2 weeks Ago By Dom Izzo
FARGO – North Dakota State head coach Tim Polasek will get a chance to deliver one of his trademark speeches in a big-time setting this weekend. Polasek has been invited to be one of the keynote speakers at the University of Nebraska’s football clinic. “I interviewed at Nebraska for the offensive line job three years ago with head coach Matt Ruhle and that grew into helping NDSU at summer camps,” Polasek said.
“I’ve reached out to a lot of people that I’m available to do speaking engagements, and that can provide some funds to our excellence funds which goes to our players in different ways. It doesn’t hurt to be in an area that we recruit as well.” ADVERTISEMENT The Bison have wrapped up two weeks of practice of spring football and have seen two of its newest additions leave the team.
Cornerback Jalen Peoples and defensive tackle Mason Wilson each are no longer with the program. Sources indicate that Peoples, a former Texas Tech cornerback, had a desire to get closer to his hometown. Wilson, a former Minnesota Duluth starter and Oakdale, MN.
native was battling some concussion issues and his football career is likely over. “We got some bad news with Mason, he had some past concussion things that were cleared,” Polasek said. “He’s just really worried with some symptoms, so we’re going to support him and finish the semester out and then he’ll exit the program.
” Each player was added to the Bison roster after the season to add some depth to those position groups. Polasek added that they will look at the transfer portal again when it opens on April 16. With the expected trimming of Power Four rosters down to 105 players, it’s projected that there will be an excess of talented players there.
There are some players that are back on the field after missing significant time. Senior running back Owen Johnson is back practicing after missing the 16 months. Johnson tore the ACL, LCL, popliteal and had a grade two PCL sprain in his left knee on a run against North Dakota in October 2023.
“I feel like I can pick up where I left off,” Johnson said. “I was lifting with the freshmen all last season, that helped me get physically ready and this injury has taught me I can’t take anything for granted. This spring ball is about getting comfortable again.
I'm a little rusty but I feel good. I just want this spring ball to be about what I need to work on for summer workouts.” HIGHLIGHTS FROM FRIDAY'S PRACTICE: ADVERTISEMENT Johnson is currently third on the depth chart at running back behind Barika Kpeenu and Marty Brown.
Freshman Myles “Money” Mitchell impressed during the open media session, it’s going to be interesting to see how Polasek handles using Mitchell this upcoming season. At the linebacker position, Polasek said that NDSU won’t be as deep as they were last season after the graduations of Nick Kubitz, Luke Weerts and Marcus Gulley. “I don’t know if we’ll ever be as deep as we were last year at linebacker.
” Polasek said. He noted that Nathaniel Staehling continues to move around well after a shoulder surgery sidelined for most of 2024. He won’t be cleared for full contact for another week or so, but Polasek was encouraged with junior Austin Altepeter had a really good couple of practices over the last week.
On the offensive line, Beau Johnson has caught Polasek’s eye. “I told Beau, I’m really excited about you.” Polasek said.
Polasek added he’s encouraged by the progress of junior Devin Lockerby at both guard and tackle and mentioned Moorhead’s Austin Schultz has caught his eye with his toughness. There are a handful of players that are sitting out drills; Logan Kopp, Enock Sibomana and Ray James are three in the linebacker group. Wide receiver RaJa Nelson is not participating after battling a painful injury most of last season.
Redshirt freshman defensive end Matthew Stenbroten is also not practicing. RECRUITING UPDATE There were a handful of 2026 recruits inside the Indoor Practice Facility on Friday to watch practice. The Bison have two commits locked in for the Class of 2026 and are keeping their eyes on Casselton’s Aiden Wunderlich.
The 6-foot-6, 270-pound offensive line prospect picked up his seventh Division I offer on Friday from South Dakota State. Sources indicate he was on the NDSU campus on Thursday as the race is on to get a commitment. #AGTG After a great visit at @NDSUfootball I am honored to say that I have received an offer to play for the National Champs! Thank you @CoachTimNDSU for believing in me! #rollherd @FBCoachLarson @MisterLilly pic.
twitter.com/AAXL4QwN8H NDSU targeted Central Cass’ biggest rival for a scholarship Friday, extending an offer to Kindred sophomore Brooks Bakko. The 6-foot-4 Bakko, a 2027 recruit, is coming off hitting the game-winning shot for the Vikings at the Class A basketball tournament.
He then was offered by the University of Minnesota earlier this week to play football. I asked Bakko last month what sport he was going to pursue in college. ADVERTISEMENT “I haven’t decided yet, I want to see how the recruiting process goes for both sports,” Bakko said.
“Whatever one I’m more comfortable with, whatever opportunity suits me the best is the one I’ll go with.” Bakko was offered to play basketball at the University of North Dakota last year and now has three Division I football offers..
