Vernetti pledges to NDSU
Rockford Boylan senior long snapper recruit Gabe Vernetti (6-foot-0, 230 pounds) made a weekend game day visit to North Dakota State University and added his firsr Division 1 offer from the Bison. A few days after landing his NDSU offer he decided to wrap up his recruiting process and gave North Dakota State his verbal commitment. Vernetti discusses his college decision here.
“I had a great game day visit to North Dakota State and they offered me a scholarship that same day,” Vernetti said. “I waited a few days to make my decision but really I was always hoping on an NDSU offer. It’s just too good of an opportunity for me to pass up so I committed.”
Vernetti pointed towards some key factors
“Everyone at North Dakota State was just so welcoming on the game day visit. NDSU is just a great opportunity for me in so many ways. They only scholarship one long snapper and next year I’ll have just one senior at the position. I’ll have a chance to long snap for the next 3-4 seasons. That was an important factor for me along with playing for a winner. NDSU has such a strong winning mentality and culture. I’ll also get to play a scout team position for them, which I totally embrace. I was able to have really good talks on Saturday with multiple NDSU coaches. The overall environment at NDSU is amazing and the fan base is huge.”
Vernetti admits that distance was a concern and a consideration in his college decision.
“The distance from home was a factor especially for my Mom. Once we made the game day visit my parent were able to see just how supportive everyone around the North Dakota State program is and how special it is. They loved it on the visit and they are totally supportive of my decision. The airport in Fargo is pretty close to the school. We can catch flights to both Milwaukee and O’Hare which makes it easier for myself and my family.”
Vernelli also considered others
“I would say that Western Illinois was another school I looked at and considered quite a bit. WIU is much closer to home and I really love the coaching staff. Iowa has some interest in me along with NIU and also Northwestern. In the end the overall fit for me at NDSU was too good for me to pass up. NDSU also really fits my lifestyle. .I love the outdoors and I also love to hunt. I’ve always been a bit of a country boy.”
So what was the hardest part of the recruiting process for Vernelli?
“Just trying to sort everything out and also making that final decision. We had some serious talks about the distance from home. In the end, I was a late bloomer to recruiting so I had a lot to get caught up on including getting ranked. I’m just very glad to be committed to NDSU and it’s a big relief. It could get stressful at times.”
Gabe Vernelli is verbally committed to North Dakota State University.