UND football mailbag: QB race, new coach impressions, rising stars and more

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Mar. 26—GRAND FORKS — With the UND football program at the midway point of spring football practices, the Herald asked readers to submit questions for Fighting Hawks beat reporter Tom Miller.

Q. The defense hasn’t been the greatest over the past two years, particularly on third-and-long. Can you give us an optimistic outlook for that side of the ball for 2024?

A. If you’re looking for optimism, I’d point to cornerback, where I’ve felt for the past couple of seasons that UND was going to be solid at corner eventually with the development of Antonio Bluiett and Jamal Dixon. This should be the season we see if that comes to fruition. What I didn’t see coming, though, was also the emergence of junior college transfer Devin Hembry, who’s UND’s best corner as it sits today and a potential all-conference performer. I’m also curious about the emergence of Avery Scott, the Division II transfer who seems to have his hands on a lot of passes this spring.

Q. What is the mood/energy level like with the new coaches?

A. It’s certainly different. Danny Freund was at practice for a long time, and he’s a vocal, high-energy type personality. New offensive coordinator Isaac Fruechte is also vocal, but he’s going to voice his displeasure from time to time more than the two coordinators before him. That’s not a criticism, however. Perhaps it’s even what the roster needed with new blood on the coaching staff. For what it’s worth, the buzz — not just the on-camera fluff — is players are liking Fruechte’s approach.

Q. Any defensive changes being made in scheme that you can see?

A. I haven’t noticed any changes to scheme at practice. I think defensive coordinator Joel Schwenzfeier is willing to adapt personnel to opponents, and we have seen some of that since he took over. However, at spring ball, you’re most likely to witness mostly the…

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Author : Grand Forks Herald

Publish date : 2024-03-27 00:33:00

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