MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. — The Central Michigan football team has been hard at work this spring. The Chippewas finished practice No. 4 on Tuesday, but they are a little banged up.
There are 10 guys from West Michigan on the roster, but one of those players is a recent and flashy addition.
That would be Nolan Ziegler. The former four-star recruit just transferred to CMU from Notre Dame.
The former Grand Rapids Catholic Central star has yet to suit up for the Chippewas this spring, but head coach Jim McElwain knows he landed a special player on campus.
"Once he is back, obviously, you know, he is one of the best players," McElwain said. "He can really run. Right now, it is just a matter of trying to get him back out here and get him acclimated into the way we do things."
McElwain was the first college coach to ever offer Ziegler an offer. When he hit the transfer portal, McElwain gave him a call.
"He is a guy that we always knew about," McElwain said, "Obviously the transition for him, and being a little closer to home here. His familiarity with us I think helped."
Ziegler had stepped away from the Irish after two years in South Bend. He said after surgery he had to take some time away from the program to deal with a mental health issue.
The incoming redshirt sophomore will play on both sides of the ball for the Chippewas. He will get reps at both linebacker and wide receiver.
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