FARGO -- Fargo Shanley senior Jake Kava’s football career began throwing the football in the backyard with his dad. His dad had played collegiate football at Minnesota-Crookston. Kava will join in his father’s footsteps and play collegiate football, only he’s staying home.
On Thursday, Kava announced he will play football at North Dakota State next season. Kava will be a preferred walk-on.
“Being from Fargo, it was a pretty easy decision,” Kava said. “Look at what NDSU has done the last decade. How can you not go to NDSU?”
Kava had the same offer from the University of North Dakota.
“It started way back in March with an unofficial visit,” Kava said. “What popped out at me was how the NDSU coaches carried themselves and how they handled themselves. From all the game day visits and camps, it was just the right for me.”
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Kava played linebacker, fullback and tight end at Shanley. Despite missing three games in his senior season, Kava finished with 44 tackles, five tackles for loss, one interception and six touchdowns on offense. He was named to the all-state first team.
“Football has been my entire life,” Kava said. “The one thing about football is how it's such a family. There’s nothing closer than a team of football players. There’s just something special about the sport.”
According to Kava, NDSU wants to use him at inside linebacker, but like the fact he’s flexible and can play tight end or fullback. Although he has a preference for defense, Kava said he’d play wherever they need him to play.
“Division I has always been my goal,” Kava said. “Now that it’s finally happened it’s crazy to sit back and say, ‘I made it.’ Now the work begins.”
