GRAND FORKS, N.D. - North Dakota running back Sawyer Seidl, a Twin Cities native, is rapidly becoming a force in the FCS, fueled by a season of explosive performances and a long-held confidence in his ability. The redshirt sophomore currently ranks sixth in the FCS with 14 total touchdowns.
Seidl’s breakout season began with a playful wager with his coach – avoid double-digit touchdowns or forfeit a chain.He’s far surpassed that initial goal, and the coach now owes him a sweatshirt. But beyond the kind bets, Seidl’s success is a testament to his dedication and the strength of the Hawks‘ offensive line. “It’s easy when you know you’re running into big open gaps every single time,” Seidl said. “Moast of my runs, with the dominating o-line that I have, they’ve made my life easy.”
A graduate of Hill-Murray in Maplewood, Minnesota, seidl previously expressed a desire for increased opportunities. “‘Man, if I get more touches I know I can do this,’ and all that,” he recalled. “At some point,it’s like,we’ve been talking about it so many times,now that I got the possibility,I almost had to walk my talk.” He demonstrated that ability with a four-touchdown performance against Southern Illinois on oct. 18,though it didn’t quite match his high school best of six touchdowns against Benilde St. Margaret’s.
Seidl’s journey to North Dakota marked the frist time he and his brother,simon – a defensive back at the University of Minnesota – had been separated. The brothers were adopted from the Congo as children and shared an inseparable bond growing up. “He’s always been by my side. We did everything together, came to the U.S. together,” Seidl said. “So, it’s one of those things you had to get used to.” Despite the distance, the brothers remain close, supporting each other’s collegiate careers. “when you go home, visit each other for a little bit, kinda helps the ‘I miss my little bro.’ I always woudl miss him and it was always fun playing with him. But we’re here now, three years later, we’re still kickin’. We’re doing all right.”
