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Former Gopher Kirkwood named UND running backs coach

By Pat Sweeney Mar 7, 2023 | 12:05 PM

University of North Dakota head football coach Bubba Schweigert announced Tuesday that Donnell Kirkwood Jr. has been hired to lead the running backs for the Fighting Hawks starting in the 2023 season.“We are excited to add Donnell Kirkwood Jr. to our coaching staff,” said Coach Schweigert. “He played running back at the FBS level and will bring that experience along with an exceptional understanding of teaching skills needed to excel at that position. He has a strong knowledge of the Missouri Valley Football Conference and experience recruiting in our prime recruiting areas.”Kirkwood Jr. coached the running backs and was the director of player personnel at Western Illinois in 2022. Under his direction last season, Erin Collins became the first running back at WIU to go over 150 yards rushing in a single game since 2016. Kirkwood Jr. also ran all scout special teams, helping the Leathernecks rank No. 2 nationally in punt return yardage allowed, only allowing teams an average of -0.50 yards per return. Prior to that, he was on the staff at Northern State in 2020 and 2021 and coached the running backs. With his leadership, the Wolves piled up 1,485 yards rushing and scored 15 touchdowns on the ground during the 2021 season.His coaching experience also includes serving as the running back coach for Minnesota’s Southwest High School from 2015 to 2019. He was also the special teams coordinator and defensive backs coach during the 2019 season.Kirkwood Jr. played for the University of Minnesota from 2010 to 2014. During his time with the Golden Gophers, Kirkwood Jr. won the 2014 Paul Giel Award and was named the 2013 Offensive Back of the Year and 2013 Offensive Player of the Year. He led Minnesota with 926 yards rushing and six touchdowns during his sophomore season.Kirkwood Jr. earned his bachelor’s degree in youth studies from the University of Minnesota in December of 2013.North Dakota will begin the 2023 season on Saturday, Sept. 2, hosting Drake inside the Alerus Center.

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(UND Athletics)

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