Another Aberdeen Central standout will play for Northern State.
Central senior multi-sport athlete Josh Hilgemann verbally committed to the NSU football team this past Thursday. He went on his official visit last Saturday. Hilgemann's senior teammate Schyler Kumpf also recently committed to the Wolves. They are the first two known verbal commitments for coach Tom Dosch and the Wolves' 2013 recruiting class.
"I think he is excited to have a couple of local guys on the team," Aberdeen Central coach Mike Flakus said. "I think it is great a fit for (Hilgemann)."
The 5-foot-10, 165-pound Hilgemann mentioned Southwest Minnesota State and Black Hills State as other suitors. However, the chance to play in his hometown was too hard to pass up.
"They have got a great program," Hilgemann said. "They have really turned it around in the last years. They just have a really great attitude."
Hilgemann was an All-Eastern South Dakota Conference selection and an honorable mention all-state selection. He was also a member of the Aberdeen American News All-Area team this season. Hilgemann had more than 1,000 yards of total offense, had 54 receptions for 700 yards and led Central in rushing yards. He played defensive back for the Golden Eagles.
"He is really versatile," Flakus said. "He runs the ball well. He catches the ball well. He is a very versatile athlete, both offensively and defensively."
Hilgemann said the NSU coaching staff envision him being a slot wide receiver.
"That is my favorite spot to play," said Hilgemann, who plans on redshirting his first year and will major in biology.
Verbal commitments are not binding until prospects sign their national letters of intent on Feb. 6.