AL’s Higgins went from cross country runner to Division I cornerback | Sport

(Council Bluffs) – Dual-threat quarterback and Abraham Lincoln standout Etienne Higgins recently announced his college commitment to longtime North Dakota State fan.

“I’ve talked to a lot of colleges throughout this whole process,” Higgins told KMA Sports. “I’ve been there three times and the only thing that stands out is their fans. Their fans are crazy. They are simply loyal. They are excited about the future of the program.”

Higgins, who recently received the KMAland Jim Hughes Real Estate Athlete of the Week award, has also found a strong connection with the coaching staff.

“They were loving and hugging and really trying to make the kids the best they could be,” Higgins said. “It’s not just the players, they’re trying to raise good kids. I can succeed in life and do what I want. That was one of the things that stood out to me when making the decision.”

Higgins finished his senior season with the Lynx with 985 yards passing and 627 yards rushing while scoring 20 offensive touchdowns.

“Being a dual-threat quarterback has its benefits,” Higgins said. “They said they could use my legs. I can throw the ball and use my arm. They really like how I fit into the program and with a little time and hard work it will be a good result.”

Higgins’ story as a Division I football recruit is hardly ordinary. He actually started his high school career as a cross country runner.

“I didn’t even play football my freshman year,” he noted. “All my life I really wanted to become a footballer. I really wanted to play at the next level. I was a little kid, just watching on TV and thinking, damn, it would be so cool to do this someday. Then, my sophomore year, I thought, “Let’s do this.”

Learn more about Higgins’ decision to attend college in the audio below.