Complete list of 2017 Football signees
(Ann Arbor, MI) After a record breaking season for the Cardinal football program on the field, the success quickly carried to the recruiting trails. Newly named head football coach, Joshua Schumacher announced that 48 student athletes have signed their national letter of intent to become Cardinals in the fall.
After serving the Concordia football program as Defensive Coordinator the last four years, former Head Coach Lonnie Pries elevated Schumacher to the head coach position on November 15th. One of Schumacher's top priorities was to round out the 2017 class that will be able to contribute to the recent teams' success.
The 2016 campaign saw the program set a new school record for wins in a season with 7 and was the first time that the NAIA Coaches poll ranked the team. The Cardinals received a ranking of #23 on October 3rd after starting the season 4-1. This is a significant feat for the program considering their membership in the MSFA which is arguably the toughest conference in the NAIA. The last two national champions, Marian (2015) and the University of St. Francis (2016) were opponents of the Cardinals as well as members of the MSFA.
While the Cardinals continue to raise their national profile, Coach Schumacher recognizes the interest in the program is at an all-time high. "We are extremely excited about this class of recruits, said Schumacher. "We have seen as increased interest overall in the Concordia football program each year."
Consistency on both sides of the ball can be one of many contributors to the Cardinals continued success. The Cardinals ranked 4th in Total Offense and 3rd in Total Defense in the MSFA. Offensive Coordinator Andrew Rode's offensive unit also led the conference in time of possession with an average of 32:38 minutes per game. With the Cardinals graduating the largest senior class in program history this season, Rode and Schumacher believe a solid returning core group of Cardinals combined with a talented recruiting class can take the program to the next level.
"We are are looking forward to see how these young men come in and bond with our currents guys, said Schumacher. "It will be very important to establish new relationships quickly as we learn how to compete and practice together."
The Cardinal football program has been clear in establishing specific priorities when recruiting the right type of student athletes to be Cardinals. Coach Schumacher stated, "As a staff, we are committed to helping these young men grow as students, athletes, men, and Christians; and are looking forward to having them join forces with our current Cardinals." This approach by the Cardinal staff has been integral to the development of student-athletes both on and off the field.
"This class brings energy, smarts, toughness and a great work ethic," said Schumacher. "It is our goal to develop these great young men into physical freaks that compete for everything and love each other, like Christ loves us."
