Commitment Report: Carter Schmitz (Southland-2020)

One of Minnesota’s best 9Man players in Southland’s Carter Schmitz had made his college decision and will head West from his hometown of Adams, Minnesota to the NSIC South Division competitor Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall, Minn. The 6’1, 200 lber. has been crucial in Southland’s transition from Class A to 9Man only a couple years ago, and his athletic ability and leadership qualities are apparent as the Rebels just finished 6-3 in 9Man’s toughest conference in 2019. That conference - the District 9 South - has produced the last six 9Man state champions in MN and produces some of Southern Minnesota’s toughest prep football players. Dropping a class is no easy feat at all, and without Schmitz it’s hard to say the Rebels would have fared as well against their stiff competition. His experience and ability will lend itself well to scholarship football in the Northern Sun, and he’s poised to make a big impact in Marshall as a Mustang. The 2020 grad was kind enough to give Northstar Football News some of his time to answer some questions about Southland’s 2019 season, who the final decision came down to, what he likes about playing football in Minnesota, and more! I hope you enjoy. <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/5653417/5dadf60802bb480e9cd31bef">Senior Year Midseason Hudl</a> NFN: Hello and congratulations on your decision, Carter! Please start by telling us a little bit about your recruitment process and when things began to pick-up for you? Schmitz: “The recruiting process was difficult for me. I tore both ACLs in my knee so it was hard not being able to go to camps in the summer. I texted hearing from coaches end of sophomore year then it really picked up going through my junior year. My inspiration to play the game was just my passion for the game and wanting to continue to learn and get better.” NFN: What made you ultimately commit to SMSU and Coach Cory Sauter? Schmitz: “I wanted to go to SMSU because I liked the people there it felt like the right fit for me. I really liked the drive the players and coaches had, and the love they all shared for the game. I was also looking in to Bemidji because it is in a great location.” NFN: No doubt. What do you like about playing football in MN and did that factor into your decision at all? Schmitz: “What I liked most about playing football in Southeast Minnesota is the competition level in the area. For college it came down to where I thought I could succeed in the classroom and on the field.” NFN: How was your 2019 season as well as Southland’s? Schmitz: “I was out the first four games of the season recovering from my last knee surgery. Started the fifth game through the rest of the season I recorded 71 tackles and two interceptions as 1 fumble recovery. Southland went 6-3 this yer in a powerhouse conference for 9man. I thought my season went very good but it can always be better.” NFN: Finally, what position will you be playing as a Mustang and what kind of player is SMSU getting? Schmitz: “I will be playing MLB and I believe SMSU is getting a very determined player.” I’m looking forward to seeing another one of Southern Minnesota’s finest ball out in one of the toughest DII conferences in the nation. Good luck, Carter!