Football solidifies recruiting class with five more signees
UNC football welcomed five new signees on Wednesday, including a familiar name at quarterback
By Ryan Pfeifer, UNCBears.com
GREELEY, Colo. – Head coach Ed McCaffrey and his staff finalized their 2020 recruiting class with the addition of five new members on Wednesday. Between the early signing period in December and today, UNC welcomes 23 new Bears.
Northern Colorado signed one transfer and four high school student-athletes this signing period.
Dylan McCaffrey | QB | 6’5″ | 220 | Castle Rock, Co. | Michigan
A familiar last name is joining the Northern Colorado roster in Dylan McCaffrey. McCaffrey returns to the Centennial State after spending three seasons at the University of Michigan. As a Wolverine, he appeared in 13 games completing 18 passes for 242 yards and three touchdowns. His dual-threat ability led to 166 rushing yards and two more touchdowns. McCaffrey was a three-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree.
Coming out of Valor Christian High School in Highlands Ranch he was a four-star prospect according to ESPN, Scout.com and 247.com. His highest national ranking out of that group came from ESPN at No. 117 overall and the No. 6 quarterback in the country. McCaffrey helped Valor Christian to the 5A state championship all four seasons and won the state title three of the four times.
Amongst the many accolades McCaffrey earned over his high school career, he participated in the U.S. Army All-American Game, the inaugural Polynesian Bowl and was the 2016 Colorado Gatorade Player of the Year. He was a two-time CHSAA Class 5A Player of the year (2015 & 2016) and first team All-State selection. McCaffrey was a 2016 Elite 11 finalist.
He joins the UNC football program led by his dad Ed and brother Max is on the coaching staff. His mom Lisa played soccer at Stanford. His brother Christian plays for the Carolina Panthers and youngest brother Luke most recently played at Nebraska.
Devin Bale | K/P | 6’3″ | 190 | La Jolla, Ca. | La Jolla HS
The big leg of Devin Bale makes his way to Greeley from La Jolla, California to boost UNC’s special teams. Bale was a three-time letter winner in football and four-time for soccer during his high school career at La Jolla High School.
He was named the Eastern League Specialist of the Year while also making the grades in the classroom to be named to the San Diego Tribune’s academic honors team.
The son of Mark and Kelley, he has a brother Austin.
Bale chose UNC over Pacific, Whittier and Puget Sound. As a Bear, he plans to major in Business.
Mitchell Lewis | TE | 6’3″ | 220 | Pagosa Springs, Co. | Pagosa Springs
The local talent of Mitchell Lewis makes his way from Pagosa Springs to Greeley to play his college ball. The 6’3″, 220 lbs tight end was a three-sport athlete in high school playing football, basketball and track and field. He lettered four times in all three sports.
Lewis was an All-State selection in 2020 after he earned honorable mentions in 2019. He earned All-Conference honors his sophomore, junior and senior year on the gridiron. He was also a three-time All-Conference selection in basketball and track and field.
The son of Ross and Stacey Lewis plans to major in Financial Business at UNC. He picked Northern Colorado over the University of San Diego.
Micah Nanninga | DL | 6’7″ | 230 | Castle Rock, Co. | Castle View HS
The 6’7″, 230 lbs Micah Nanninga is ready to wreak havoc on Big Sky backfields for the next four years. The defensive end makes his way up I-25 from Castle Rock and Castle View High School. Nanninga played football and basketball in high school lettering three times in each.
He was a first team All-Conference selection as a senior and earned second team honors as a junior. He also earned Academic All-State honors at CVHS.
The son of Kip and Pearl Nanninga, he plans to major in Economics.
Nanninga picked UNC over Colorado, Northern Illinois, Nevada, Nebraska-Kearny, CSU-Pueblo and Colorado School of Mines.
Brandon Belgrave | KR/DB | 6’0″ | 185 | Parker, Co. | Lutheran HS
Brandon Belgrave brings versatility and excitement to UNC after a strong career at Lutheran High School in Parker, Colorado. The speedster played at both running back and wide receiver on offense and defensive back on defense. His dynamic playmaking led over to special teams play as well.
He helped Lutheran to the 3A playoffs his senior and junior season.
Northern Colorado will participate in a modified Spring 2021 season after opting out of the Big Sky Conference season. The details of the schedule will be released at a later date.
To stay up to date on all things Northern Colorado football, visit UNCBears.com, follow the team on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and download the UNC Athletics App by clicking here.
Ryan Pfeifer
Director of Strategic Communication
O: 970-351-3645 | C: 720-290-8886
#Bears Strong | @Rpfeifer82
