Kaping signs with Trinity International University

Nate Kaping recently signed an official letter of intent to play football for Trinity International University in Deerfield, Illinois, just outside of Chicago.

Nate has played football since he was in fourth grade and really never thought he'd play football beyond high school.

Kaping played football for the Outlaws the past four years on both offense and defense. On offense, Nate has played at running back, fullback, tight end and wide receiver, and on defense he's played outside linebacker, middle linebacker and defensive end. This past year Nate's main duties were fullback and outside linebacker.

Kaping told The Nugget that while playing for Sisters he was taught to never give up, and he was pushed to be better even when times were rough.

At the beginning of football season, Nate knew he wanted to keep playing football.

"I love the sport a lot," said Kaping. "It's been my passion for the last 10 years, and I'm just not ready to quit."

Midway through the season, Kaping received an email from Trinity stating they were interested. Nate sent them the requested highlight video and his weightroom stats.

At the same time, Kaping was also in contact with Greenville College in Greenville, Indiana, Anderson University in Anderson, Indiana, and George Fox University in Newberg, all of whom were showing an interest.

In November of 2013, Kaping visited both the Trinity and Anderson campuses and met with their head football coaches. In the end, Nate had his sights set on Trinity.

"I met with Kirk Wherritt (head football coach) and I really liked him," said Kaping. "He talked to me about my life and beliefs first - and not just football - and I really liked that. I also really liked the atmosphere of the school. Everyone was so nice and accepting. I knew right then that was where I wanted to go."

Kaping will head to Illinois August 5, and begin his first year as a Trojan, with new colors of blue and white.

"I'm not sure if I will be on special teams or maybe beat out the guys ahead of me at running back," said Kaping. "It could be one or the other or maybe both."

Nate plans to pursue a degree in pre-med and biology, and knows it will be a heavy load filled with challenge.

"I'm really excited and nervous at the same time," said Kaping. "I really don't know what to expect at school or on the football field. It's going to be a whole new level athletically and academically."

Kaping expressed his thanks to his dad, Jerry, and his coach, Jeff Sampson.

"My dad has been such a huge support, and I really want to thank him for that," said Nate. "I also want to thank Jeff, who was my running back and linebacker coach. He taught me a lot about football and who I really am as a person."