Senior tackle Matt Waletzko has been the apple of many NFL Scouts’ eyes throughout the University of North Dakota’s fall camp. Waletzko was named the NFLPA’s Collegiate Bowl Watch List on Friday as one of 43 offensive tackles on the list and one of just seven from the Football Championship Subdivision.

The consensus Preseason All-American by Stats Perform, Phil Steele, and HERO Sports, Waletzko was also named to the 2022 Reese’s Senior Bowl Watch List earlier this month. The Cold Springs, Minn., product earned Second Team All-Missouri Valley Football Conference honors this past spring, paving the way for All-American running back Otis Weah and a share of the MVFC regular-season title.

Waletzko, a sociology major, returned last year from a season-ending injury sustained six games into 2019, anchoring an offensive line alongside All-American Nathan Nguon that allowed the fewest number of negative plays in UND’s history (24) and only two sacks in 203 pass attempts. The North Dakota offense led the FCS in the fewest tackle for losses allowed, while its sack total ranked third in the NCAA and led the MVFC.

In addition to his on-field performance last spring, Waletzko was named the Missouri Valley Football Conference’s All-Academic Team at season’s end.

Montgomery to join Fighting Hawks hockey for 2021-22 season

In hockey news, University of North Dakota head coach Brad Berry announced the addition of forward Dane Montgomery to the 2021-22 roster on Friday. Montgomery will join the Fighting Hawks immediately and will carry four seasons of eligibility.

“We are excited to have Dane join our North Dakota family,” said Berry. “He possesses all the aspects of what we look for in student-athletes. We look forward in Dane adding to the North Dakota tradition.”

Montgomery returns to Grand Forks following three seasons with Waterloo of the United States Hockey League (USHL). There, the forward scored 17 goals and added 25 assists for 42 points in 96 career games. Last season, the Grand Forks native battled through an injury-plagued season to post a career-high in goals (8), assists (23) and points (25) in just 28 contests. He also served as the team captain last season for the Blackhawks.

Prior to his junior career, Montgomery put together a strong season for Grand Forks Red River during the 2017-18 year, scoring 17 goals and dishing 20 helpers for 37 points in just 25 games, often playing on a line with fellow freshman Jackson Kunz. Montgomery also potted 71 points (30 G, 41 A) in 49 games for the Grand Forks 14U AA squad in 2016-17 alongside Kunz and current UND football players Peyton Lotysz and Connor Arel.

North Dakota opens the season on Oct. 2 with an exhibition showdown against Manitoba at 6:07 p.m. from Ralph Engelstad Arena.