North Dakota football player grew up in Amsterdam

GRAND FORKS, N.D. (AP) - The newest addition to the University of North Dakota football team hails from the Netherlands.

Linebacker Dylan Bakker (BAWK’-ur) grew up in Amsterdam. He played at West Hills College in California and has now committed to play for UND in his two years of remaining college eligibility.

Coach Bubba Schweigert says Bakker has wanted to play NCAA Division I football since he was 12 and made a lot of sacrifices to get to the U.S. to get the opportunity.

Bakker had 123 tackles and six sacks in his two seasons at West Hills.

Bakker participated in the International Federation of American Football development program and played for the IFAF World Team in the 2013 International Bowl. He also played for the Dutch Lions, the national team of the Netherlands.