GRAND FORKS — The University of North Dakota (UND) Fighting Hawks have secured another promising talent who could have easily chosen to play for their border state rivals. Brady Lee, a commendable safety hailing from La Crosse, Wis., recently announced his commitment to UND, marking a noteworthy moment in this year’s recruiting landscape. His decision resonates with the echoes of UND’s past successes in scouring La Crosse for skilled defensive backs. A glowing example is former UND cornerback C.J. Siegel, who dominated the secondary from 2018 to 2023.
Lee, standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing in at 190 pounds, plays for Aquinas High School where he has showcased his versatility both as a safety and on offense. Over the past season, he caught 18 passes for 392 yards, scoring five touchdowns, while also averaging 9.8 yards per carry on 17 rushing attempts. His school’s stellar 11-1 season, culminating in the third round of the WIAA Division 4 playoffs, underscores the strong football culture in which Lee thrives.
“Coach Eric Schmidt and Coach Keaton Wilkerson made it a great decision, and the school and community made it an easy decision,” Lee remarked, expressing his appreciation for UND’s compelling recruitment. “It all came together as one. None of the other schools had that level of intense dedication.”
Despite having offers from prominent institutions, including North Dakota State and South Dakota State, Lee chose UND due to the special bond he formed with the coaching staff and the community at large.
The drive from La Crosse to Grand Forks is no small feat, spanning approximately seven hours each way. Yet, Lee endured this journey no less than five times during his recruitment saga, a testament to his commitment and interest in becoming a Fighting Hawk.
South Dakota, represented by the South Dakota State Jackrabbits, was also vying for Lee’s talent. Yet, South Dakota’s rich football tradition—embodied in universities like South Dakota State, a fierce competitor on the national stage—did not sway Lee from his chosen path. This decision speaks volumes about UND’s recruiting strategy, one deeply rooted in nurturing personal connections and offering a compelling vision of the athlete’s future.
Isaac Fruechte, former UND offensive coordinator who now coaches at the University of Minnesota, initiated contact with Lee, creating an initial spark that was fanned into flame by UND’s dedicated efforts. Lee’s father, the head coach at Aquinas High School, also played a pivotal role in the recruiting process. Lee found himself part of a familial circle that extends beyond the gridiron, a crucial factor that influenced his decision to don the green and white of UND.
In addition to Brady Lee, several other recruits are set to bolster UND’s roster. William Flottmeyer, a fellow player at Aquinas and a 2026 commit, will join the ranks of the Fighting Hawks along with promising quarterback Caden Gutzmer from Minnetonka. The recruitment class further expanded with the addition of Texas native Carson Wilson, a cornerback who stands as the most recent commitment.
“I’m super excited,” Lee shared. “I kind of realized how much of a blessing it is to be in my situation. At the end of the day, it’s rare. I’m also trying to help build the recruiting class. The QB recruit, Caden Gutzmer, is already a big pickup, and I’m trying to recruit the other guys to join the culture.”
This recruitment wave underscores UND’s strategic focus on collaboration and cultural fit, key indicators of future success. As for South Dakota, the state’s rich sporting traditions continue to inspire and challenge neighboring programs, contributing to a vibrant regional rivalry that shapes collegiate athletic narratives.
It’s worth pondering how these regional battles will shape the future of college football in the Upper Midwest. With Lee’s addition to UND, the Fighting Hawks are promising a robust new chapter that could very well reverberate throughout Dakotas’ storied college football scene, raising the stakes for competitors like South Dakota State—always ready to pounce when the rivalry lines are drawn.
As the anticipation builds and the fall approaches, South Dakota fans might keenly watch the rise of this promising young athlete, recognizing the shared passion across state lines. Whether on the field or in the stands, the spirit of competition burns brightly in every heart, making this season yet another unforgettable chapter in the annals of college sports.