Storm signs former NDSU QB and three three others

02/12/03 Storm Press Release

The Sioux Falls Storm of the National Indoor Football League (NIFL) is pleased to announce the signing of former NDSU quarterback Ryan Johnson, offensive line Paul Howard, quarterback Jeremy Nordick, and running back Wally Schmitt.

Johnson was a 3-year starter for NDSU, where he helped lead the team to the semifinals of the NCAA Division II National football playoffs in 2000. Johnson led the team in passing and completing 99 of 211 passes for 1,487 yards and 12 touchdowns. He also rushed for 251 yards in 96 carries, averaging 2.6 yards per carry and had two rushing touchdowns. Ryan started 13 games for the Bison in 2000 before he was injured in a win over Nebraska-Omaha in the quarterfinals of the NCAA Division II championship.  Johnson has spent the past two seasons in the Canadian Football League.

Paul Howard was a 4-year starter at Concordia, St. Paul, where he led an offensive line than gave up the least amount of sacks in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC). Howard also contributed time as a punt and PAT long snapper.

Jeremy Nordick is a 6’4”, 238 lb quarterback who has five years of college football experience. Nordick played two years at Southwest State, and then transferred to Bemidji State, where he spent his last three years. Jeremy was a 4-year letter winner in college.

Schmitt, brother of current Storm defensive end Paul Schmitt, will join the team and fight for the starting role at running back.  The 6’1” 230 lb. Schmitt played his college football at the University of Steven Point – Wisconsin.

“We are extremely exited about the talent we are bringing in with these four players.  We will look to Johnson and Nordick to compete for the starting quarterback position.  Paul has great feet for a big offensive lineman and will have an opportunity at a starting position with the revamping of our offensive line.  Schmitt is a hard nosed runner and has a lot of his brother athletic ability,” says head coach Kurtiss Riggs. 

For more information, including season ticket options, please contact the Storm’s front office at 605-332-4225 or visit the team’s website at www.siouxfallsstorm.com.