Commitment Report: Braden Black (Rochester John Marshall-2020)

Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota is a Division III MIAC competitor who is - and has been - on the cusp of breaking into that next tier of competitiveness in one of DIII’s top-two conferences. To achieve this success, I believe GAC needs to focus on the retaining the best prep players in Southern Minnesota and locking down the area as Golden Gusties territory, as the regions size and talent can compete with the Metro and Northwest areas of the state that GAC’s rivals draw heavily from. The college’s program has featured ballers on both sides of the ball this past decade, but the quarterbacks and linebackers have been the most impressive position group on both offense and defense, respectively, and have been big reasons why the Gusties have been only a few plays away every season from knocking on the door of a MIAC championship. Continuing to excel in those position groups will be vital to GAC continuing upward, as well as the aforementioned focus on Southern Minnesota recruits. Well, Gustavus checked both of these boxes and then some in their newest ILB commit from Rochester John Marshall: Braden Black. [caption id="attachment_17216" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Commitment.[/caption] The 6’1, 205 lb. bruiser of a LB/RB has received a ton of press from local media throughout his illustrious Rocket career, and for good reason. The two-way star recorded 112 carries for 667 yards on offense and 71 tackles, two sacks, and an interception in his senior season, and has the size and ability to come in and compete day one in St. Peter. Check out what the 2020 grad had to say about his recruitment, which NSIC and NAIA schools were in the mix with Gustavus at the end, what he’s excited about playing at the Division III level, and more in this exclusive Northstar Football News “Commitment Report.” <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2CFUvA">Senior Season Highlights</a> NFN: Hello and congratulations on the commitment, Braden! Let’s start by having you tell us a little bit about your recruitment process as a whole. When did you first hear from GAC? Black: “The recruiting process started in the middle of my junior season. The coach got my number and sent me a text saying they were impressed with my abilities from my games. The process is a lot of work if you want to get where you want to go. Some of my old teammates that went on to the next level definitely gave me inspiration that I can do that too.” NFN: What made you ultimately commit to the Gusties? And who else did it come down to for you along with GAC? Black: I picked Gustavus because they have an extraordinary education and also a very good program with some awesome coaches. I had been thinking of Sioux Falls, Dakota Wesleyan, and Northern State. They had been showing interest my way and their programs caught my attention.” NFN: Forsure. What do you like about playing football in Minnesota? Did that factor into your decision at all? Black: “Football in Minnesota is awesome because there are so many high school players in MN that are terrific and getting the opportunity to play with and against them. It was definitely a plus to stay in MN, but I was trying to stay in the Midwest more so than just MN.” NFN: No doubt! Now tell us a little bit about RJM’s as well as your 2019 season? How did this season rank amongst other years? Black: “Our season this year at JM was a stepping stone to restoring JM back to its former dominance. My class developed and instilled a new mentality of doing the work. [caption id="attachment_17213" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Snag.[/caption] Every week was a big game for us because no one EVER gave us a shot so we went out to hit the other team first every week and the only game that mattered was the one you were preparing for. Personally, I had my best season, offensively and defensively. On offense I had 667 yards on 112 carries. Defensively I had 71 tackles, an interception and 2 sacks.” NFN: What position will you play at Gustavus? And what kind of player are they getting? Black: “At GAC I will be playing ILB, but they move their LBs in and out of the box. GAC is getting a slept on LB, that is smart, quick, and athletic.” NFN: I agree. Last but not least, what do you find appealing about DIII football and what makes you excited about it? Black: “D3 football is appealing to me because of the openness of workouts. I love to work out or just be putting in work. So if they cant be required someone else might be skipping, but I will never miss an opportunity to get better!” The Golden Gusties definitely got a steal, and I feel quite certain that I will be seeing Black’s name pop up on some All-MIAC awards list in the coming year. Good luck, Braden! [caption id="attachment_17214" align="aligncenter" width="300"] #36 with the carry.[/caption]