The Northern State University football program has landed a verbal commitment from Ankeny’s leading receiver.
Senior Andrew Brandhorst has committed to play for the Wolves, an NCAA Division II program located in Aberdeen, S.D.
“I looked at a lot of schools, but it wasn’t necessarily a tough decision,” said Brandhorst. “Coach (Kyle) Weisman, the Northern wide receiver coach, made me feel like he really wanted me there.”
Brandhorst has helped Ankeny to a 5-2 record and a No. 5 ranking in Class 5A in the latest RPI rankings from the Iowa High School Athletic Association. The Hawks will host No. 3 Valley (6-1) on Friday at Ankeny Stadium in a game with huge implications for playoff seedings.
Brandhorst has caught 38 passes for 415 yards and seven touchdowns. He is averaging 10.9 yards a catch.
Brandhorst, who also threw an 8-yard scoring pass to Hayden Carlson in the Hawks’ 26-20 win over No. 4 Sioux City East on Sept. 26, traveled to Aberdeen for a game day visit earlier this fall.
“That sealed the deal,” he said. “I liked the coaches and how passionate they are about their players and winning. They also have awesome fans at Northern.”