Feb. 13, 2014

VERMILLION, S.D. – South Dakota head football coach Joe Glenn is pleased to announce the signing of Andrew Van Ginkel to a national letter of intent. He will play linebacker and be eligible to play starting in the fall.

A first-team All-State defensive back out of Rock Valley High School in Iowa, Van Ginkel accrued 162 tackles, six interceptions and six fumble recoveries for the Boyden-Hull/Rock Valley Nighthawks. He also played several positions on the offensive side of the ball for the Nighthawks, including quarterback last season where he accumulated 1,500 yards passing and 1,400 yards rushing.

We think Andrew is one of the best all-round athletes in the region, Glenn said. He was always in the middle of the action on the field at Rock Valley. He is an incredible player both on the gridiron and on the hardwood.

On the basketball court, Van Ginkel is currently averaging 23 points per game for Rock Valley this season.

Van Ginkel will join former high school teammate Brandt Van Roekel on the USD roster. Van Ginkel's signing brings the South Dakota 2014 recruiting class to a total of 31.