Collin Knorr of South Prairie High School signed his National Letter of Intent to play football for the North Dakota State Bison. Collin was joined by family, Activities Director Bryan Kramer, and head football coach Justin Wieseler.

South Prairie High School wrapped up for winter break on Wednesday, which makes for an exciting day for the students as they get ready to have time off. For Collin Knorr, his day was even more exciting as he officially took the next step in his athletic career.

As a standout on the gridiron for the Royals, Knorr signed his National Letter of Intent (NLI) to continue his football career at North Dakota State University to play for the Bison. After the ink dried, Knorr officially became the first athlete in South Prairie school history to sign an NLI to play a sport at the Division I level.

Justin Wieseler, the head coach of the South Prairie football team, was in attendance for the signing and he shared his excitement for Knorr, a player he has known and coached for many years who will go play for his favorite college team, too.

“It’s exciting and fun to watch. I got to see him as a seventh grader all the way to a senior now. It’s exciting to watch him grow and develop into the man he is. As a Bison fan, I’m excited to go watch him play the next few years,” Wieseler said.

For Knorr to get to this point, it wasn’t easy. It took a lot of hard work and dedication to get noticed and he even had to make his way to Fargo for an NDSU football camp. But once he made that trip, it all started coming together.

“I was pretty unrecruited coming up to my junior year. I went to the NDSU football camp after that season and I think that was the biggest thing for me,” Knorr said. He added, “I gave that thing my all and they were really impressed with how I performed at the camp, and I was able to commit before my senior season.”

Following the NDSU football camp, it was two Bison staff members that were vital to Knorr’s recruitment. Offensive Coordinator/Tight Ends and Fullbacks Coach Tyler Roehl and Director of Football Recruiting and Player Personnel Ean Deno kept in touch with Knorr throughout the process, making him feel like NDSU was the right fit.

However, Knorr was born into Bison fandom and has family ties to the university, so it almost felt like he was destined to go there. His father Steve played defensive tackle for the Bison football team and his mother Margo ran track and field for the Bison as well.

“I’ve grown up living in North Dakota and having alumni parents. I love NDSU and Bison football. Bison pride has been a big part of my life. Being able to have this opportunity, especially with my dad and being able to take the reins after him is awesome,” Knorr tells The Minot Daily News.

Even though both of his parents are NDSU alumni, Knorr shared that while they did have an influence on his decision, they did not say he had to go to NDSU. Once the offer came in to play for the Bison, Knorr felt like it was a no brainer and that’s where he wanted to go.

As a two-way weapon for the Royals, Knorr will head to Fargo as a tight end for his freshman campaign but is open to doing whatever he can to help the team. “I’m coming in as a tight end, but they can move me to fullback, or I’ve been talking to the linebackers coach, and he’s excited for me. I believe I can play anywhere really.”

With his historic signing, Knorr is showing everyone out there that anything can happen if you work hard and believe in yourself. He believes that his character, drive to be great, and love for the game of football helped him reach this point.

“When I came in, there were guys that were more athletic than me, but I think I wanted it the most out of anybody. I still want it the most out of anybody in North Dakota. I live, breathe, and eat football and I pushed hard for that spot on the roster. I think if you put 110% into anything, you’ll get results,” he said.

For Wieseler and the South Prairie football program, having a player like Knorr come through and make it to the next level helps lay the foundation for the future. He hopes that Knorr’s success will help their kids get more excited about the game and get excited about having a chance to make it to the next level.

When sharing his thoughts on what type of player the Bison are getting in Knorr, Wieseler mentioned that he’s more than just a talented player. “They are getting great leader with good character. Obviously, he’s talented and his body has a good frame. Overall, they are getting a great man and a good culture kid.”

Knorr shared that he believes he will bring a lot of energy and excitement to the Bison program, and that he’s thrilled with the opportunity and ready to get to work.