UND picks up fifth verbal of 2021 recruiting class from Kansas lineman

Danny Carroll has played on the offensive line for one season.

That was enough to land the Overland Park, Kan., product an NCAA Division I scholarship.

Carroll, a 6-foot-1, 250-pound center, has given his verbal commitment to play at UND -- becoming the Fighting Hawks' fifth commit of the 2021 recruiting class.

Last season, playing for St. Thomas Aquinas, Carroll played center for the first time in his life. Previously, he was a fullback and linebacker.

"Right away, I did wonder a little bit if this was the right fit for me," Carroll said. "Throughout the season, though, I knew I was in the right spot. By the end of the season, I wouldn't go back to any other position."

Carroll said his strengths are in his physical play.

"Aggressive and mean," he said. "I'm always looking for someone to hit."

Kansas is rare recruiting ground for UND. The Hawks haven't had a Kansas native on the roster since 2015 (Justus Merz), although UND did sign Wyatt Pedigo out of Kansas in the 2020 recruiting class.

Carroll hasn't been to Grand Forks or attended any of the program's elite camps, which is the typical place for recruits to come in contact with coaches.

Instead, Carroll, whose dad played on the offensive line at Louisville, said one day he woke up to a direct message on Twitter from new UND running backs coach Robbie Rouse, a former Fresno State standout who had been coaching at Augustana in Sioux Falls.

"My decision came down to, I really like the coaches and that was the main reason," said Carroll, who also wrestles and competes in track and field.