Brainerd Warrior football players Ted Nelson and Taylor Streiff signed on the dotted line Wednesday morning at Brainerd High School.
Nelson, a defensive lineman, signed a National Letter of Intent to be a preferred walk on at the University of North Dakota. Streiff, a linebacker, signed a letter to be a preferred walk on at the University of Minnesota-Duluth. Both helped the Warriors to a Class 5A state runner-up finish in 2013.
Last season Nelson was Brainerd's sixth-leading tackler, recorded two sacks, forced three fumbles and recovered one.
"I've been wanting to go there for a couple years now," said Nelson, who added that he most likely will be redshirted in 2015. "I just liked North Dakota. It's a good fit for me I think. I like the school.
Nelson earned two varsity letters as a defensive end/tight end at Brainerd. As a senior, he was named to the Brainerd Dispatch All-Area team and to the All-Central Lakes Conference team. He also earned All-Section 7-5A accolades.
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Ted Nelson
- College: University of North Dakota
- Height: 6-4
- Weight: 230
- Position: Defensive line
- Major: Undecided
Taylor Streiff
- College: University of Minnesota-Duluth
- Height: 6-2
- Weight: 200
- Position: Inside linebacker
- Major: Finance
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In 2014, North Dakota finished 3-5 in the Big Sky Conference, 5-7 overall.
Streiff was the Warriors' leading tackler last fall, notched 3.5 sacks, forced one fumble and recovered another.
"I took quite a few trips up there," he said. "Both academically and athletically it's a very sound school and program. Their business school is one of the best in the state. With that being said I kind of wanted to stay close to home. It's a good fit for me.
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"Their program was ranked No. 3 in the nation last year in Division II football so that was another perk for me. The town itself is a beautiful place. Everything you could possibly want to do is within a 15-mile radius."
A two-year starter at BHS, Streiff said he likely will be redshirted next fall. He earned all-conference recognition in 2014 and was a team captain. He was voted the team's most valuable defensive player as well. Twice he landed spots on the All-Section 7-5A and Dispatch All-Area teams. He will begin his third varsity season of baseball this spring.
The Bulldogs finished 13-1 last fall and captured a share of their league-record 19th NSIC title by going 11-0. UMD also captured a seventh straight NSIC North Division championship and earned its seventh NCAA II playoff berth in as many seasons. UMD was ranked third in the final 2014 American Football Coaches Association II Poll.
MIKE BIALKA may be reached at mike.bialka@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5861. Follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/bertsballpark .
