Northern Signs Nine Football Players; 2 From U.P.

MARQUETTE---Northern Michigan University head football coach Kyle Nystrom announced the first nine class of 2021 signees on National Signing Day.

"We're excited and happy with the young men who signed with us today," Nystrom said. "They'll have a great future at Northern MichiganWe're happy with where we're at in the recruiting process considering our late start. This is just the beginning, and we'll continue signing prospects until April 1."

The group includes players from five different states: Michigan (5), Wisconsin (2), Arizona and Minnesota. Two of the Michigan natives hail from the Upper Peninsula.

"Our base recruiting areas will be Michigan, Wisconsin and Chicago," Nystrom said. "But we will recruit any player, anywhere, that has the potential to help this program."

Connor Bruinius (Grand Rapids, Mich./Forest Hills Northern, 6-2/225, LB/FB): A two-time all-conference honoree, Roberts was named to the all-state honorable mention squad and MLive Dream Team.

Dallas Dixon (Phoenix, Ariz./Tolleson, 6-1/185, WR): Dixon was a 2015 and 2016 all-area selection at Tolleson High School. He was coached by former Wildcat Jason Wilke, who lettered in 1993, 1994 and 1995.

Brady Hanson (Kewaskum, Wis./Kewaskum, 6-6/205, WR): Hanson started for Kewaskum for three seasons. After being named to the all-conference honorable mention squad in 2014 and 2015, he was named the conference's wide receiver and defensive back of the year in 2016. He was also tabbed to the 2016 all-region and Milwaukee Journal all-area teams.

Mitch Jerde (Forest Lake, Minn./Forest Lake, 6-4/215, TE): During his time at Forest Lake High School, Jerde was an all-conference selection.

Ryan Johnson (Green Bay, Wis./Ashwaubenon, 6-4/185, QB): A first team all-conference and second team all-area selection, Johnson participated in the Green Bay Packers Passing Championship.

Mike Pizziola (Negaunee, Mich./Negaunee, 6-5/270, OL): A star for Negaunee High School, Pizziola was selected to the all-U.P. Dream Team and played in the 2017 U.P. All-Star Game.

Isaiah Popp (Northville, Mich./Detroit Catholic Central, 5-8/160, SL): Popp helped Detroit Catholic Central win a conference championship and finish as state runner-up.

Trevor Roberts (Kingsford, Mich./Kingsford, 6-0/180, DB/S): Roberts served as Kingsford's captain and was named team MVP. He played in the 2017 U.P. All-Star Game and was honored as an all-U.P. defensive end and a Detroit Free Press all-state honorable mention team member. Roberts was coached by former Wildcat Chris Hofer, a 1985 team captain and 1984 most valuable defensive back.

Blake Whitcomb (Greenville, Mich./Greenville, 6-3/280, OL): During his time at Greenville High School, Whitcomb was named to the honorable mention all-conference team.

The Wildcats also welcomed preferred walk-on Travis Christensen, an offensive lineman from Marquette Senior High School.