GRAND FORKS -- Garrison Goodman, a linebacker from San Ramon Valley High School in California, didn't take his recruiting visit to North Dakota until Jan. 2. The low temperature in Grand Forks on Jan. 2 was minus-22 degrees.
Welcome to North Dakota.
Goodman, however, wasn't fazed. He was so impressed with UND and its players, facilities and tradition that he signed a national letter of intent Wednesday to play for the Sioux.
"I was simply surprised," Goodman said of his initial visit to UND. "I wanted to check out all of my options and I didn't want to write anything off.
"The school and facilities are amazing. I found myself fitting in and I'm excited to get there and help them continue their tradition."
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Goodman, who rivals.com lists as a two-star recruit, was one of 20 high school players to sign at UND. The recruiting class is tilted toward offensive linemen (six signees) and linebackers (five signees) -- UND's two areas of need.
As the Sioux move into their second Division I FCS season, the program's recruiting area was widened. UND signed players from nine states and were actively recruiting in 10.
"Signing day for a football coach always is a good day," UND coach Chris Mussman said. "It means that all of the effort you put in during the last few months has come to an end. I feel pretty good about this class. We had some needs to fill and I feel we've addressed those positions."
Goodman may be the steal of the class. He's a 6-foot-2, 215-pound inside linebacker whose team ran a 3-4 defensive alignment, just like UND. One recruiting service had him ranked No. 66 among the country's high school linebackers.
UND also signed three North Dakota players -- Larimore's Karl Hager, Park River's Jay Jelinek and Sargent Central's Caleb Nelson.
Hager is an all-state selection who may play in the defensive backfield. Jelinek, also an all-state selection, is targeted as a fullback. Nelson is projected as an offensive lineman.
Mussman said recruiting for 2009 may not be over.
"Everyone covets a cornerback," Mussman said, indicating the search for a few more skill players with speed is still in the works.
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