Apr. 29—GRAND FORKS — With the 2026 UND football spring ball in the rear-view mirror, the Herald's Tom Miller answered questions from Fighting Hawks football fans about the program.
A. I think there's still enough intrigue in the raw skills of Javance Tupou'ata-Johnson to believe he's going to be the backup QB. UND offensive coordinator Danny Freund has a background in making the most out of his roster, and I wouldn't be surprised if Freund finds ways to use Tupou'ata-Johnson.
Eric Schmidt mentioned in a recent TV interview how difficult it is these days to retain your backup QB, and he was excited with his ability to do that with Tupou'ata-Johnson.
As far as the rest of the depth chart, we'll have to learn more at fall camp when it comes to Jack Sulik and rookie leftie Brooks Hendrickson. I won't be surprised if that's a close battle. During the spring, Hendrickson showcased a lively arm and smooth motion but as an early enrollee we still don't know how far away his impact sits yet because he was still drowning in information as a high school senior essentially.
A. UND's top end took a hit with the B.J. Fleming transfer and losing seniors Nate DeMontagnac and Caden Dennis. I do believe this group has more potential than the 2025 core as a full unit.
I think six or seven will see targets in 2026, while a couple of others may throw this off with ability on special teams meaning they'd travel and have more opportunities.
Deng Deng, Korey Tai (when healthy) and Caleb Goodloe will be a big part of the offense. Jimmie Maxson III showed more at spring ball than he did at fall camp and his ceiling is still pretty high, so I wouldn't count out his impact in 2026.
The next trio still needs to show me some differentiation to know who's going to be on the field in that slot-like role. There's lots to like out of Cameron Weir, Kristen Hoskins and Madden Thorson, but I'm not sure they can all have big impacts. That still needs to shake out.
Sam Strandell and Vuciri Hakim are big bodies and could play a factor because they've got experience and special teams usefulness. The Winona State transfer Maurice Densmore and rookie James Jones sat out all of spring ball, so it's unclear where they'd fit.
Delvin Cook Jr. out of Dallas joins the team for fall camp from the 2026 class, so there's another option to monitor.
Q. Is there an update on the players with eligibility waivers?
A. Jonnie Wiltshire and Montre Samuels-Parker practiced throughout the spring, so UND has been hopeful they'd receive an NCAA eligibility waiver. I believe Avery Scott was hopeful at one point in time, too.
Every time I've asked about the situation it seems just a little less likely for a green light.
At this point, UND is remaining positive about the situation, but I personally will believe it when I see it. I don't think it's helpful for the cause that the general tone nationally feels to have skewed toward a pushback on older players receiving extra time.
UND doesn't seem to have a date they're circling to find out about the status, either, so I'll be curious to learn when they would have to pull the plug.
Q. What positions may UND still add a player in the offseason?
A. Safety, linebacker and wide receiver would be my top areas to take a swing at help in the offseason. Wide receiver is a solid group, but I think they could use a pure burner.
At safety, you might still be looking for that Zach Lewis clone and linebacker could use a body to put pressure on the young options like Jake Starcevic and Mason Miller. After Mike Devereaux and Ethan Boll, the group has very little to no experience.
A. UND seems to always find talented running backs, and I think Charles Langama and Matt Lawson are going to have big years. Colton Brunell will also play and has come a long way in the last year.
Langama has some special traits, and he'll have the chance in the fall to gain full trust of the staff. The young player from Maple Grove still needs to show he can be really consistent and reliable.