Belknap commits to Minnesota Duluth

Updated: Tuesday, 17 Jan 2012, 2:36 PM CST
Published : Tuesday, 17 Jan 2012, 2:29 PM CST

GREEN BAY - Menasha running back Caleb Belknap has accepted an offer to play college football for Minnesota Duluth, according to his coach Jeramie Korth.

Belknap rushed for 1,266 yards and nine touchdowns last season, but his best season was his junior campaign when Belknap rushed 1,544 yards and 21 touchdowns. As a sophomore, Belknap totaled 789 yards and nine touchdowns.

Before last season, Belknap was getting many letters and was enjoying the process of being recruited.

“It’s awesome getting letters, getting e-mails, getting calls,” Belknap said in August. “Knowing colleges want you to play on their team makes you feel like you’re on top of the world.”

One of Belknap’s opponents had high praise for him during last season.

“He’s a real special kid,” Appleton North linebacker Nick Wolf said. “He’s got size and speed. He’s one of those kids that you can’t let get a head of steam because he’s one of the best in the FVA and even the state.”

MInnesota Duluth finished No. 6 in the final American Football Coaches Association Division II poll last season.

Also, Luxemburg-Casco lineman Evan Kanz will play for Eastern Illinois next season. Kanz was part of a defense and offense that each ranked second in the Bay Conference last season, only trailing West De Pere in both categories. Eastern Illinois finished 2-9 last season and competes in the Ohio Valley Conference.

These commitments and many others will become official on signing day for high school athletes, which is Feb. 1.

doug.ritchay@wluk.com