There is the one day of the year when an early start to the day doesn't bother UND football coaches. That day is Wednesday -- the day when Sioux coaches will arrive at Hyslop Sports Center before sunrise to await signed national letters of intent from recruits across the country.
The Sioux are expected to sign 17 high school recruits and one junior college transfer as the program moves into its fourth Division I FCS season in the fall.
UND coach Chris Mussman said no one position was targeted.
"It's depth across the board," Mussman said. "That puts us in a more comfortable spot."
But the Sioux coaching staff spent considerable time searching for a quarterback. That need apparently has been addressed with the expected signing of Joey Bradley, a junior college quarterback from California.
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Bradley played last season at Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill, Calif., where he threw for 3,636 yards and 33 touchdowns. He led the California Community College Association in passing yards last season.
It's expected that Bradley will have three years of eligibility remaining. He will be one of five quarterbacks in the mix for the starting job when UND opens its 2011 season in September at Idaho.
The school's website indicated Bradley had committed to UND.
Since UND moved to Division I, Sioux coaches have targeted California for recruiting. Coaches have spent considerable time in northern California.
With UND moving to the Big Sky Conference in 2012, the state will become even more attractive for recruiting. There are three Big Sky schools located in California -- Sacramento State, UC Davis and Cal Poly.
The Sioux also will play Fresno State this season and have a contract with San Diego State in 2012.
There were five players from California on UND's 2010 roster.
UND also is expected to sign a Rivals three-star recruit from California in linebacker Aarin Smith, who played at Bullard High School in Fresno.
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There will be a UND national letter of intent signing party Wednesday night at the Alerus Center, beginning at 5:30. The program begins at 6.
Mussman will be on hand to talk about the Sioux recruits.
Nelson reports on sports. Reach him at (701) 780-1268; (800) 477-6572, ext. 268; or send e-mail to wnelson@gfherald.com .
