North Dakota signs defensive trio
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The University of North Dakota football team is trying to fortify its defense after moving into the Big Sky Conference, and the Sioux believe they have with a recent trio of signings.
Head coach Chris Mussman on Thursday announced the additions of linebacker J.D. Allen (Amarillo, Texas) and junior college safeties Will Lewis (Pittsburg, Calif.) and Clordion Kennedy (Antioch, Calif.).
The 6-foot-1, 180-pound Allen enjoyed an impressive prep career at Canyon Randall High School. Last fall, he made 150 tackles during the regular season while he collected first-team Class 4A all-state honors.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Lewis and Kennedy were both first-team all-conference performers in their sophomore seasons. Lewis, 5-10, 180, earned his honors in the Golden Gate Conference after leading Los Medanos College in tackles (72) and interceptions (five).
Kennedy, 5-11, 200, was named to the Bay Valley All-Conference first team after leading Contra Costa College in tackles with 55, including 41 solo stops.
North Dakota finished 8-3 last season in winning a share of the final Great West Conference title. The Sioux will play their first season in the Big Sky this fall.