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<\/p>\nGRAND FORKS \u2014 Grand Forks Red River’s Max Mannausau didn’t need any time to pull the trigger on an offer from UND football.<\/p>\n
After a talk with Fighting Hawks head coach Eric Schmidt, Mannausau became a member of UND’s 2027 recruiting class.<\/p>\n
“All the coaches were there and committing there felt like the right place,” Mannausau said of his weekend commitment. “I’ve always dreamed of it since I was a kid. This is the place I wanted to go.”<\/p>\n
Mannausau has deep ties to UND from both of his parents. His mother, Tiffany Pudenz Mannausau, is a former national champion women’s basketball player (1997 and 1998) and member of the UND Athletics Hall of Fame. She scored more than 1,600 career points and graduated as the program’s all-time leader in assists and steals.<\/p>\n
His dad Mike Mannausau, originally from International Falls, Minn., was a linebacker for UND from 1994-98, earning first team all-North Central Conference honors in 1998 and was an honorable mention All-American. He spent nine years on the UND football coaching staff, including seven as defensive coordinator.<\/p>\n
Mike is now the Vice President of Development for the UND Alumni Association.<\/p>\n
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Former UND defensive coordinator Mike Mannausau poses with son Max in 2011. Max has committed to the Fighting Hawks’ 2027 recruiting class.<\/p>\n
Submitted photo<\/p>\n
“They were pretty hands off and let me choose everything,” Max said.<\/p>\n
Mannausau is a 6-foot, 183-pound wide receiver and two-year captain for the Roughriders. He was an all-EDC selection last season with 28 catches for 605 yards and an average of 21.6 yards per catch. He had five touchdowns.<\/p>\n
Mannausau was limited to six games last season due to injury. He said the UND coaching staff is projecting him as a slot wide receiver with returner capabilities.<\/p>\n
Mannausau is also in basketball at Red River and is a sprinter on the track team. He ran in Red River’s 4×100 relay team at the state meet this spring.<\/p>\n
Although Mannausau said he’s excited to be at the school his parents excelled, he also knows the work that goes into it.<\/p>\n
“I realized young I really have to earn it,” Max said. “Thankfully, I knew that earlier than later. I’m very proud of the work I’ve put in. I worked really hard for this.”<\/p>\n
As UND’s commitments slowly roll in from two prospect camps this month, the 2027 class is around 20 members.<\/p>\n
“I had a meal with the other commits, and I was excited … it’s been great,” Max said. “I’ve been really happy but also disciplined and embracing all the work. I’m really excited but still hungry.”<\/p>\n
Mannausau is the second North Dakotan of the 2027 class, joining Minot North edge Ethan Howey, who was the first verbal of the 2027 class.<\/p>\n
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