Nate’s Community Film Room: ND Edition, Part V

NORTH DAKOTA– The final March edition of the North Dakota Community Film Room is certainly one that screams for under the radar, under the ideal measurables and more. This crop of prospects features 1000-yard rushers, XL middle linebackers from a sleepy small town, route-running technicians and plenty of prospects that I know have a shot at the next-level.

Tristan Ulmer Tristan Ulmer 6'3" | 190 lbs | WR Mandan | 2025 State ND , WR, Mandan (2025)

Tristan impresses with his overall quickness he possesses with his route-running with his measurables which line him at 6’3 190 pounds. His length and athleticism pop out next in my eyes, as this kid has a massive catch radius and I love much body control he shows off while he is in the air with his vertical. Tristan is also a wide receiver that does not give up or let up on any route, as he shows off the finish you want on the field out of your pass-catcher. I believe Tristan could have a sound summer on the camp circuit. No Twitter yet.

Matthew Hoppe Matthew Hoppe 5'10" | 180 lbs | RB Northern Cass | 2025 State ND , RB, Northern Cass (2025) Twitter

A 1000-yard rusher during the 2023 season, Matthew shows off the initial quickness and explosion you want from your tailback as his first look erupts like a east-west runner. You cannot miss his durability either, as this kid runs like a a bowling ball knocking down pins at the bowling alley as his yards after contact skillsets are impressive as well. I like what I see out of the balance Matthew shows as a pass-catcher too, A running back that shows off plenty of versatility and one I would want on my radar if I was a college recruiter this cycle.

Jax Mattern Jax Mattern 5'10" | 180 lbs | QB Fargo Shanley | 2026 State ND , QB, Fargo Shanley (2026) Twitter

Jax is a quarterback prospect out of Fargo Shanley that impressed me most with his solid and growing poise he showed within the pocket especially. The tape shows Jax also has the awareness to recognize when he needs to escape and throw from the run early, which his arm strength with that went way above his measurables. He shows off a fluid and quick release that visually understands the best fit to get his receiver the best angle to get upfield which you see on a consistent basis with Jax on tape which is key. I also like the speed of his reads as his eyes do not over emphaize any of his wide receivers. The Deacons upcoming QB1 will be one to watch over the next several months out of Fargo.

Kalen Lucas Kalen Lucas 5'9" | WR Bismarck Legacy | 2025 State ND , WR, Bismarck Legacy (2025) Twitter

He might be undersized, but Bismarck Legacy wide receiver Kalen Lucas Kalen Lucas 5'9" | WR Bismarck Legacy | 2025 State ND is one of my favorite route-runners in the state. At 5’10 155 pounds, Kalen gives you all the instinctive change of directon you want out of your slot receiver and more. His seperation levels he gets on his cuts as well pop out with depth on film, as this young man shows off some smooth release points when he gets defenders off balance with their feet. Kalen is a prospect that does keep growing however each time I watch him, so hopefully he can hit another spurt but regardless this is a young man you go outside measurables threshold for.

Ray Lundstrom, LB, Beulah (2026)

There are not too many 6’3 235 pound middle linebackers in the Dakotas period, but we may have found a nice one in Beulah sophomore Ray Lundstrom. What did we learn about Ray? This young man has a heck of a motor and has such a triggering first step off the snap if you are in the backfield you will want to watch the tracks when the train comes thru. The tape is still quite light and he needs a highlight tape for sure, however the upside is 100% there for the taking. His quick and steady vision just has a knack for finding the football and I can’t wait for the recruiting world to see.