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Norby Commits to UND

By Craig Olson, 06/02/20, 10:30PM CDT

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Jaden Norby, who just finished his junior year at Ashby High School, has committed to the University of North Dakota where he will play football for the Fighting Hawks. 

“The recruiting process was really new to my family and me, but we always communicated things over,” said Norby.  “I got offered in March, since then the UND coaches have been in contact with me at least twice a week.  Either over a phone call or a zoom call with the tight end coach, Shawn Kostich, to analyze film of me running routes.  He was basically coaching me before I made my decision and it felt right for me to commit to UND.  They have a great Med School and going into physical therapy it would be the perfect place to pursue that career.”

“As a staff we are extremely proud of Jaden and so excited to see what the future holds for him,” said WCA/Ashby Head Coach Nate Wood.  “He is a joy to have in our program and is a role model for so many younger students.  Jaden has a wide array of qualities that will make him a successful D1 player.  He is blessed with impressive strength and athleticism.  This is paired with extreme intrinsic motivation to improve.  He has put many hours in to be the best that he can.  He also has so many other intangibles that will make him successful in college and in life.”

The 6-4, 240 pound three-sport athlete is projected as a tight end for UND after playing quarterback and linebacker for the West Central Area/Ashby Knights football team.

“Tight end seems like a combination of many spots on the field,” noted Norby.  “You gotta be able to block and at the same time be able to go out and catch balls.  Playing QB/RB/LB has helped me be a more versatile player and able to play a position like tight end in college.  With my size, it will help to excel at the TE role.”

Norby ran the ball 112 times for 574 yards (5.1 yards per carry) and scored 15 touchdowns during his junior year.  He also completed 45-of-109 passes for 615 yards and 3 TD’s.  On defense he recorded 46.5 tackles for the Knights.

“The loss in the section semifinal to Osakis was a big hit last fall, but they had a well-coached team,” stated Norby.  “Goals for our team this coming year are to get past that spot and get to the section finals.  It won’t be easy, but it starts with work in the offseason. We have a lot of talented players coming back, so I’m excited about playing this coming season.”

Norby credits his Youth and Junior High Football coach Kevin Fick as having ingrained in him why football was much more than a game.  “All of the hills, springs, and push-ups might not seem fun at the time, but the thought of getting better and stronger made me like the game that much more,” recalled Norby.  “Coach Fick helped me get the mindset that this sport isn’t going to be easy.”

Jaden said that Coach Fick would come to his house to help him work on passing, the option flip, the rollout pass, while also helping him in the weight room.  “These things have all stuck with me when I play today and have helped me become a better person overall.”

“Jaden is a good student, he is loyal to his teammates, kind to everyone, and humble,” said Coach Wood.  “When I was in South Dakota I coached against Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert and I find myself noticing similarities between Jaden and Dallas.  I truly believe the sky’s the limit for Jaden.”