Bison CB situation a mystery going into spring

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FARGO — North Dakota State will begin spring football practice next week with very little depth at cornerback. It does, however, appear some help will come in fall practice.

Bison head coach Craig Bohl said Zach Colvin, a 2010 recruit, will join the team. With Freddie Banks, Josh Gatlin and Derrius Colvin graduating, NDSU is looking for corners.

NDSU returns sophomore Marcus Williams and junior Brendin Pierre, who between them started 15 games last season. Pierre missed seven games with a broken wrist.

After that, junior Aireal Boyd transferred from the North Dakota State College of Science and Bohl said redshirt freshman safety Christian Dudzik may be switched to cornerback.

The Bison signed two high school cornerbacks in February in Jordan Champion from Avondale, Ariz., and C.J. Smith from Burnsville, Minn. Redshirt freshman Wes Hudson, who was a cornerback last fall, has been switched to running back.

Cornerback is one position where NDSU may consider a transfer.

“It’s important for us to find some depth at cornerback,” Bohl said. “It’s probably our biggest need. We can make do with what we have but if we have any injuries, that could be a challenging position.”

Zach Colvin, who is unrelated to Derrius Colvin, was part of the much-heralded 2010 signing day class that saw seven of the 22 high school recruits play as true freshmen. But he did not meet NCAA academic standards and has spent this school year regaining his eligibility.

He’s able to do strength training, but cannot participate in any team meetings or practices.

Bohl said running back Mike Sigers will miss spring practice to concentrate on academics. Sigers is the third veteran player who will be on the sidelines joining linebacker Brandon Jemison (hip surgery) and receiver Warren Holloway (injured knee). All three are expected back this fall.

Kolpack is a sports reporter for The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead, which is owned by Forum Communications Co.

Tags: college football, sports, bison, ndsu