Rising Talent: Owen Hunt's Journey to Division I Football
On the western side of the state in Valley City this spring, junior lineman Owen Hunt has quickly become one of North Dakota’s most-watched high school football prospects. Division I staffs — including the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks — have reached out in recent weeks, and UND has extended a scholarship offer, according to the Jamestown Sun.
As interest builds, the in-state angle is hard to miss here in Grand Forks. If you follow UND football at the Alerus Center, this is one recruitment to keep an eye on.
The Details
- Hunt is listed at 6-foot-5 and 300 pounds, per the Jamestown Sun.
- The paper reports he’s drawn attention from UND, North Dakota State, South Dakota State, and Minnesota — with an offer from UND.
- His recruitment has picked up as college coaches are now able to contact him directly as a junior, the Sun noted.
Where/when/cost
- Where to see him: Valley City High School football (road and home games). Check the NDHSAA schedules for dates and opponents.
- When: Fall high school football season; exact kickoff times vary — check ahead.
- Cost: High school ticket prices differ by host site — confirm with the home school before you go.
Why It Matters Here
In-state linemen with Division I size don’t come along every year. For UND fans, Hunt’s offer ties a rising North Dakota talent directly to Grand Forks — the kind of recruiting win that can shape trench play at the Alerus Center for years.
It’s also a point of pride for the North Dakota high school community. When players from places like Valley City earn interest from programs such as UND, NDSU, SDSU, and Minnesota, it reinforces what many coaches here believe: the region produces tough, coachable prospects who can play at the next level.
What People Are Saying
Hunt called the rising interest “very exciting,” according to the Jamestown Sun. The paper also reported that his size and performance have drawn steady attention from Division I staffs this spring.
Before You Go
- Game plans change: Verify kickoff times and locations on NDHSAA before you travel.
- If you’re tracking the UND angle, follow the program’s updates at UND Athletics — Football for team news and general recruiting information.
- If you’ve been meaning to see more high school football this fall, mark a date now and invite a neighbor — it’s an easy way to support North Dakota athletes.
What to Watch
Recruiting typically ramps up through summer camp season and into fall Fridays. Watch for additional interest or visits to materialize as Hunt’s junior year unfolds, and keep an eye on whether his in-state UND offer draws him to Grand Forks.
