Superior High School football standout Ross Kennelly has given a verbal commitment to North Dakota State University to play football for the Bison.
“I just committed to NDSU,” Kennelly texted Ryan Burns of the BisonReport Monday morning. “It was just about the right fit. Everyone talks about finding the right fit and a place where everything feels right, and I feel that way towards NDSU.
“The coaching staff is tremendous and they’re doing the right things. I’ve been following the Bison for quite some time and for me, it’s very exciting to know I have the opportunity to be a part of a tradition that is like no other. The campus is beautiful and the people are great. It’s a special place.”
As a 2014 Wisconsin all-state linebacker as a junior, Kennelly recorded 125 tackles, including six sacks and three interceptions.
On offense, Kennelly rushed for 855 yards and 12 touchdowns on 133 carries. Through the air, he caught 12 passes for 301 yards and five touchdowns.
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“Ross has worked very hard for everything he’s accomplished,” SHS coach Bob DeMeyer said. “He’s very driven to be the best, he’s coachable and does everything he can to reach goals he has for himself and his team.
“There’s been no hidden secret - he simply knows what he wants, he makes no excuses, and goes after it. Not only in sports but in everything he does - in the classroom, in the community, he’s a leader.”
Kennelly said NDSU coaches plan to use him as an outside linebacker.
“They think my skill set fits really well for that position and they like that I can do various things on defense, which makes it a good fit,” Kennelly said.
“North Dakota State is a great fit for his abilities as a football player and as a student,” DeMeyer said. “The coaching staff there has a proven plan for success, they care about their athletes as people and they support them on and off the field. Ross loved everything about the football program, the university and especially the integrity of the coaches.”
Kennelly was with his parents and coach DeMeyer when he made the call to NDSU Sunday night.
“They knew how I felt about NDSU and they pretty much felt the same way,” Kennelly said “We couldn’t find one negative thing from our visit and were very much impressed with how much of a class act NDSU is. When I committed, we all were very excited. We know what kind of place NDSU is and know it would be the right decision for me to commit.”
Kennelly and the Spartans open the 2015 season Aug. 21 at Merrill.
