Deng Deng commits to UND football

Deng Deng of Four Winds is one of the best athletes in the state of North Dakota, and his basketball prowess has earned him state-wide recognition.

However, earlier this year he surprised many when he announced his verbal commitment to play football for the University of North Dakota.

The 6-foot-5 senior has played wide receiver and safety for the Four Winds/Minnewaukan Indians at a high level, but it was his prolific scoring and dunking on the basketball court that had earned him a sterling reputation.

But no matter the sport, it was clear to everyone that Deng is a special athlete.

His obvious athletic ability was clearly enough to catch the eye of the Fighting Hawks' football program, and head coach Bubba Schweigert was lucky enough to win him over.

"I decided to commit to UND for football because it felt like the right decision for me," said Deng. "They showed a bunch of love this past summer, and when me and my big sister Louelle sat in Coach Bubba's office he explained my potential and what I could do at UND very clearly. I feel like the sky's the limit for me for football and it was the right thing to do for me and my future," he added.

In just six games as a wide receiver last season, Deng amassed 495 yards on 25 catches and eight touchdowns, including a 173-yard, two-touchdown performance against New Rockford-Sheyenne/Maddock.

A year earlier, when he was able to play a full 8-game season, he amassed 666 yards on 32 catches and eight touchdowns.

According to MaxPreps.com, his performance that year ranked him No. 1 in the state in receiving yards, and No. 157 in the country.

In an article about Deng's commitment to UND, Deng's high school coach, Travis Mertens, told the Grand Forks Herald just how dominant his star receiver can be.

"He's a playmaker," said Mertens. "You get him the ball in his hands and he can take it 80 yards, or you can get in the red zone and get him a jump ball. He's such a willing blocker, too. He's a long, strong kid. When he wants to drive someone or wants a defensive back to go a certain way, they usually don't make a tackle."

Right now, Deng is helping his team march towards another great basketball season, and they're looking like early contenders for a return to the state tournament, this time in Division A.

Long-term, however, his sights are set on football and the possibilities of the future. He'll also be chasing some lofty goals and aspirations.

"I will be continuing to stay in the weight room and start working on my craft again once basketball is done," said Deng. "My goal is to win a national championship and get close to reaching my full potential as a football player. Also, my overall goal is to play football in the NFL and take care of my family."

He's certainly done well to make it this far already. Attending the University of North Dakota and playing Division 1 football is impressive to say the least, and there are several people that have helped him get there.

"I'll have to say my coaches for both football and basketball and my big sister Louelle," said Deng about those who've helped him achieve so much. "They all gave me the opportunity to help me reach my potential and be the best person I could be with sports and with life."

As for Deng's academic future, he said he hasn't decided on a major just yet, but knows that he wants to be in the athletic field, possibly helping train athletes.

One thing's for sure, he'll have plenty of support from back home whatever he does. Teammates, coaches, fans and even former adversaries will be following along as he helps the Fighting Hawks compete for an NCAA championship.