Zach Vander Griend (West Point, Neb.) has signed a letter of intent to continue his football career at Northwestern College in the fall.

Vander Griend is a 6'0", 205-pound linebacker who played four years for the West Point-Beemer High School football team. Vander Griend accumulated 47 total tackles, 5.5 for a loss, in leading his team to the playoffs with a 6-4 record. He earned all-state honors and finished his career as a two-time all-district selection. Vander Griend amassed over 100 tackles in his career and is an academic all-state pick. He plans to study Exercise Science at Northwestern and is the son of Harlyn and Terri.

"Zach is an excellent addition to our Red Raider football program," said Northwestern Head Coach Matt McCarty. "He is a strong, physical linebacker who is always making plays and is around the football. We welcome Zach and look forward to watching him play over the next four years."