member of the National Honor Society, Sources of Strength, the prom committee, and a volunteer with youth football and wrestling, Jaren is the son of Rhonda, the head athletic trainer at U-Mary, and Lance Olson. His older brother Kyler played baseball for the Marauders. Jaren will pursue an exercise science/athletic training degree at the University of Mary.

Rory Olson (OL, 6-5, 285, Hazen, N.D. / Hazen HS)
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A second team all-state offensive lineman as a senior, Rory Olson helped Hazen High School to consecutive state championships in 2012 and 2013 with a semi-final finish in 2014 that ended the school's 30-game win streak. A two-way starter on both the offensive and defensive lines and a team captain as a senior, he posted 35 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, forced two fumbles and had an interception in his final season. For his career he made 53 tackles, had 20 tackles for loss, recovered two fumbles and intercepted a pass. His efforts earned him first team all-conference honors as a senior and an honorable mention selection as a junior. Olson also received first team all region recognition as a senior and second team honors following his junior season. A team captain in hockey, he also competed in golf in high school. A member of FBLA and CCLA, he has earned high honors this year. Ben is the son of Kari and Mark Olson and will major in business at the University of Mary.

Dakota Rand (DT, 6-5, 265, Garrison, N.D. / Garrison HS)
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An all-region selection, Dakota Rand played both offensive and defensive line for Garrison High School. A two-sport athlete, Rand also plays basketball. Dakota is the son of Cheryl Glock and is undecided on a major at the University of Mary.

Logan Steen (OL, 6-5, 290, Grand Forks, N.D. / Red River HS)
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An all-state offensive lineman at Red River High School, Logan Steen was nominated to play in the Mon-Dak Bowl. A member of the honor roll, Steen is involved with Special Olympics and has over 100 hours of community service. The son of Carla and Scott Steen, Logan will major in business at the University of Mary.

Ben Twist (CB, 5-11, 162, Dickinson, N.D. / Dickinson)
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Ben Twist earned first team North Dakota Class AAA all-state football honors this season for his efforts at Dickinson High School. The team's defensive most valuable player, Twist recorded 51 tackles, 16 solo stops, 4.5 tackles for loss and broke up four passes. He also earned 2014 American Family Insurance All-USA team defensive back honors and was an all-conference wide receiver. Twist is a long and triple jumper in track. A member of the National Honor Society and a mentoring program, Ben is the son of Roy and Noy Twist and will pursue degrees in business administration and accounting at the University of Mary.

Josh Weiler (K, 6-0, 160, Fargo, N.D. / South HS)
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The North Dakota AAA Special Teams Player of the Year as both a junior and a senior, Josh Weiler helped lead Fargo South High School to a state championship in 2013. The USA Today's all-state kicker his senior year, he was also the Eastern Dakota Conference special teams player of the year the last two seasons. South's primary kicker three straight years, Weiler converted 41-of-45 extra points and his lone field goal attempt as a sophomore in 2012. In 2013 he was 56-of-59 on extra points and 7-of-9 on field goals with a long of 51. He capped his career by making 47-of-49 extra points and finishing 4-of-5 on field goals with a long of 43. Weiler finished his career as the Bruin's all-time leader in career extra points made and single season extra points converted. A multi-sport athlete, he was a first team all-state soccer player as a senior and a second team selection as a junior. Weiler, the team soccer captain and team most valuable player both his junior and senior seasons, also competes in basketball and baseball. A member of the honor choir, French Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and a volunteer for Special Olympics, Josh is the son of David and Paula Weiler. His dad, David, is a U-Mary graduate and was a thrower for the Marauders track & field team. Josh will pursue a degree in biology at the University of Mary.  

Garrett Weissinger (WR, 6-0, 185, Phoenix, Ariz. / Sunrise Mountain HS)
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An all-conference wide receiver as a junior, Garrett Weissinger was a team captain and helped his school earn a section championship. A multi-sport athlete, he owns the school record in the 100 meter hurdles (14.86 seconds). Student body president and a four-year member of the school's honor role, Garrett is the son of Richard and Shannon Weissinger and will major in political science at the University of Mary.


TRANSFERS

Zack Graves (RB, 5-9, 185, Jr., Rocklin, Calif. / Whitney HS / Sierra College)
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Zack Graves is a 2009 graduate of Whitney High School, where he ran for 2,783 yards and 39 touchdowns as a senior and led the Wildcats to a 13-0 record. For his high school career Graves ran for 4,218 yards and 55 touchdowns. He joined the Marauders this winter after transferring from Sierra College, where he ran for 1,200 yards and 11 touchdowns and caught 27 passes for 205 yards and four scores to earn all-conference honors. The son of Kathy and Bryan Graves, Zack will major in mass communication at the University of Mary.

Sam Saucedo (WR, 6-0, 175, Jr., Altadena, Calif. / Pasadena HS / East Los Angeles College)
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A 2011 graduate from Pasadena High School, Sam Saucedo was named the Pacific League All-Conference second team punting honors as a senior. He joins the Marauders from East Los Angeles College and is currently enrolled at the University of Mary.

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